about

Team Member

Alan Elwood - Mountain Leader

I have had a lifetime of enjoying the natural environment, including over 25 years of leading groups, be that in the mountains of the British Isles, sub aqua diving across the globe or coaching orienteering athletes. I’m passionate that anyone can be refreshed by our forested, moorland and upland areas. These special places have helped me with my own mental health challenges at times and that is why I founded Positive Steps Outdoors (PSO). I love the way at PSO we guide and support others to discover, and benefit from, the majesty of our natural environment. I’m always excited about meeting people, hearing where they are in their own journeys and working with them to experience special, unique and uplifting days in our outdoor destinations.

I’ve been fortunate to received world class leadership training, with experience gained working in demanding environments in a first responder organisation. More recently I’ve been a Director in a successful professional services company, specializing in helping family businesses to corporates build resilience and prepare for crises. However, more than these it is my role as a husband and father of two that most defines me, and means I understand the pressures of work / life balance and how it can be tricky to get the priorities right. In my spare time I get my kicks from orienteering, fellrunning and ultra endurance mountain challenges.
I’m a Mountain Leader, member of the Mountain Training Association, Learning and Development Instructor, Sports Coach, Outdoor First Aider and Mental Health First Aider and a past Prince's Trust mentor to young entrepreneurs.