1. I have a huge passion for the Yorkshire Dales having lived there for over 20 years. I find the area beautiful, dramatic, ever changing, engulfing and perfect for the soul. The humans who live there are friendly, accommodating, inquisitive and even after 23 years I am still making discoveries.

2. The past 7 years have been spent working overseas, travelling, meeting new people, discovering what I enjoy and what I don't and figuring out what really goes on in life. I have worked in hospitality and management and have been developing ideas whilst managing ski chalets, stewardessing on hotel barges and cooking for a lovely family in the South of France. All in good time…

3. Emmas Dale Experience Retreats is a totally selfish project in that I created the breaks to reflect my personality and everything I have experienced, have a passion for and what I would want to do in a perfect time away. I have travelled excessively and often solo. I remember my first solo backpacking experience to New Zealand, excited albeit slightly nervous but on landing in Christchurch and boarding my Stray Bus, I had such anticipation of what was ahead. I knew it would be amazing and potentially life changing. I absolutely love travelling solo even now, although I have an awesome partner in crime to keep me company on my trips these days, and he turns out to be the perfect travelling companion. For more solo travel inspiration check out https://shegetsaround.co.uk/ created by a lovely human I met in Nepal a few years ago.

4. I have many passions in life inclusive but not exclusive, skiing, music, travelling (obvs), trying new things and my gorgeous long suffering horse Pandora. However, I also love FOOD… I just love cooking, eating it, and getting inspired by new recipes and eateries. I am very much enjoying putting together a tasty, but not overrated menu for the SUP Your Soul weekends. Expect healthy combined with Mediterranean fresh cuisine, accompanied by a few naughty treats along the way too - ya know for balance…

5. The best place to ponder the Dales (apart from one of my experience retreats) is to take a long uphill walk to the peak of Penhill. Its just above my home village of West Witton and after the lung tugging hike to the top, the views are just spectacular, you can literally see for miles. Pick a non windy day though unless you have a penchant for an uphill trek in a headwind. Of course this is just one of many discoveries in the Yorkshire Dales. Explore solo or with a friend and it is just as magical either way.

Emmas Dale Experience Retreats - SUP Your Soul 30th May and 6th June. Book now with a £150 deposit. Keep an eye for future pop up breaks…