For a man who has traveled to more than 100 countries, been a trip leader for Wilderness Travel for more than 20 years, and has an ever expanding palate to cook exquisite dishes with global infusion (ask him about his infamous slow-cooked lamb with pomegranates), Richard Bell still takes as much pride in each trip he leads as he did when he first started traveling around his hometown in Yorkshire, on the northeast coast of the UK. “My experience of being a guide for over 20 years has allowed me to create trips that I know will appeal to our clients,” he says. “I combine a unique hiking experience with cultural interactions in whatever country I may be in. Anyone who has hiked with me before, will already know that my trips are quirky, individual, interesting, and full of humor and good times.” Now in his 60s, Richard says he has graduated with honors from the University of Life, and is delighted to be able to share his experiences with our travelers. When he is not leading hikes, he tends to his fruit and vegetable garden at his home in Cornwall in southwest England, and of course, loves to cook (seriously, get that slow-cooked lamb recipe).
Richard has wonderful enthusiasm and an undeniable love of his country. His selection of the route we took, as well as the places we stayed, and even the wines we had at dinner, was excellent. He was also very solicitous of me, always making sure I was comfortable, which I especially appreciated as I was traveling solo.
If there were a rating above "excellent," that's where I'd rate Richard in every category. His attention to detail was exquisite, without letting it get in the way of a good time. Every detail was worked out in advance. It was genius to bring us hot pasties when we visited the tin mines, so we could pretend to be miners. It was inspired for him to arrange picnic suppers for us (made by his wife, yet) the day we went to outdoor performance at Minack. It is wonderful that he knows flowers and birds and Cornwall history and obviously enjoys the world around him.
Could not have been better. Richard gave us a real taste of the country: we fell in love with the area.
Richard is a Renaissance Man for the ages. He has a vast knowledge of many subject areas that enhance the trip as you progress through it.
Richard is superb in all things. His passion for his country, the region, and for life is a wonderful experience. Every day he shows up with great compassion and a huge smile, rain or shine, nothing is impossible. You can tell a good trip leader, when he works magic behind the scenes and does not even tell you and the problem is resolved.
Simply an outstanding guide. One of the very best encountered in almost 30 years of adventure travel.
Richard was above and beyond our expectations! This is our third overseas group hiking trip and he is the best leader we have had, by far! He is knowledgable, very intelligent, knows the area so well, and FUN! He was always on schedule and plans a great mix of hiking with cultural and historical experiences. His attention to detail, handling 12 people, and his ability to make arrangements for all if us was impressive.
Richard is amazing and so thorough. Loads of fun and knows what he is doing. A+++!
Richard was outstanding. He always had options for hikers who felt weak at different points, was passionate about all aspects of Cornwall, is a master of managing group dynamics, consistently went out of his way to enhance the trip, and was a very conscientious leader. We would love to take another trip with him.
Not only has Richard designed a wonderful trip, with a great mix of hiking and interesting cultural/historical activities, but he is also an excellent leader, and makes the group come together so that everyone enjoys themselves.
Richard is aware of everyone's needs and interests—sometimes even before we are! He is very kind, generous, and knowledgeable. I would choose any trip that he leads.
As one of your veteran trip leaders, Richard's professionalism and attention to details exceeded my expectations in every way. His years of experience, wealth of knowledge of the area, jovial nature, and keen sense for customer satisfaction allowed him to deliver our full-capacity trip singlehandedly with flawless execution.
This was our third trip with Richard. He is a delight and excellent leader.
Richard is one of the best guides; this was our second trip under his leadership. His passion and excitement are refreshing.
Richard has a great personality. Lots of humor and fun!
Richard is a fabulous leader, always attending to the needs of all on the trip. Cornwall is his home and he loved sharing that slice of heaven on earth with all of us.
Richard is one of the Crown Jewels in your cadre of hiking leaders.
Richard is an awesome guide who went above and beyond to make this an enjoyable and memorable trip. His attention to detail and to each person's individual needs was excellent.
Richard is incredible. He always makes sure everyone is having a good time, takes care of those who need extra help, and keeps everything running amazingly smoothly.
Richard was fantastic. He is so experienced, knowledgeable, well organized, good working with people, and fun to be with. He brought so much expertise to every aspect of the trip, and we absorbed much, much more about England in general than we ever could have absorbed on our own.
Richard's area knowledge combined with his group-handling experience was incredible. His knowledge of good English beers was equally impressive!
It goes without saying that Norway is a beautiful and unique country, but Richard made it come alive for us with experiences we could never have had on our own.
Richard Bell was excellent; very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about history, culture, and plants. He is a delight to travel with.
Richard is the most organized, knowledgeable, and thoughtful guide I have ever had. I was so happy to meet him and enjoy his beautiful country through his eyes.
Richard puts his ALL into everything! He is a most capable Trip Leader and an exceptionally entertaining man that looks to creating the most cohesive group.
Richard was friendly, fun, energetic, and very sensitive to the needs of all of the participants. I would love to do another trip with him.
Richard's attention to detail, conscientiousness, and very caring attitude make him a topnotch guide. Wonderful!
Richard is a fantastic leader with seemingly unlimited energy and good cheer.
Richard was absolutely phenomenal in every way.... organizationally, on the hikes, in the pubs. His humor, knowledge, and enthusiasm were unparalleled.
Richard exemplifies a WT guide. Excellent interaction skills, and genuinely concerned about clients enjoying themselves. Great sense of humor!
Richard generously shared his extensive knowledge of the culture and local cuisine—it made for a very enjoyable experience at mealtimes.
My wife and I really enjoyed Richard. It was our first trip with him, but it won't be the last.
Richard was great. He has a great energy, is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful, humorous, and a warm guy.
Richard is awesome; he has a great sense of humor and absolutely took care of us, and as we had such a small group, really got know each of us. His passion for not just this trip, but others he guides is simply infectious.
This was my first trip with Richard Bell and he is one of your best trip leaders. He is charming, witty, and hilariously funny.
I think Richard enjoys his job and it shows. He was very helpful in finding us fine traditional handicrafts.
I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with Richard. I found him to be very capable, professional, and personable. After my second WT trip, it’s hard to decide whether to chose my third trip (WT, of course) by destination or by leader!
Richard is on top of everything—fun to be with and cares about each and everyone. This is the second trip with Richard and one of the reasons we decided to take the Croatia trip.
Richard was his usual ubiquitous self! Always there. Always helpful and attentive. Then, without being noticeable, off making arrangements for meals or guides or transportation or other client’s needs. Loads of fun! The best!
Hang on to Richard Bell—he's the best guide ever!
I always enjoy traveling with Richard. He does all the ‘behind-the-scenes' work to avoid any problems.
We enjoyed Richard as a leader. He was very knowledgeable about history and was also a great chef!
Absolutely fantastic. I can’t begin to tell you how good he is!
Good leadership skills, intimate knowledge of the route, handler of important details, and always enthusiastic about the venture each day.
Richard was responsive, responsible, enlightening, enjoyable traveling companion and excellent tour leader; paid attention to all details, left nothing to chance; flexible; on the look out for unforseen opportunities that we might be interested in and enjoy.
