Meet The Team

Elliot

Getting back home to my roots. These mountains are where it all started for me, so coming back after 4 years skiing / living in Austria and Sweden feels great to be home on familiar soil and hearing some proper northern accents.

Expertise: Road biking, Skiing, Mountaineering.

Favourite Kit: Anything Merino.

Sheila

The engine behind The Epicentre! Sheila is tucked away in the office keeping our website, stock and deliveries in check. Often spotted underneath a mountain of paperwork.

Favourite Spot: The Apple Pie Bakery

Top Tip: Never underestimate the power of a spreadsheet!

Andy

Having left the Army Air Corps, Andy completed a BSc. Outdoor Leadership at the University of Cumbria and a PGCE (Primary) at the University of Gloucester. The decision was later made that more time had to be spent in the mountains than in a classroom. Andy now shares his time between managing our Store and Fell Running with his Collie Ben. 

Expertise: Running, Mountain biking, and Cold Water 'Dipping'.

Favourite Spot: Duddon Valley.

Favourite Kit: Arcteryx Nuclei FL.

Sophie 

Been running, riding and climbing for over 30years

Sophie completed years of training and work as a graphic designer. Sophie's love of outdoor adventure has led her to take part in mountain biking, climbing, canyon guiding in the blue mountains of Australia. After owning and running a bike shop for a number of years Sophie finally made her dream real and moved to the Lake District where she has come to heal herself.

Expertise: Cycling, Running & Fell Walking

Favourite Spot: Wasdale

Favourite Kit: Arc’teryx Atom LT Vest

Paul

After moving to the Lakes from the Peak District I can often be found running and climbing the fells with my camera in hand, also partial to chatting about kit new and old.  

Expertise: Fell running, Mountaineering

Favourite Kit: Early 2000s Arc'teryx Anabatic Pullover.

Joe 

After moving to the Lakes from Sheffield for his degree Joe has now made it home. A keen mountaineer and climber, you’ll find him in his spare time climbing and hiking in the fells or enjoying one of the many swim spots around the Lakes. A kit and coffee enthusiast, he’s always happy to advise and share his knowledge. 

Expertise: Mountaineering, Climbing, Wild swimming.

Favourite Kit: Aerobie AeroPress.

Erika

Erika came from Slovakia to learn English. She fell in love with the lakes and forgot to leave. If she isn't jumping off things into a water, she can be found breathing heavily trying to get up some hill or another. 

Favourite Spot: Wast water

 

Josie 

Following many trips with family and her Sea Scout troop to the lake district, Josie relocated to Ambleside for university and now calls the Lake District home. A social adventurer, Josie enjoys sharing outdoor adventures. From wild camps and multi-mountain hikes to road cycling and paddle sports. As the days get longer, she can be found enjoying the sunsets from a paddleboard in the middle of the lake.

Favourite Kit: Patagonia Nano Puff Bivy Pullover

Favourite Place: Loughrigg Tarn

Daniella 

From Bedford I moved up to the Lake District to finish off my university degree at the University of Cumbria. You can find me taking part in rowing, all paddle sports, climbing and wild camping.

Favourite Kit: Arc’teryx Beta AR.

Favourite Spot: Rydal caves.

 

Christy 

Growing up in Hereford, people of the north have mocked me for being a southern softy. Considering I grew up with four brothers in a very outdoorsy family I beg to differ! Regular trips to North Wales and the Brecon Beacons secured my love for the mountains and the outdoors in general from a very young age. Now having settled quickly into the Lake District community after starting university, I can’t wait to explore more over the next three (and more) years!

Expertise: Mountaineering, Cooking (and eating…), multi-day wild camps.

Favourite Spot: Llanberis Pass.

Top quote: “after having put my shoes on and letting my thoughts wander, I am sure of one thing- to put one foot in front of the other is one of the most important things we can do” Erling Kagge.

Anna 

I only recently discovered the Lakes, but now I’m up here I think it’s safe to say I won’t be leaving any time soon. Being from the Forest of Dean I’ve grown up in the outdoors and having a Dutch mountaineering Dad (strange combo I know!), really set me up for an active life in the outdoors. Being at Uni in the Lakes has definitely reinforced this!

Favourite kit: MSR Elixir 3.

Favourite Spot: Red Tarn.

Hazel 

I have a keen interest in Trail & Ultra running and over the years have participated in several Lakeland Trail & Ultra races, also in Scotland & Chamonix. When I’m not on the fells you will find me practising yoga or relaxing on my paddle board with Jack my Cocker Spaniel companion

Favourite Spot: Buttermere.

Favourite Kit: Anything Arc’teryx and for Jack, anything Ruffwear.

Rob 

Born and raised in the Lakes Rob spent his childhood being dragged around on walks. Nowadays he tends to do them for fun instead. If he's not at the top of a mountain he's probably sat somewhere enjoying an ale. A self confessed gear geek and foodie, he always up for advising on good kit or great places to eat.

Favourite Spot: Halls Fell Ridge

Favourite Kit: Paramo Parameter S Mountain Shirt

Luc 

Moving from France to the Lakes in 2015, I quickly became fond of fell runnning and bike packing. Since then, I have taken part in a number of ultra running and cycling events, including 'Old County Tops' and 'Dales Divide'. Despite talking part in these events, my heart lies in slow travel and spontaneous planning in hope of discovering an areas hidden gems. 

Favourite Spot: Arnside Knott

Favourite Kit: Patagonia Insulated Midweight Fjord Flannel Shirt.

Fiona

After five years of living in a tent whilst working in Jura, Swiss and French Alps, Causses Cevennes and the Pyrenees, it was time to return to the Lakes, live in an actual house and embrace a new love of slow adventures. My previous travels and adventures have taken me to some of the most remote and highest places across the planet, working with, and for charities and protection societies. However, the best days are the spontaneous ones starting from your front door, which the stunning Lake District accommodates perfectly. 

Favourite Spot: Eigergletscher: Munch, Jungfrau and Eiger trail. Haystacks round and Buttermere.

Favourite Kit: Scarpa Ribelle HD Boots

Luke

After studying and working amongst the bustle of city life, the charm of the Lakes (and fondness of the hills) has drawn me up north. Inspired by a trudge up the Old Man of Coniston a few years back, every spare penny since, has been spent on outdoor gear (and trips to use such equipment). All mountain sports excite me, but particular favourites include: climbinbg, through-hiking and skiing.

 

Favourite Spot: Glencoe/Fontainebleau

Favourite Kit: Arc'teryx Beta SL/ Hoka Speedgoat 5