Our Team
Founder and Guide
Jenny Bushell
Experience and qualifications
I am a summer Mountain Leader and UK Athletics Coach in Running Fitness, and founder of Into the Hills Trail Running. I coach trail, fell and road runners across the age, pace and experience spectrum, helping them to dream big and achieve their goals. I love introducing runners to the trails, and helping people build confidence in their own strength and competence. I have competed in many of the long-distance trail events in the Lakes, including the Lakeland 50 (twice), Lakes Traverse (5th lady), Lakeland Trails 55k (four times, 4th and 5th lady).
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Why running?
I began running as an adult beginner in 2013, having previously hated running. I was hooked after Couch to 5k, and progressed to marathons quite quickly, before I discovered trail running. Running has given me such a secure sense of self, of my own strength, endurance and ability to achieve, and I love the settled, peaceful feeling that comes on a long run.
Favourite running snack
Hard to call between Oreos and Skittles.
Favourite route
I love running up (and down!) Black Combe; it's an underrated fell in south-west Cumbria. I grew up looking at it from my bedroom window, and now see it from my garden - I'm very lucky. The descent involves about 4k of smooth, perfect grass; ideal for just letting go and flying down!
Three words that sum up running
Self-belief, Peace, Joy
Guide
Pip Haworth
Experience and qualifications
I’m a summer Mountain Leader based in the North Lakes with 10+ years working in the outdoor industry. Some of my proudest running achievements include fastpacking the West Highland Way with my mum in 2019 where I realised that long distance and multi day running was what I really enjoyed, The Cape Wrath Ultra in 2022 where I really pushed my limits on tough days through some trying weather, and most recently The Northern Traverse.
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Why running?
Although I picked up running in my teenage years for my Duke of Edinburgh award, I only really began to enjoy it in my early twenties when It became a way of enjoying long days out in the hills and going far, at a steady pace. Nowadays running is a part of life, enjoying the fells with my dog and helping me to cope with grief. For me running helps to connect me to people and the environment around me, it’s a way of exploring new places and bringing me closer to myself.
Favourite running snack
Babybel, or just anything cheese related. Also always up for an ice cream stop.
Favourite route
Difficult to choose but I always go back to Glenderaterra Valley from Keswick. A simple and fairly easy route with a remote feel at the end of the valley. It’s easy to add a fell, Latrigg or Blencathra if you want a longer run, or head out to Skiddaw House on the Cumbria Way and enjoy the vast open space in a quieter corner of the Lake District.
Three words that sum up running
Freeing, Discovery, Simplicity
Guide
Rachel Scott
Experience and qualifications
I have worked as a Mountain Leader for 13 years, guiding walks in the UK and expeditions abroad. I feel very fortunate to be able to spend most days outdoors doing what I love! I am passionate about our wild spaces and the wellness benefits they provide. I love ultra and trail running and the community surrounding it. I really enjoy meeting new people and hearing everyone's different stories. Notable achievements: 4th lady in Winter Spine Challenger and 4th lady in Lakes Traverse (one day I'll get a medal...) finishing Lakeland 100 (after 2 DNFs).
Why running?
I found trail/ultra running in my early 30s. I have always loved hiking and exploring outdoors but I didn't think I was fit or fast enough to fell run, until I discovered trail running and ultras and the very supportive community that surround them! I took the plunge and entered the Lakeland 50 and that's where the journey really began. I was hooked! I love the feeling of freedom, I love being out in the hills and moving through different landscapes on a journey. I love running through the night and out the other side into the dawn.
Running becomes like a meditation for me after a while. I love the community, making new friends, hearing people's stories and sharing a goal. I like the purpose of training for a race and working towards a better version of myself. I also really love a beige buffet.
Favourite running snack
Tough question... I prefer real food and am often found carrying a hummus baguette.
Favourite route
Green Bell Horseshoe in the Howgills. Always quieter and it has a lovely long grassy decent that feels like you can fly down.
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Three words that sum up running
Freedom, Connection, Challenge
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Guide
Heidi Kearsey
Experience and qualifications
I am a summer Mountain Leader and England Athletics run leader and love getting people out into the hills. I spend most of my time guiding people in the Lakes but also spend bits of time in The Peak District where I'm from, Snowdonia and on the Coast to Coast. I am also a coach at Kendal Tri Club where I help out with both swimming and running sessions. I began competing in fell races in recent years and am hooked! A big achievement for me was running the Cumbria Way with my friend Jenny a couple of years ago. It pushed my distance a lot further than I had gone before and was a real challenge.
Why running?
Having grown up as a swimmer, I really hated running as a child and teenager. It wasn't until I joined the Army in my twenties and had to run that I started to enjoy it. Moving up to the Lakes however was the catalyst for the obsession, and now I can't get enough. I live for the uphills (weird I know!) and love the burn they give you. I also enjoy how much further and faster I can go when running than walking. It really gives me the chance to explore more. Running has also provided me with a community that is forever supportive and encouraging which is amazing, and is a great way for me to spend time with my dog Stanley.
Favourite running snack
Prosciutto and hummus wraps or salty new potatoes, I can't decide! Oh and cake, always cake.
Favourite route
This is something I can never answer! Maybe the Kentmere Horseshoe as the views are so spectacular.
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Three words that sum up running
Exploratory, Sociable, Freeing
Handpicked by founder Jenny, all our guides at Into the Hills are qualified Mountain Leaders, experienced trail, fell and ultra runners, and experts on our beautiful Lake District. More importantly, they are all lovely people to spend a day on the hill with! Most of us came to running as adult beginners before finding our way into trail running, so if you have any questions or worries, it's likely that we have been there ourselves and can offer our experience. Meet the team below.