Meet The Experts
Hover over a team member to learn more about them
Claire Bennellick
Bean Counter
About
“Has been working with the finance team since March 2025 and chose to work with Encounter because of her passion for the outdoors.”
Fun fact
You'll often find her exploring with her husband and two young boys or capturing memorable moments with the Sea Cadets.
Claire Bennellick
Bean Counter
Emma Johnson
CEO
About
““Passionate about exploring new places and cultures through adventure travel and inspiring others to do the same””
Fun fact
I went from a half marathon distance to a 64-mile ultra marathon in 4 weeks.
Emma Johnson
CEO
Harriet Burnett
Travel Designer
About
“A huge fan of anything activity related, in particular trail running, obstacle course racing, open water swimming and anything involving the mountains!”
Fun fact
As a member of my local RNLI Lifeboat Crew, when not organising walking itineraries, can be found saving lives at sea.
Harriet Burnett
Travel Designer
Jade Jane
Travel Designer & Marketing
About
““Loves a cheeky ice cream on a Cornish coastal walk, and spends her downtime doing yoga or cycling with her family around Mevagissey.””
Fun fact
Once got so distracted by a pod of dolphins mid-walk she added an unplanned two miles to the route – absolutely worth it.
Jade Jane
Travel Designer & Marketing
Jade Cookson
Travel Designer
About
“Northerner, book lover, guidebook writer, swimmer, and keen fell walker.”
Fun fact
I used to write poetry and read at spoken word events using a pseudonym. The name I used was an anagram of a Northern delicacy. It went on for quite a while... I still have friends who refuse to call me Jade!
Jade Cookson
Travel Designer
Helen Haggerty
Travel Designer
About
“Raised in Cornwall and long based in Devon, has deep local knowledge and a genuine love for the Westcountry. Loves nothing more than helping people make the best of their precious leisure time, drawing from a wealth of hospitality and accommodation expertise.”
Fun fact
Enjoys revisiting favourite places with her young son, sharing the region’s stunning scenery and outdoor adventures – often involving a muddy puddle or two!
Helen Haggerty
Travel Designer
Building Your Dreams Into Reality
Encounter Walking was born on the trails — founded by walkers who believe adventure isn't found in ticking off destinations, but in paying attention to the land, the weather, the silence, and the stories along the way. What started as a small walking holiday company has grown into a community of nature-lovers, guides, and curious travellers exploring Britain's most moving landscapes — on foot, by paddle, and with four-legged friends in tow.
Trip PlannerWhy Choose Encounter
Independently run with over a decade of trail experience
Led by passionate guides and local experts
Handpicked routes across coast, countryside, and highland
Dog-friendly and solo-traveller welcoming
Sustainable, small-footprint experiences
Everything You Need To Know
Start Planning Your Perfect Trip — Your Trail Begins Here.
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