5 minutes with … Bearded Trev

April 30, 2026

Introducing … Bearded Trev, Tour Manager

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Affectionately known as Bearded Trev, I’m husband to the most patient woman on the planet, Izzy, and a very proud dad to my seven‑year‑old, “Little Legs.” I’m a Leicestershire lad born and bred, a lifelong Leicester City fan, and whenever I get the chance, you’ll usually find me wandering the paths of the Peak District.

A curious mind took me to Dublin in my early twenties—a city I fell in love with and called home for the next twenty years before eventually finding my way back. Over the past decade, I’ve worked for the Co‑op in a variety of roles, including Store Manager, Festival Manager, and most recently Project Manager. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for making a positive difference in local communities and supporting colleagues to achieve things they never thought possible.

I truly believe that adventure has the power to change lives. What began as a nervous step outside my comfort zone has grown into more than a decade of life‑changing experiences with Different Travel—first as a participant, then as an organiser, and now as a Tour Manager.

Along the way, I’ve taken on challenges including Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Mount Toubkal, the Sahara, and the Alps, while helping others do the same in support of incredible charities such as Barnardo’s, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, and Mind. I’m passionate about helping people build confidence, realise their potential, and achieve far more than they ever thought possible—always feeling safe, supported, and part of a team.

At my core, I’m motivated by people, shared experiences, and the belief that the most extraordinary moments happen when we dare to step beyond what feels comfortable.

How long have you been with Different Travel? How did you get involved?

I’ve been involved with Different Travel for just over ten years, beginning my journey with an Open Challenge to Kilimanjaro in 2016, followed by another Open Challenge to Everest Base Camp in 2018.

On the descent from Everest Base Camp, I had a light‑bulb moment: if I could push myself to achieve these incredible experiences, then so could other Co‑op colleagues. That idea led to the creation of my first two organised trips—to Everest Base Camp and Mount Toubkal in 2022.

Following the success of those expeditions, I went on to organise a further six trips through our charity partnership with Barnardo’s. These adventures took teams to the Sahara, Mount Toubkal, Everest Base Camp, and the Alps across 2024 and 2025, helping more people step outside their comfort zones while supporting an incredible cause.

Off the back of these experiences, I’ve now stepped into the role of Tour Manager and have had the privilege of supporting two fantastic teams on Sahara expeditions in 2025 and 2026—continuing a journey that has grown from personal challenge into something far bigger and more impactful than I ever imagined.

What was your first Different Travel trip? What made it special?

Not long after returning to the UK, I was contacted by a baby hospice and asked if I would consider climbing Kilimanjaro. In a moment of madness, I agreed—having absolutely no idea what I was letting myself in for. At the time, I had never climbed a mountain, never been to Africa, and had a huge fear of heights.

Eighteen months later, I found myself standing on the summit of Kilimanjaro, completely hooked on adventure. The whole trip was tough but utterly incredible. The sense of team spirit among a group of complete strangers was inspiring. We ate and slept in the most breathtaking places, waking up to sunrises that will stay with me forever.

None of this would have been possible without the support from Different Travel. From the very beginning—through an excellent information evening, a detailed trek pack explaining exactly what to expect, and a comprehensive kit list—I felt prepared and supported. During the trek itself, the tour manager and the incredible guides were with me every step of the way. Their encouragement, especially at Barranco Wall and on summit night, was exactly what I needed to overcome my fears and keep moving forward.

The level of support throughout the entire experience was outstanding. It gave me the confidence to step well outside my comfort zone and achieve something I never thought possible—an experience that truly changed my life forever.

What has been your most memorable Different Travel adventure to date?

Oh, this is tough. I’ve been lucky enough to make incredible memories on every trip I’ve done, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the Sahara in 2025.

It was my second time in the desert, but what made this trip truly special was the people. The group was made up of colleagues from right across the Co‑op—none of us had met before arriving at the departure lounge. Yet by the time we landed in Marrakech, we were already good friends. By the end of the trek, we weren’t just a group anymore—we had become family. The friendships we formed lived on long after the last grains of sand had finally been shaken from our boots.

Highlights from the trip included:

• So much laughter and so many funny moments that I cried more than once—and laughed so hard it actually hurt.
• Watching the crescent moon rise to signal the start of Ramadan, sitting together in complete silence and awe.
• Dinner on our final night, where everyone shared their personal reasons for being on the trip—an incredibly emotional and powerful moment.
• A nine‑hour karaoke session on the bus journey back from the desert, which somehow nobody wanted to end.

It was a trip full of connection, emotion, laughter, and memories that will stay with me forever.

If you could go on an adventure with three people (past or present, real or fictional), who would they be and why?

1) My father- Major Rigley
He sadly passed away from cancer in 2013, but he was larger than life and a huge inspiration to me, and I know he’s smiling down on me on every trip. Every time I went home for a weekend, we would inevitably end up in some kind of trouble—usually drunk, lost, or quite often both. An adventure with him would be full of laughter, chaos, and unforgettable memories.

2) Sir Edmund Hillary
A true trailblazer who achieved the extraordinary while remaining humble and deeply committed to teamwork. Adventuring with him wouldn’t just be about reaching the summit—it would be about learning resilience, leadership, kindness, and respect for both people and the mountains.

3) Mitch Hutchcraft
Having completed the Everest Triathlon by swimming the English Channel, cycling to Nepal, and then running to Everest Base Camp, he embodies what it means to have no limits. He’s an inspiring and positive voice for young people, especially around mental health and fulfilling potential—and that energy would be incredible to share on any adventure.

What is your ultimate dream destination?

I have a few, either wandering from Marrakech up the coast to Tangiers and crossing to Spain, or a Drive from San Francisco up the coast through Oregon to Vancouver

Which Different Travel adventure appeals to you, and why?

These days I feel like a kid in a sweet Shop, so many amazing adventures. I can’t pick just one, so here is 3

Camino De Santiago: The Portuguese Way – The journey starts in the Spanish border town of Tui and will walk 117km north through the beautiful Galician countryside, through woodlands and vineyards, across fields and meadows. A chance to unplug, reflect and enjoy the simple pleasures of life while walking an iconic, historic route.

Thailand: Tuk Tuk Adventure – the very best that Thailand has to offer for those prepared to step away from tourist trails and travel like the locals. It isn’t just fantastic sights that you’ll enjoy along the way, but also wonderful experiences – rafting downstream on bamboo rafts, exploring caves, picnic lunch by a waterfall, camping in the mountains and enjoying traditional feasts… all of this… but in a TUK TUK… an actual TUK TUK!

Trek Kilimanjaro – the stunning Machame Route to the top, which is considered one of the most stunning on the mountain, but also one of the best for acclimatisation. This incredible journey will take you up to altitudes of 5895m – Back to where it all started, but now returning with the experience I have gained on other amazing treks.

What do you love about working with Different Travel

From my perspective, I break this down into three distinct roles:

As a participant
I always felt informed, supported, and in very safe hands. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone safely, take on incredible challenges, and do amazing things while raising money for brilliant charities.

As an organiser
No request was ever too much effort. Every slightly crazy trip idea I came up with was supported and embraced. I had complete peace of mind knowing my team was safe, all logistics were taken care of, and that the guides, food, and accommodation on every adventure would be exceptional. In this role, I’ve trekked with five or six different tour managers, all of whom brought their own experience, personality, and sense of adventure—each becoming a valued part of the team.

As a Tour Manager
I love the feeling that the company is one big family—from the core team to the wider network of tour managers. It genuinely feels like working with great friends who all do incredible things. I feel incredibly lucky to continue supporting people to achieve amazing goals, while trekking in places I once only dreamed about, all while feeling supported, trusted, and valued.

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