OS Champion

Rose Marie Gare-Simmons

Meet Rose Marie Gare-Simmons – a mother of two and a summer mountain leader based in the Lake District.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

My name is Rose Gare-Simmons and I am a mother of two and a summer mountain leader based in the Lake District. I have been leading group walks and providing map reading and navigation training for people at all levels over the past 4 years. I am also the Nationally Elected Councillor for hillwalking at the British Mountaineering Council (BMC).

I like to combine my knowledge, skills and passions for both the outdoors and mental health to advocate safe outdoor adventure for positive mental wellbeing; I do so through organising and hosting charity events and fundraisers, group hikes, my volunteer work and through public speaking events.

When I am not working out on the hill (or with friends) or volunteering, I am often found working in my full time role as a registered mental health nurse where I have over 10 years experience working within a diverse range of settings supporting a diverse range of client groups.

Between my various roles I also enjoy travelling around the UK in my campervan with my dog Blisco! …and further afield for bigger adventures abroad!

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Rose’s Favourite Hiking Route – Kentmere Horseshoe

One of my favourite routes is a hike around the Kentmere horseshoe in the Lake District, this has always been a favourite of mine as it is often quieter than the other parts of the Lake District but has phenomenal views and a real feel of being in the wild!

Kentmere Horseshoe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rose Gare-Simmons (@rose.marie.outdoors)

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

My favourite OS kit must be the Explorer paper maps! I love using paper maps to plan hikes and adventures and of course, these maps are a key piece of kit to any hill day and my navigation lessons!

EXPLORE THE

OS Shop

We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking kit so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shop

Go to the shop

Find and follow Rose Gare-Simmons online:

Instagram: @rose.marie.outdoors
www.rosemarieoutdoors.com

All OS Champions

Read more

hiking

Hiking

hiking advice

hiking for beginners

Beginner’s guides

hiking gear

Hiking for Beginners – A Complete Guide

June 18, 2024

13 min read

Hiking for beginners, a complete guide to hiking safety, hiking fitness and the best UK Routes for beginners

Read more

Map Reading

Beginner’s guides

A beginners guide to understanding map contour lines

June 5, 2022

2 min read

Learn the use and meaning of contour lines on a map and understand how to use them to when you’re out and about or planning routes. Understanding contours will improve your map reading skills.

Read more

Walking

8 Epic Lake District walks you need to do

July 30, 2017

5 min read

It’s no secret that the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England with some epic walks to boot. Walker and cyclist Jamie Knop has listed eight of the most epic Lake District walks you need to tick off your bucket list.