Russell Chapman
Regional Qualification(s):
South West
Language(s):
English
Phone Number(s):
07934 882523
Contact guide
Introduction:
Hi all! I have lived on Dartmoor in Devon for almost 30 years and previous to that in Cornwall. I am a smallholder who is entertained daily by 8 sheep and 10 chickens and looking from my window as I write this, I can see a Bronze Age burial chamber (a cist), a badger sett and, between April and July, I hear the cuckoo calling.
Prior to guiding, I was a teacher and had the privilege of leading large groups abroad. Now I guide small groups and individuals, as well as walking holidays and groups coming out of London to see the highlights of South West England. For many clients, the trips they undertake with me are bespoke: Your trip, your choice.
When I am not guiding, I will often be pursuing my challenge of walking 630 miles of the South West Coastal Path or singing with Loveny Male Voice Choir. Both of these pastimes have considerable spin offs for my tour guiding.
My goal as a tourist guide is to make you smile and try to entertain. I am exceptionally proud of the South West of England and occasionally like to express our heritage through short bursts of song to illustrate a story.
Personal Interests:
| The Bronze Age Antiquities: Stone Circles, hut circles, menhirs and stone rows that abound both Dartmoor and West Cornwall |
| Industrial Heritage: Our UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are spread between West Devon and Lands End (Cornish Engine Houses abound. |
| Music: Folk and Male Voice Choir |
| Coastal Path Walking; Nature and Geology |
| Cathedrals and Churches |
| Dartmoor Hillwalking; Nature and Geology |
Special Interests:
| Walking Tours | A walking tour never need to be one dimensional. Simply see this as an opportunity to keep active, as well as become informed and entertained. |
| Agriculture | Living in the middle of an upland National Park (Dartmoor), a large number of my immediate neighbours are farmers - my respect for the calendar and challenges of this industry is considerable. Spend some time with a farmer and his wife? I would hope that you would find my perspective insightful. |
| Regional Tours | Once you have done London, why not consider meeting me at Bath or Wells. Make your way through the cider country to the moorlands and fishing ports of the far west. Consider letting the train take the strain for your trip back up country. |
| Music | Music could be the anchor for a spiritual journey through the South West: A day at a music festival or evensong at one of the Cathedrals, find out where the Male Voice choirs are practising or singing on the quay. How about something high brow (or light hearted), an open air concert or among the rocks of the Minack Theatre. Mix these experiences with a consideration of West Country literature or other dimensions of our culture. |
| Industrial Heritage | From West Devon to Lands End the industrial heritage of Mining and Fishing oozes out of the land and sea. No wonder UNESCO have given World Heritage Site status to the West Devon and Cornwall Mining Industry. Come and see the iconic engine houses and quaint fishing ports for yourselves. Discover the history of the pilchard fishing industry, hear the mining heritage through song and comprehend the enormous Smuggling industry. |
| Other | Bachelor of Education (Honours) |
Driver Guide:
No
