our
story
led by
real world
experience
Adventure1 was founded to deliver safe, high-quality, and exciting outdoor experiences, combining professional training with personal development. Built on a foundation of military expertise, our courses are led by elite former special forces personnel who bring decades of expedition leadership and instructional experience. Whether you're seeking personal growth, national qualifications, or a tailored adventure, our team is committed to sharing the skills and values that set them apart. With a strong focus on safety, inclusivity, and adaptability, we aim to make outdoor adventure accessible, rewarding, and unforgettable for everyone.
Why we operate
01
Our Passion for Adventure
Adventure1 is run by an ex Special Air Service soldier and Army Physical Training Corps Officer. Our founder and instructors live and breathe the outdoors. With decades of expedition experience and military backgrounds, our team brings unmatched energy and enthusiasm to every adventure. We're passionate about exploring the world's most incredible places and sharing that thrill with our clients.
03
Our Versatility
We are a highly versatile company, offering tailor-made holidays to suit individuals, families, and groups of all abilities. Our team works closely with you to design the perfect itinerary, adjusting activities day by day if needed. Whatever your goals, we’ll create an experience that’s truly personal, flexible, and unforgettable.
02
Ensuring Safety & Professionalism
Your safety is our top priority. We are proud that all our instructors are highly qualified, having been trained to Ministry of Defence standards, and our operations meet BS8848 safety guidelines. We combine professionalism with a supportive, flexible teaching style - so you can enjoy every challenge with complete confidence, knowing you're in the hands of experienced, vetted experts.
04
Providing Personal Growth
We believe adventure should be more than just fun - it should be meaningful. Our experiences are designed to build confidence, skills and leadership. Whether you're aiming for a career qualification or just stepping outside of your comfort zone, we guide you through personal growth at every stage, offering nationally recognised training and expert mentorship along the way.
Client reviews
Led by Elite Professionals
jerry dolan
Founder
Adventure1 is run by Jerry Dolan, an ex Special Air Service soldier and Army Physical Training Corps Officer. His team consists of ex Army Physical Training Corps and Royal Signals officers, who have lead many expeditions, have a wide range of National qualifications and have commanded the Ministry of Defence leading outdoor centres. Our guides and instructors are very experienced and most have been tried and tested through the Ministry of Defence to high standards of coaching and teaching, so most of our courses result in the award of national governing body qualifications; some, internationally recognised.
bill billingsley
instructor
Bill Billingsley is a former Royal Marine Mountain Leader with over thirty years of experience operating in mountain environments around the world, both above and below the snowline. He has worked extensively with schools and colleges, delivering mountaineering, rock climbing, and outdoor environmental training. Bill has taught individuals of all ages and abilities in a wide range of disciplines including snow and ice skills, rock climbing, scrambling, skiing, and survival in extreme environments. He also brings a wealth of experience in organising and leading charity abseils, commando wires, and public events, both as a military and civilian instructor.
paul rothwell
instructor
Paul Rothwell joined the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Armoured Corps and went on to serve with The Life Guards in both armoured and armoured reconnaissance roles, as well as performing ceremonial duties with the Household Cavalry. Later commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps as an administrative officer, Paul transitioned into education and served as Officer Commanding of a Combined Cadet Force for 22 years. He has vast experience in teaching and leading a wide range of outdoor activities, and has led cadets and military personnel on climbing and Nordic ski expeditions to destinations including the Andes, South America, Mount Kenya, Norway, and the Alps.
Glen martin
instructor
Glen Martin is a former Royal Signals soldier with extensive experience across multiple specialist units, including SAS Signal Squadron and frontline communications roles during the Falklands and Gulf War. He has served as an Advanced Training Instructor at the Royal School of Signals and held senior training and leadership roles throughout his military career. Transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps serving in a Field Hospital in numerous roles including Training Major and Squadron Officer Commanding. Glen has worked as a freelance instructor in Ski mountaineering, Canoe sports, Rock climbing and is also a Health & Safety consultant and First Aid instructor; having led military and civilian teams in challenging environments worldwide and continues to apply his skills in outdoor leadership and specialist training.
robert 'topsey' turner
instructor
Robert (Topsy) Turner is a Mountain Leader with many years of experience operating in mountain ranges across the world. He completed a full career in the Royal Marines, specialising as a Mountain Leader, and has worked with a wide range of groups including school children, charity teams, and the military. In 2016, he moved to the French Pyrenees where he runs a chambre d’hôte, and spends his time hiking and backcountry skiing in his home valley of d’Oueil.
brent hushon
instructor
Brent Hushon is a former Royal Marine and Cold Weather Warfare specialist with many years of experience as a Mountain Leader Class 1. He has instructed schools and colleges in cross-country ski movement and cold weather environmental training. Brent now runs Nordic Skating UK, focusing on land-based ski acquisition and developing cross-country ski technique before progressing to snow.
jim martin
instructor
Jim Martin served in the Royal Artillery from 1988 to 2015, rising to the rank of WO1 Master Gunner. He specialised as a Forward Observer with the Highland Gunners, operating in some of the most challenging conditions throughout his career. Following military service, Jim became one of the directors of Perth Physio Clinic, a physiotherapy business with clinics in both Perth and Pitlochry. He also works as a freelance Outdoor Instructor, delivering a wide range of adventure-based activities across Scotland including fell running, mountaineering, skiing, and paddling. Jim lives in Perth with his wife Gillian and son Robbie.
stuart beeston
photographer
Stuart Beeston served for 30 years in the Royal Marines, completing 22 years as a regular before transferring seamlessly to the Royal Marines Reserves. His career included operational deployments to Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and mainland UK, as well as roles in jungle, desert, and mountain environments. Stuart was recognised for duties beyond his rank, including a Commander-in-Chief Fleet Commendation for the design of a bespoke armoured vehicle. He later became the Corps SME for a data communications system, designing and delivering training from Marine to Staff Officer level. Now a freelance outdoor instructor, he also works in rope access, wind turbine operations, PPE instruction, and holds a drone operator licence.