Neil Kedward
I have always been an adventurer at heart. My father always encouraging me to go and see the world. Our family holidays were invariably in these isles so I have fond memories of our time by the seaside in Bournemouth and Cornwall or staying on farms in the Wye valley. My first international adventure was as a seventeen year old in Canada with my inspiring older cousin who innately understands the idea of creating magical experiences. It was this trip that gifted me the travel bug and so my backpacking days began focusing on the less trodden parts of Central America, South East Asia and Africa.
As I have moved through my professional career, my appreciation of what these extraordinary small isles have to offer has grown. I feel blessed to have explored throughout these lands, bagged many Munros, discovered pristine deserted beaches, wonderful hideaways and being continually enlightened by the stories and rich history that make the experience of travelling here so special. My passion for adventure, great food and warm hospitality means that that I love giving clients the little insights that I know will make their journey an exceptional one. In my spare time you will find me walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal path with my wife and my mischievous labradoodle.
Zoe Kedward
As a Forces child, I enjoyed the variety of living across the British Isles including Scotland, Norfolk, and Dorset. I went to university in Exeter, Devon, and then moved east to Sussex for my first job in travel and leisure with American Express where I was lucky enough to work both in Paris and London . I come from a family of explorers, so have had over the years every opportunity to hike the hills, forests, and villages, explore beautiful gardens, ancient castles, and splendid mansions. I love discovering the secrets and history of a place, finding out how and why it’s changed.
Although I have lived in Scotland, England and now beautiful Wales, my origins are from Ireland. All my family live there, and my earliest holiday memories were formed travelling the Emerald Isle with my father tracing his ancestors. I fondly recollect days spent on the empty beaches west of Galway and travelling the length of misty Lough Corrib sprinkled with old stone cottages in low walled fields. The evocative smell of peat fires will always transport me back there. It’s probably why I feel so at home in Wales, where the landscapes mirrors and echo those earliest memories. Even the Bara Brith competes with Irish tea brack.
Alex Rawson
It may sound cliché to say that I grew up travelling; but moving from England to Hong Kong at the age of nine, that’s precisely what I did. My feet barely seemed to touch the ground: whether we were spending our vacations exploring the tropical paradises of South East Asia, speeding down the slopes of Whistler, or searching the African bush for the elusive Big 5, I was forever embracing new cultures and communities. In Hong Kong itself I thrived in a barrage of different sights, smells & sounds, with my classrooms resembling something along the lines of a United Nations assembly. I will forever count myself as incredibly lucky to have grown up in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world.
These seminal experiences inevitably drew me into a career in tourism, and after reading Geography & Tourism Management back home in the UK, I have spent the past decade of my life continuing to explore far flung corners of the globe. In search of authentic experiences, I have worked on a game reserve in South Africa, collected data on whale sharks in Mozambique & managed a water sports centre in both Honduras & Fiji. Despite all these exotic enterprises, I yearned once more for the beautiful British countryside. This coupled with my unwillingness to compromise on being close to the ocean led me back to the beautiful Pembrokeshire, and to find a home at Routescape. I truly believe nowhere quite compares to the UK in its rich history, culture, natural beauty & thoughtfully prepared local cuisine. This is something I love to share with our clients when helping to curate their dream trip.
Emily Sanders
Having grown up in South Wales I spread my wings from an early age travelling around Europe on family holidays. Early childhood memories include having a delicious picnic of French bread and pate outside historic French Chateaux’s or sketching beautiful countryside as part of an A Level art project. After university when I was given the opportunity to work in the sports travel industry I jumped at the chance. Watching the sky burst with colour on New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour on a yacht as part of an Ashes cricket trip, or to wander around Tokyo walking past geisha girls and sumo wrestlers amongst the backdrop of ornate Japanese temples whilst on a Rugby World Cup tour are definitely career highlights.
I have also worked alongside The Scout Association where I arranged travel for 5,000 Scouts to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Japan and in the US. I have also arranged bespoke trips for Scouts. I love their passion to be immersed in culture, adventure and local communities and I have been lucky enough to explore the rugged countryside, waterfalls and glaciers of Iceland under the glow of the Northern lights and experience the great migration of the wildebeest in the Masai Mara in Kenya whilst on safari whilst traveling with Scout groups. When not travelling for work I love to explore destinations that radiate diverse culture. Watching the sunrise at the Treasury at Petra, Jordan, with the sun highlighting the carvings in vibrant red, white, pink, and sandstone cliff faces made me feel like a true adventurer!
After working in the travel industry for over 16 years I am now excited to have joined the Routescape team. During the recent pandemic, whilst not being able to travel it reignited my passion to explore local destinations. Having moved to Pembrokeshire for work, the idyllic coastal scenes has also reignited the desire to sketch and paint – so wherever I now go I will be packing my trusty sketchbook. We have so much beauty and history on our doorstep here in the UK and I can’t wait to showcase it to our clients. Whether you are interested in history, art and culture, food and drink or walking and nature – we have an incredible itinerary for you!
Owen Davies
Growing up in the West Country of England and having lived in Bristol, Liverpool, London and now on the rugged Welsh coastline in Pembrokeshire I know first-hand the diversity of life, history and landscapes we have in the British Isles. All my childhood holidays were in Britain and Northern France. Some of my favourite memories from these trips were exploring the Jurassic Coast for fossils at Lyme Regis, the beaches of Devon and Cornwall, learning about Viking history in the old capital of the Danelaw at York, the mysterious standing stones of Carnac in Brittany and eating the freshest Oysters and Mussels in Northern France – something I still love to do today.
I am an archaeology graduate who spent much of the last 15 years exploring the hidden treasures of South East Asia, Latin America and Europe. I have followed my passion to by working in the travel industry helping people plan their perfect trips filled with insightful experiences and off the beaten track destinations. It is hugely satisfying to work with people to create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime, and to be able to share the history, culture, food and landscapes that we have in our little corner of the world.
Here at Routescape we create exceptional journeys across Great Britain, Ireland and France. Every trip we make is unique to you and your interests. We deliver authentic luxury travel experiences to really connect you to the places you visit. I look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.
Megan Lloyd
Travel truly opens our eyes to so much. To me, it is one of the most important experiences a person can have. From learning about different cultures, seeing incredible sights and meeting new people to trying delicious local foods. I have been incredibly lucky to have travelled from an early age and experience all of these things which has definitely sparked a long lasting travel bug within.
Despite having explored incredible parts of Europe and afar, the one part of the world that has truly captured my heart is closer to home, the wonderful UK. I always tend to have my walking boots on and my camera in hand, making our National Parks one of my favourite areas to explore especially the breathtaking Lake District. Or wandering around romantic English villages in the Cotswolds after enjoying an British afternoon tea. Being able to call Pembrokeshire home means I am able to spend most of my time adventuring along the glorious coastal path or hiking rugged mountains in the Brecon Beacons and North Wales, while trying delicious hearty meals along the way.
Having this passion for travel and wanting to share my experiences, I knew that a career within the travel industry was a step in the right direction for myself. I want to share my knowledge of this amazing part of the world and create great tailor made trips for my clients to give them a trip of a lifetime, that will leave lasting memories long after they return home.
Eleanor Whitticombe
One of my fondest travel memories as a child was a holiday to Cornwall, and in particular the incredible seafood restaurants we dined at, which really made the overall holiday one I will never forget. These first travel experiences undoubtedly shaped my future and led me to pursue a career within this industry that I have so much enthusiasm for. I went on to study International Tourism Management at the University of Plymouth in beautiful Devon. I loved my time studying and living in the southwest of England and it still holds a special place in my heart. Its history-enriched coastline and characterful harbour villages are a must see on any trip to the UK.
Following my degree, I spent a year in Canada working in the mountains, skiing in the Winter and hiking in the Summer. I also packed in a three-week road trip across nine states of the USA, exploring numerous cities and national parks. On my return to the UK, I settled within the picturesque Cotswold’s where I worked for a specialist travel company, creating bespoke luxury ski holidays across the Alps, USA and Canada from a hand-picked portfolio of five-star hotels and high-end chalets. My work took me to some of the most luxurious hotels and best restaurants in the world, which in turn has made me truly appreciate quality accommodation, genuine service and good food. This for me is the difference in making a holiday an unforgettable, exceptional one.
The draw of the coast and home, Pembrokeshire, became too much and I am so grateful to be back in this beautiful part of Wales and to be part of Routescape. With two children in tow, I find myself going on more adventures closer to home and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you whilst helping put together your exciting, memorable trip.
Rachel Long
Although I have always lived in beautiful Wales, I am passionate about travel. As a child I spent family holidays in Britain, touring the west coast of Scotland and the south coast of England, walking in the Lake District, and visiting Pembrokeshire where I chose to settle after graduating. You will probably find me walking, cycling or sea kayaking in my free time. I have worked in education for over 28 years, as a teacher and then school leader. I feel fortunate, with my husband, to have brought up our two children, in Pembrokeshire, where access to such a fantastic area has been on our doorstep. Looking back, competing in the Blenheim Palace Triathlons, cycling from London to Paris and studying howler monkeys in Argentina have been enriching experiences.
I think it is fair to say I have the travel bug, and if I can help you satisfy yours, I’ll be even happier. For me, it’s not only about seeing the next fantastic view but also about embracing new cultures and communities along the way. There is always something to take away. Travel has the knack of taking us out of our normal lives and thoughts and opening our minds to new possibilities.
I’ve travelled extensively in Europe, there’s an amazing variety of landscapes, people, and history and a million and one ways to experience them. My journeys have expanded from my first tentative forays to France, to working in Spain. Whether it’s been skiing in Norway or Italy, travelling through Turkey by bus, or cycling the Mountains of Northern Spain there has always been pleasure in experiences shared and something new learned.
When I return from my travels, I’ve learned to treasure the memories I’ve created – they are what endures during the wait for my next trip. Looking for authentic experiences, and identifying opportunities, in memorable locations drives my passion. Whatever your interest I will tailor your adventure to make it memorable and longing for the next journey.
Donna Jenkins
I have always loved the great outdoors. As a farmer’s daughter, the land, sea, clifftops and close-knit communities of Pembrokeshire that were ever-present in my childhood crafted my appetite for authentic adventures in nature. I fled the windswept nest of ‘little England beyond Wales’ to study languages in the architecturally charming city of Bath. In this iconic World Heritage Site, I explored the quintessentially English cobbled streets, meandering waterways and delicious eateries. The next decade was a warm embrace of cultural and linguistic immersion. I studied History of Art in Italy, taught English in rural villages in Argentina and Mexico, road-tripped through Paraguay and Brazil, and island hopped around Scandinavian archipelagos. Always attracted to the less-trodden paths, I find that this is where culture, history and authentic recipes come alive and lifelong memories are made.
Since firmly rooting myself back in the UK, I have fallen in love all over again with the impressive variety that these small isles have to offer. Our cities are iconic; brimming with history, excellent food, character and charm and our landscapes are rolling, dramatic and wild, changing with every season. I have spent the last decade as a Spanish and Italian teacher in the home counties inspiring students to challenge themselves and travel the world. I accompanied numerous school trips to Europe, supported students conquering the Three Peaks Challenge and encouraged young adults through a wild hike and camping adventure in the Zambezi gorge. I loved the hybrid of attractions that bustling London and the restorative countryside had to offer but when the opportunity arose to move my young family back to West Wales I couldn’t resist.
Now, working for Routescape, I inspire and support clients to travel this little corner of the world which I know best, the UK. I take great pride in tailor making trips that showcase the very best of Britain, trips that spark a true interest and create lasting memories.
Nicholas Howells
I’ve been privileged to grow up in beautiful west Wales with the coastline of Pembrokeshire only a stone’s throw from the front door of my family home. Holidays to France and Spain as a child sparked an early interest in travel for me and I can still remember the feeling of driving around the countryside of Western France with my parents and exploring the hidden coves of the Balearic Islands with their crystal-clear waters.
As a teenager I was keen to jump at every opportunity to take on new adventures. Travelling to Ireland for hiking expeditions in Killarney national park as well as Sea kayaking expeditions around the Pembrokeshire coast and the River Teifi with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, picking up a Saturday job in a local café to help fund multiple skiing trips to Austria with school friends also.
As a student I enrolled as a cadet in the Wales Universities Officer Training Core (WUOTC) through which I had some unique opportunities to travel the UK and further afield with Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, from building bison enclosures in the backdrop of the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland to skydiving over the Spanish city of Seville.
After university I decided to fully throw myself in to a new adventure and arranged a solo backpacking trip around South East Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. My favourite memories of which include wandering around the amazing street food markets of Thailand, eating fresh watermelon on board wooden longboats after diving with sea turtles on the tropical reefs of the Gili Islands and an incredible helicopter flight and ice hike of the Franz Joseph glacier in New Zealand. This trip was inspiring in so many ways and I’ve no doubt has shaped the way I look at travel now.
Since then, I have been constantly on the move having planned a month long road trip throughout Europe with my Brother in a kind of pilgrimage for his vintage Volkswagen truck as well as travelling the length of Japan following both the Welsh and Irish rugby teams throughout their campaigns at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, combining two of my biggest passions in life: Rugby and Travel.
In recent years, with the unexpected arrival of a global pandemic and international travel grinding to a halt, I have rediscovered the unique and amazing locations these isles have to offer and with a sense of ‘hiraeth’ – I am reminded of the beauty of this place I’m blessed to call home.
Kim Cohen
Travelling and exploring has played an important role in my life from a young age; with many weekends spent walking the beautiful stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where I grew up with my parents and older sister. I didn’t realise how lucky I was to be surrounded by such natural beauty until I was older, ironically when I moved away to pursue a career as a professional Dancer on cruise ships. This profession took me all over the world and I visited many wonderful places from the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic cities, Mediterranean coastal ports, to the surfing paradises of Australia and South Africa. Highlights that stood out to me were sailing up the west coast of Norway through the majestic Norwegian Fjords, marvelling at the crystal white snow-capped mountains and emerald-green waters. I loved exploring the Baltic capital cities such as walking along the cobbled streets in the medieval town of Tallinn, Estonia, and eating local gelato in the cosmopolitan city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of my best summers were spent on beaches in Mykonos, Greece, and eating tapas next to luxurious yachts docked in Ajaccio, Corsica. However, this yearning to be back home and be near my favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire took over and I have now returned to raise my family there, offering my son the same experiences that I had growing up.
Not only do I love the breath-taking coastal scenery that Wales has to offer, but my other interests in art and literature attract me to the great English cities that I have visited. When training at dance school in Bristol, I would often take day trips to the nearby historical city of Bath, where friends and I would admire the architecture built from the beautiful Bath stonework. During my twenties, I then went on to base myself in London, where I spent many hours wandering around the famous landmarks including Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Knowing that they were recorded in texts and famous world-over was very inspiring to me and I felt very privileged to become familiarised with these great cities.
The UK has so much to offer for everyone and I am thrilled to be a part of Routescape to share what I know and love of this small yet varied island I call home with you.”
Kate Marsden
I have been fortunate enough to have grown up in beautiful Pembrokeshire; a place that I will always call home.
I studied both an Undergraduate and Masters degree in Music in Cardiff, a city that will always have a place in my heart. Upon graduating I stayed in Cardiff and worked in the Music, Film & TV industries but my love for Pembrokeshire and wanting to be closer to family drew me back to beautiful West Wales. I well and truly loved my time living and working in Cardiff; it’s an amazing, bustling city filled with a buzzing indie food scene, beautiful parks, cultural shows and live sporting and music events. Being a real foodie, Cardiff was a great place to be. The food scene is incredible; from cosy cafes, nestled among the beautiful arcades to the vast array of restaurants offering practically every cuisine under the sun – there is something for everyone. Despite my love for the Welsh Capital, I am so happy to now find myself back in Pembrokeshire. We are so spoilt with all that West Wales has to offer; the varied and dramatic coastlines, beautiful golden beaches, and of course, the amazing places to eat and drink.
I fell in love with travelling at an early age through many family holidays and these experiences defined me and inspired me to have adventures of my own. Watching the sunrise on top of a volcano in Bali, skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, interrailing across Europe, volunteering in Sri Lanka, road-tripping around New Zealand and travelling Asia and Australia are some incredible experiences that I have learnt so much from. There is so much to take away from travel – learning about diverse cultures, trying local delicacies, meeting new people, exploring beautiful sights, all whilst creating long lasting memories. I’ve realised how important it is to have a good itinerary at hand and I thrive on planning varied and exciting trips. I am always wanting to travel and to see more of the world; I love an adventure and exploring new places, and despite all the travelling I have done so far, it is safe to say that I won’t be losing the travel bug any time soon!
I’m genuinely so excited to start a career in the travel industry. My passion for travel, food and creating memories makes this a perfect role for me. I can’t wait to help create tailor-made trips and adventures that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
