Boots N Paddles is an outdoor activity outfit run by Mike Dunthorne with bases in Inverness and Aviemore. Our main strength lies in being a completely mobile set-up: not being tied to a single base means that we can use the whole of the Highlands as our ’workplace’ giving a huge variety of venues, whatever the sport.

Our goal is to help you to discover the fantastic Scottish outdoors in a fun, safe and active way. No prior experience or training is needed and we will provide all the equipment you need.

Our client base is hugely varied, ranging from school and youth groups, families or individuals on holiday, to stag and hen parties and corporate groups.

Our instructional staff all come highly recommended by friends in the outdoors and they all share our passion for Scotland and the Highlands. There are endless possibilities for playing in the great outdoors, whether that be chasing an adrenalin rush or relaxing with some tranquil wildlife exploration.

We can help you find accommodation in the area, or leave that to your discretion. Provided you have appropriate grounds for the activities in question we can even bring Boots N Paddles to your doorstep.

Calum Rogerson

In March 2009 we welcomed Calum to the Boots N Paddles team.

Calum joined us as a permanent addition to the office staff in March 2009. He left the financial services industry after 14 years with a large financial services provider, much of that time being spent as a project manager in Marketing (Customer Research Department). The opportunity arose to join Boots N Paddles and he jumped at the chance to get involved in an industry he loves.

He enjoys nothing more than the mountains, mountain bikes and paddling canoes or sea kayaks.

Calum is one of our Bookings Co-ordinators, with additional marketing and website responsibilities but gets involved in many different aspects of the business.  When he can find the time he also works towards getting some activity qualifications too, the first of which is now under his belt (Summer Mountain Leader).

Melanie Graham

In late 2009 Melanie left her role as Visitor Services Co-ordinator with VisitScotland after 4 years with the organisation to move back home from Aberdeen to Inverness.

Melanie was born and brought up in Cougie, a family croft in Glen Affric and this is where her passion for the Highlands stems from. Those that are close to her know she has ‘tartan blood’, from her obsession with Scottish band Runrig to her collection of Scottish books. She also enjoys photography and takes every opportunity to capture unaware friends and family, as well as the landscapes that surround her when exploring the mountains that she loves.

Melanie has a degree in Applied Social Sciences, specialising in Psychology and finds her 'people skills' come in extremely useful in her position as Bookings Co-ordinator with Boots N Paddles!

Maurizio (Mo) Bonifacino

Mo joined the Boots N Paddles team for the 2009 season as a trainee instructor and driver.  We liked him that much we've asked him back for another season as a fully fledged outdoor instructor.  Maurizio (as the name suggests) isn't from the Scottish Highlands: with Italian and Yorkshire blood he brings to Boots N Paddles typically latin passion and enthusiasm to everything he does along with his love of cups of tea (preferably a Yorkshire blend of course!!). 

He is currently working on his level 2 canoe coach qualification and already has Summer Mountain Leader, SPA and archery qualifications under his belt.  A great asset to the team and loved by our clients, we welcome him back for another busy season ahead.

Adrian Hopkins

Ade spent 7 years in the armed forces before deciding on a career in the outdoor activity business.  He became an outdoor instructor in 2005, working for us for the first time in 2006 and has been a regular ever since.  With boundless enthusiasm, a great coach and always having a smile for everyone, regular customers often ask for Ade again and again.

He does a bit of everything, the more extreme the better!!  Despite being an extremely competent climber and canoeist, with sea kayaking now gaining momentum, he's always looking for something new and adrenalin-fuelled to try...the latest being gorge-boarding; a combination of gorge swimming and body surfing.  You never know it might just catch on!

Ade is back working for us as a full-time seasonal instructor and we're glad to have him back.

This core team of staff is supported throughout the year by around 30 experienced freelance instructors who we call on regularly.  A great team by all accounts!

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