Meet Your Tour Leader: from the Classroom to the Coast

Russell's Story

Every Back-Roads journey is shaped by those travel moments that just feel... different. Our Tour Leaders play a huge part in creating those extraordinary memories for guests that last a lifetime.

Read on to hear all about our Corners of Cornwall Tour Leader, Russell, and his personal story from the classroom to the coast...

A pint and a new path...

"For over 35 years, I taught sport to bright young men and women, often taking them on international tours. At the same time, my wife and I made our home in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, where we’ve embraced a smallholder lifestyle among sheep, chickens, bees and the ever-curious moorland ponies. The local farmers seem to enjoy watching us learn the hard way!  

My journey into guiding began, rather fittingly, with a pint at the Two Bridges Hotel—my local. I’d often find myself there just as the Corners of Cornwall tour bus arrived. Watching the cheerful visitors and the energy they brought to the place, I thought, I could do that. So when my teaching days came to an end, I did".  

Leading tours the Back-Roads Way  

"So ever since 2019, I’ve proudly led tours with Back-Roads and have been committed to the Back-Roads Way.  

The small group sizes make all the difference. We learn each other’s names quickly, share stories, and forge real friendships...not something easily done in a large crowd. And of course, our size means we can explore those charming, narrow country lanes and tuck into local pubs that big buses wouldn’t dare attempt.  

One of my favourite parts of  Tour Leading is the freedom we’re given to create small moments of magic. Whether it’s diverting to a village where someone’s ancestor once lived, stumbling upon Morris dancers in full flow, or catching a pub singalong, there’s joy in the unexpected. I try to create a surprise every day—because those are the moments guests remember".

Local life  

"Our Corners of Cornwall tour is rich with layers—cliff-top views, quiet fishing coves, and reminders of the region’s proud mining past. For many guests, the first glimpse of Cornwall from Dartmoor is unforgettable. That thrill never fades, even for me.  

What often catches visitors off guard is the sheer pride of the Cornish people. With a history shaped by fishing, farming, and mining, their sense of place runs deep. You see it in the music, in the ever-present St. Piran’s flag, and in local tales—some tall, some true. And when you’re standing at the stunning Crowns Engine Houses at Botallack, you may just believe Cornwall does have more saints than heaven".  

Soak up every moment in Cornwall

"Yes, guests come for pasties, fish and chips, and cream teas—but so do the local seagulls! For me, music is another essential flavour of Cornwall. That’s why I always recommend a pint at the Golden Lion in Port Isaac. It’s as genuine as they come and if it’s good enough for Doc Martin and The Fisherman’s Friends, it’s good enough for all of us.  

At the end of each tour, I’m usually exhausted... in the best way. I hope our guests feel the same. Along the way, I’ve introduced many to my Cornish friends, and we’ve shared laughter, songs, and stories. It’s a privilege to be part of those moments.  

I like to think everyone leaves with a little piece of Cornwall tucked into their heart".  

Intrigued to find out about the land where the sapphire sky meets the turquoise sea? You could be led by Russell on our Corners of Cornwall tour before you know it...