A university lecturer is enjoying a new parallel career introducing walkers from all backgrounds to the fells of Cumbria.
Matt Ryder was born and bred in Barrow and after beginning as an electrical apprentice at Glaxo in UIverston worked in IT before training to become a teacher and progressing from secondary school to further education and now lecturing in higher education.
Football was once a major part of his life both as a spectator and commentator on Barrow matches for BBC Radio Cumbria.
However the lure of the hills was too much and football pitches gave way to fell walking and then mountaineering.
In 2021 he travelled to the Himalayas and Everest base camp before training to become a mountain leader. Experience in Scotland, Wales and his beloved Lake District set him off on a course to set up his own walking group.
When interest in his own adventures grew, with the support of his wife, the couple set up their own company.
Alongside busy day jobs (Matt’s wife is a nurse and works with Matt at the University of Cumbria’s new Barrow campus where he’s a principal lecturer in engineering, computing and advanced manufacturing) as well as spending time as a father to three daughters, the pair opened Lakes & Mountains with Matt Ltd.
“We believe that hiking is about more than just physical exercise – it’s a pathway to healing, confidence and connection,” Matt said. ”Since founding the company we have worked tirelessly to make the stunning Lake District more accessible for underrepresented groups, especially refugees and asylum seekers.”
Through carefully curated walks in collaboration local support groups Matt and a team of freelance leaders help participants challenge stereotypes, build confidence and develop a deep sense of belonging in the outdoors.
“Hiking has historically been seen as an elitist, exclusive activity,” Matt said. “Through our efforts, we are challenging that perception by encouraging everyone to experience the mental and physical benefits of the outdoors.”
He’s particularly proud of work with Furness Multicultural Forum, a charity working in Barrow encouraging young people and all communities, to coax people from all walks of life into the great outdoors.
“I’m really keen to help widen participation in walking, particularly among refugees and asylum seekers,” Matt said. “There are negative stereotypes and it’s great to be able to help people engage with nature and their new community.
“We’ve already seen participants go on to engage with other local community initiatives, as they build lasting relationships and become more integrated in our society.”
Other charities including Growing Well have made use of Matt’s mountaineering skills. Last year over 1,000 people took part in his walks and this year numbers are similar as people learn to love the lakes, ‘one mountain at a time.’
