North Wales Active Staff

Jamie Williams - Director

I’ve been climbing for at least 20 years, but my first job was looking after the climbing wall in Llanrwst Leisure Centre when I was 16. Soon after that I joined the army and was given the opportunity to gain my climbing and walking qualifications. I was soon taking soldiers climbing, mountain walking and mountain biking in Kenya and in my own backyard (Snowdonia). I worked and trained three different armed forces in outdoor activities and development.

After leaving the army I started a job with an outdoor centre whilst freelance instructing for other companies. I have also climbed and instructed in Africa, France and the United Arab Emirates.

I then decided a few years ago (2008) to start North Wales Active and offer tailored courses.

I hold Summer Mountain Leader, climbing instructor, kayak & canoe instructor, mountain bike instructor, gorge walking & coasteering instructor, personal trainer, nutritionist, first aid and mountain instructor trained. 20 years of climbing experience and over 10 years instructing.

Thanks Roy for getting me hooked on climbing.

Vaughan Jones - Manager

I'm from New Zealand and have travel through out the world exploring and enjoying everything there is to find. I have lived in North Wales for over 3 years now and know the area like a local. I have been instructing and working in the outdoors for nearly 10 years, it is my passion and the way I love to live.

Jamie says "I have climbed alot with Vaughan since knowing him a few years ago, he is a safe and patient instructor to have working with North Wales Active"

S.P.A (Climbing instructor)

M.L. (Mountain leader)

First Aid Qualified

Kayak instructor

Catherine Miles - Admin & Instructor

Growing up in Sheffield I was exposed to the neighboring Peak District and its wonderful grit stone from a very young age. Now, having lived in North Wales for the past 5 years (moving here for the mountains and the sea) my love of the outdoors has extended to mountain biking, mountain walking and kayaking. I am currently undertaking my MSc in Social Psychology carrying out research into the positive effect being in the outdoors can have on mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. I have experience in single pitch and multi pitch climbing and regularly work on gorge walking and coasteering sessions for North Wales Active during the summer months.
Climbing Instructor
First aid
Gorge walking
Coasteering 

Lawrie Brand

Lawrie's first real experience of the outdoors came at the early age of 7, when he climbed his first Munro, trailing behind a supportive family. This early experience fostered a deep appreciation for the outdoors and he continues to explore as much as possible.
A keen summer and winter climber, he has climbed in Arctic Sweden to the sandstone towers of Wadi Rum, Jordan, with various trips to the Alps, Spain, France and Norway. Currently based between Scotland, Wales and the United Arab Emirates, he most enjoys exploring the highlands of Scotland, especially the remote Outer Hebridean sea cliffs or getting lost in the moment on winter routes in the Cairngorms or on Ben Nevis.
Also a qualified Ski Instructor, he has worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, giving many people their first experience of snow.
He holds the Summer Mountain Leader Award, Single Pitch Award, Mountain Instructor Award Training and the Winter Mountain Leader Award Training, as well as the Basi Ski Instructor Level 2 Award.

Jamie says "I have also worked with Lawrie in the U.A.E and find him to be a good safe keen instructor"

Jodie Beatty

I am passionately interested in many aspects of outdoor recreation, especially rock climbing, running and mountaineering. I also love camping and bivouacing in wild places and enjoy mountain biking.

I love sharing my passion for the outdoor environment with others, hence for the last 6 summer seasons ive been working in Italy for a personal development company for young people, as a motivational presenter and abseil guide.

Over the last 3 years I have gained my Single Pitch and Mountain Leader Award, as well as a Wilderness First Aid qualification to enable me to continue to share my love of the outdoors, and extend my outdoor instructing career.

I have traveled throughout the World, rock climbing in Morocco, Spain, France, USA and Italy, and have developed a love of our cultural place within the Nature. I have just returned from 6 months traveling in New Zealand, having had some amazing experiences in the incredible landscapes the country has to offer.

Sam Corcoron

Sam and i have worked in the United Arab Emirates together training the military and public in outdoor activities and development. We have regularly climbed and worked together since. He is a keen climber and good instructor to have working for North Wales Active.

Mountain Leader

Single pitch award

Sea kayaker

First aid