Hi, my name is Richard Gooding and I am both a Moorland Guide and a Dartmoor National Park Guide. I now live in Plymouth with my wife and two children. My wife and daughter have their own businesses and my son is working with the HM Coastguard Agency. I spent 32 years in the Royal Navy as an engineer and then as a project manager with Babcock. Ever since I was a boy my parents used to take me onto the moor and I have always liked to walk and explore. During my time in the forces we were encouraged to get out and compete in Adventure Training to keep us fit and work as a team. As we travelled the world I wanted to visit more remote areas and take like-minded ships’ personnel to experience life away from the vessel. To do this I qualified as a mountain leader (Joint Service Expedition Leader (MLT)) which enabled me to plan my own expeditions and excursions. I completed and attained the Mountain Bike Instructor and Assessor award for wild country terrain to give people who had never tried mountain biking the ability to attain a level where they would feel competent on a bike over rough ground.
Since retiring I have enjoyed spending time walking, camping and biking on the moor and decided to use these skills in joining the Dartmoor National Park and Moorland Guides. I love taking people out and being able to show just how interesting and fascinating Dartmoor can be with a sense that I am giving something back to the community. Dartmoor is a unique place on our doorstep with a fantastic history that can be seen and shared.
Getting out for a walk with a qualified guide can give all a sense of well-being as well as the knowledge about a place we all need to care for and cherish.
All Moorland guides are helpful, informative people who love the moor and are willing to help you in any way possible to make your experience a safe and pleasurable one. I look forward to meeting you soon.
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