A restaurant manager from a Lake District spa resort has turned his passion for the great outdoors into a new role, having successfully completed an intensive winter skills course.

Pav Moskala from Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa travelled to the Cairngorms to take part in the specialist course thanks to the English Lakes Hotels Personal Development Fund, which helps the hotel group’s employees to develop new skills.

The course has allowed Pav to take on an additional role as the spa resort’s new walking guide, sharing his love and knowledge of the Lakeland fells while taking guests on walks and helping them explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding the venue.

Pav’s course with Glenmore Lodge was designed to teach him the essential techniques required for safer travel in the mountains. It provided in-depth and practical knowledge and experience of changing weather conditions in the fells and highlands.

The training covered key skills including navigation techniques in low visibility conditions using a map and compass, equipment selection and route planning, avalanche awareness, ice-axe use and crampon techniques, and emergency procedures such as the use of group shelters.

Pav, who helps run the Blue Smoke restaurant at the spa resort, explains:

“The Cairngorms was the perfect base for developing the practical and safety skills I need for guiding walks, especially in terms of assessing conditions and planning accordingly. It’s strengthened my technical abilities and given me more confidence and knowledge."

"It was also inspiring to be under the wing of some incredible instructors who showed the invaluable ability to stay calm in such harsh conditions while leading our group.

It’s reinforced my enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with others. The discipline required for such an intense 5-day course was also immensely rewarding."

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited to use what I’ve learned to help our guests discover the amazing walks around Low Wood Bay and Windermere.”

Michael Kay, group operations director at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, says:

“Our personal development fund actively supports our employees’ career progression and allows them to pursue training opportunities that enhance both their personal interests and their professional roles within the business."

 “Pav’s course was 95% funded after he provided a detailed business case to support his request for additional skills support. It’s opened a new door for Pav as our new Low Wood Bay walking guide, leading small groups on local walks so that they can better appreciate the fantastic surroundings and learn more about the Lake District National Park.”

Subject to assessment and line manager agreement, training or courses underwritten by the English Lakes Hotels Personal Development Fund can be taken within most disciplines. Employees let their manager and the group operations director know what the course is, its cost and why they wish to complete it.

Michael Kay adds:

“We work with applicants to identify training programmes or courses across a wide range of disciplines. By investing in our teams’ development, we aim to help people reach their potential and move forward in their careers. The initiative also contributes to creating a stronger, more balanced working life for all employees."

“We hope Pav’s passion for the outdoors and his new winter skills will help create memorable guided walking experiences for visitors to Low Wood Bay.”

Pav’s walks take place on Thursday and Saturday mornings and are for guests at the spa resort who want to explore the fells with some guided company.

For further information about new job roles at English Lakes Hotels, visit here.