About Me
Learn more about me and my vision for Ray of Sun Adventures.
About Me
Hey there! I’m Janire — qualified Mountain Leader, travel blogger, outdoor enthusiast, and your personal hype woman for all things adventure.
I’m a fully qualified and insured UK Mountain Leader, a proud member of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and a registered member of the Mountain Training Association (MTA). I hold a 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certificate and I’m also Mental Health First Aid qualified — because the outdoors isn’t just about physical challenge; it’s also a powerful space for emotional wellbeing, confidence building, and finding a bit of headspace when life gets loud.
I'm half Scottish, half Basque, born and raised in London, and now based in the lovely hills of Shropshire, where I live with my 14-year-old son (who thinks it’s hilarious that his mum drags people up mountains for fun).
My passion for travel and the outdoors came from my mama, who had me adventuring before I could even pronounce “passport.”
So far, I’ve explored 35 countries — and my most unforgettable adventure to date? A two-month overlanding and wild camping expedition through Africa. I bungee-jumped next to Victoria Falls, white-water rafted down the Zambezi, and slept under the stars in the Okavango Delta with hyenas howling just outside the tent (a proper “what is my life” moment). That trip cracked me wide open in the best possible way — I came back dustier, braver, and completely hooked on wild, soul-shifting adventures.
These days, when I’m not abroad chasing thrills, you’ll find me roaming UK trails, leading inclusive group hikes, and offering bespoke mountain adventures for individuals and groups. I created Ray of Sun Adventures to bring people together in the outdoors — no pressure, no judgement, just space to move, breathe, connect and maybe discover a new favourite place (or snack).
So, if you're up for joining a walk, booking a private day out, or just fancy a bit of fresh-air-fuelled inspiration, check out the Events or Services pages. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get the latest news, trips, and adventure ideas landing right in your inbox.
Let’s get out there — the mountains are calling!
The Story Behind Ray Of Sun Adventures
Ray of Sun Adventures was born from a deep-rooted love of the outdoors and a lifelong urge to explore — even if it started among the concrete jungle of inner-city London. I was always the “outdoorsy” one, constantly off on adventures with my mum or playing out on the street until the lights flicked on (the universal sign for get yourself home).
Summers were spent with family in the Basque Country, bombing around on bikes till midnight with my mates from the barrio. And when I hit my teens, I took on the Duke of Edinburgh Award — and loved every muddy, chaotic, wild bit of it... apart from the time a herd of cows chased my group through a field. Picture it: huge backpacks bouncing, us legging it like our lives depended on it, until a heroic farmer stepped in to save the day. Iconic. Terrifying. Never forgotten.
But the true turning point came much later.
During the pandemic, I was working as a frontline key worker — and it broke me. I struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts that left me feeling lost and hopeless. The one thing that helped? Walking. So I laced up my boots and, with my young son and our husky Ghost, set out to hike every hill in Shropshire. Step by step, breath by breath, I began to find my way back to myself.
Then, in September 2020, something shifted forever. On a crisp blue-sky day, I hiked Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) — my very first mountain. It was tough, sweaty, a little teary... and completely transformative. That summit lit a fire in me. I wanted more. More hills, more summits, more moments that made me feel alive. But I didn’t know how to do it safely, or who to do it with.
So I did a Mountain Skills course, discovered the Mountain Leader qualification, and thought: Wait… I could actually do this. I could become the one leading others.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
☀️ So… Why “Ray of Sun”?
Let’s just say… my name’s been butchered a few times. It’s Janire (pronounced Jan-Ear-Ray), but over the years I’ve been called everything from Janine to January, Jamiroquai, and even Janice. Honestly, I’ve stopped correcting people and just roll with it now.
Growing up, friends and family often called me Jay or Ray — and many have said I’m a bit of a ray of sunshine (especially once I’ve had a coffee). So when it came to creating a public Instagram account, Ray of Sun Adventures felt like a perfect fit — something that reflects both my name and the warmth, positivity, and light I try to bring to everything I do.
It stuck… and here we are.
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