Mike Wynne, Founder

Mike has been trekking and travelling around the planet for almost as long as he can remember. Often dubbed "Mr.Morocco", as Mike is one of the UK's leading authorities on all matters trekking related to Morocco, he's been to this amazing north Africa country so many times he could be part Berber. Although it's 13 years since Mike founded Walks Worldwide, Mike is as passionate about trekking and travel as ever and even now still gets "out there" to lead a group, or research something new. In fact Mike will be leading our brand new and very special "Raiders of the Lost Kasbah" trek in Morocco in October 2010. A dedicated family man, keen runner, cyclist, skier and most things active, Mike thinks nothing of whipping up to the top of one of the three peaks here after work for a bit of "r&r". Mike has pioneered many of our treks including our popular "Bedouin Trails to Petra". It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it!

Mike has also keenly developed our Family and Schools Expedition business, now split into Families Worldwide and Schools Worldwide, and as a traveller, father and an ex-teacher is well qualified to do it! Despite family and office commitments he still dons his boots every so often with a group in tow to 'keep his hand in'.

Mark Knowles - Product Development and Octopus

Mark has worked in the Adventure Travel Industry since he used to have hair. Although he could have been a model for 'Jelly Babies', Mark has still managed to personally research "in the field" a great many of our walking holidays throughout the entire Himalayan countries, the Carpathians, East Africa, the High Atlas , Europe and S.E.Asia. When not travelling to the world's great mountain ranges, Mark is busy creating our brochure and trip dossiers, or conjuring up new ideas. In the pipeline for 2011 is a brand new "reccy" trek with Mark to Armenia. At other times he can usually be found tramping the Lakeland fells around his home with his dog Moose or at Old Trafford supporting his beloved Manchester United.

Karen McNamara - Walks Worldwide Accounts

Karen has a wealth of accounts experience having worked for some large and small companies handling there accounts and administrive duties for many years. Although it is a new challenge having to deal with the many varying invoices received from our worldwide suppliers that we have,

After visiting the Yorkshire dales for some years Karen has now made it her home. Karen enjoys walking, climbing and travelling when she can, and has visited many foreign destinations, including America, Africa and many European countries and is still happy to explore new destinations, but enjoys nothing more after a day in the office than being out on the peaks with her dog.

Derek Whittaker - Flights and Ticketing Executive

Derek has worked in the travel industry since 1991 in a variety of roles including tour operations, business travel and airline operations after graduating from Durham New College. Derek specialises in the complexities of air travel and the illogical world of airline fares, seats pitches and airline procedures after working for one of the largest American carriers in Los Angeles and gaining first hand front line knowledge as a cabin crew member for a leading UK carrier.

Derek loves to travel and has visited Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and cities throughout the US as well as numerous European destinations aided by the march of low cost carriers. Derek is also a keen diver when the opportunity arises but prefers the warmer waters far ashore than those of the colder waters of the Lake District!