About BaldHiker: Adventure and Wellbeing in the Wild
Our Story: From a Personal Passion to a Global Community
Every great journey begins with a single step. For BaldHiker, that step was taken in 2010 when our founder, Paul Steele, created a personal blog to share his lifelong passion for the outdoors.
Forged over 17 years of service in the British Army, Paul’s love for adventure, hiking, and exploration was more than a hobby; it was a way of seeing the world.
The blog became a space to document authentic travel experiences and the simple, profound joy of discovering the world on foot.
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At the same time, on a parallel path, Zoe Potter was on a journey of her own.
A mindful creative with a First Degree in Textile Design, Zoe was discovering the powerful connection between nature, art, and personal wellbeing.
Through her own experiences managing health conditions, she found that walking, yoga, and creative expression in natural settings were not just restorative, but transformative.
Her passion became to help others find that same sense of healing and inspiration in the wild.
These two paths converged when Paul and Zoe realised their individual passions were two halves of a greater whole.
Paul’s expertise in leadership, safety, and navigation in the world’s great landscapes, combined with Zoe’s unique ability to guide mindful, creative experiences, sparked a shared vision.
It was the moment BaldHiker transformed from a personal project into a shared mission: to create experiences that blend invigorating adventure with creative wellbeing.
Today, that mission is the heart of everything we do. BaldHiker has grown from a simple blog into a global community of fellow adventurers.
We now channel our combined expertise into crafting unforgettable guided walks across the UK and transformative adventure retreats around the world.
Our story is one of two journeys becoming one, driven by the belief that the outdoors holds the key to escapism, connection, and rediscovering your own sense of adventure.
We’re here to help you find it.
Meet Your Guides
Paul Steele: Founder & Lead Guide
Paul founded BaldHiker to share a lifetime of passion for adventure with the world. But his expertise goes far beyond a simple love for the outdoors.
Drawing on 17 years of service in the British Army, Paul brings an unparalleled level of experience in navigation, safety, and leadership to every walk and retreat.
This background means that every route is meticulously planned and every experience is managed with a professional focus on your safety and wellbeing.
It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the landscape with complete peace of mind, knowing you are in the hands of a seasoned and highly capable guide
Paul’s mission is to handle all the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
Zoe Potter: Creative & Wellbeing Lead
Zoe is the creative and mindful force behind our wellbeing retreats.
With a First Degree in Textile Design, she has a deep understanding of colour, texture, and form, which she uses to help you see the natural world through a new lens.
Her personal journey of using walking, yoga, and art to manage her own health conditions provides the authentic, heartfelt foundation for our retreats.
Zoe doesn’t just teach mindfulness; she lives it. She leverages her formal creative training and personal experience to design unique, immersive workshops that help you reconnect with nature and your own inner artist.
Under her gentle guidance, you’ll learn to use the outdoors not just as a place to walk, but as a source of inspiration, healing, and creative energy.
The BaldHiker Philosophy: Our Core Values
Every walk we lead and every walk, adventure and retreat we host is built on a foundation of core values. These principles are the compass that guides our adventures, ensuring every experience is not just a trip, but a meaningful journey.
Mindful Adventure
We believe adventure is as much about the internal journey as the physical one.
It’s not just about reaching the summit; it’s about being present with every step.
We encourage you to push your boundaries safely and consciously, finding the joy in the challenge and the beauty in the moment.
Creative Wellbeing
Nature is the ultimate source of inspiration and healing.
We are passionate about helping you tap into that source.
Through mindful creative practices, we guide you to use the landscapes around you to unlock your own creativity, restore your sense of balance, and improve your overall wellbeing.
Genuine Connection
Our experiences are designed to foster connection—to the incredible environments we explore, to the local cultures we encounter, and to the fellow travellers you share the path with. We create a welcoming, supportive space where a community of like-minded individuals can share in the adventure together.
Expert-Led & Safe
Your peace of mind is paramount.
With professional expertise at the core of our planning and leadership, we manage all the details so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
We are committed to the highest standards of safety, allowing you to explore with confidence and trust.
Trusted by Leading Brands and Fellow Adventurers
As well as providing Adventures & Escapes we are a trove of travel and walk articles
Join the Adventure
Our story is just the beginning—the next chapter is yours. If you feel the call of the wild and a desire to reconnect, we invite you to take the next step. Find your path, join our community, and let’s explore together.
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Discover our expert-led adventures, designed to challenge, inspire, and restore.
Contact Us
If you are interested in a guided walk, retreat or want to work with us then please get in touch.