Matthew Kettlewell grew up on a farm in the Yorkshire Dales and immersed himself in the outdoors and adventure from a young age.

MATTHEW Kettlewell grew up on a Yorkshire farm which enabled him to explore and enjoy the magnificent outdoors he was surrounded by. His lust for adventure only grew and led him on a search to find some of the world’s most remote and beautiful places.

Today he’s not only an experienced expedition leader but also a #GetOutside Champion who is pumped up about his role to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Here he talks more about those elements of his life as well as his next big adventure challenge which will see him raise money for a charity very close to his heart.

Have you always been an adventurous person and if so where do you think this passion stems from?

I always loved exploring as a kid, growing up on a remote farm in the Yorkshire Dales. Hidden waterfalls and endless hills to climb. Then as I grew I heard more about adventures like the Norwegian Expedition Kon Tiki which sent my imagination spinning.

What’s your earliest memory of adventure?

 I remember going caving and kayaking at primary school with an outward bounds centre. I loved every minute of it.

Matthew Kettlewell has the charm of a Yorkshire Dales lad which helps him when confronted with certain situations on his world adventures.

In terms of expeditions and adventures what do you see as you greatest achievements to date?

In 2016 I walked across Central America, through jungles and over active volcanoes. The challenge and experience was amazing. Central America is one of the happiest places, the locals are amazingly helpful. One day we could be camping, the next we were on a local lady’s kitchen floor. The whole three-month trek was amazing.

Tell us about your upcoming SUP challenge and what it will involve?

This year I aim to Paddleboard from where it all started in Yorkshire, to London. To raise awareness and money for the Youth Adventure Trust. Which helps vulnerable young people.

It will be 420 miles of rivers and canals, self supported and camping all the way

How can our readers get behind and support you? 

They can go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=MatthewKettlewell1&pageUrl=1

to support the charity and follow my progress at matt.kettlewell88 on Instagram.

Matthew Kettlewell with some happy locals on one of his adventures.

When did you become an expedition leader and what are some of the expeditions you’ve led others on?

After years of going between jobs, I started leading youth expeditions for various companies around the world. After a while I was leading more challenging trips for over companies. I’ve worked in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe leading treks through a variety of environments. I love seeing people experience these places for the first and watching their eyes open to the world 

How does it feel to be #GetOutside Champion and what has been involved in the role so far?

Becoming a #GetOutside champion is amazing. Some of the people I look upto or have inspired over the years are now my fellow champions. It’s just great for us all to share our passion for the outdoors and I love reading people’s messages telling all about their adventures .

Matthew Kettlewell often goes ‘back to basics’ for long periods of time while out on his adventures.