A Carlisle business owner has found freedom in the great Cumbrian countryside as he takes on new role as a mountain guide. 

Luke Jackson, 34, is striking the balance between work and setting a good example for his children with his new venture Stoked Adventures.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Luke, co-founder of Bruce and Luke's and partner at Foxes Cafe Lounge, found himself looking for something that would give him more meaning.

"For me, it was about setting a good example," he said.

"Be happy with my life, show my kids how I live a life that I'm fundamentally enjoying.

"Economics is important, but so is life."

Luke, who qualified in November, has quickly built up "a reputation as someone that was reliable on the hill."

He acts as a calming presence on the mountain paths in the Lake District, and beyond, easing people's nerves as they tackle the rugged environment.

"I love it though, calming people down and making people feel good about being in hard environments is amazing."

Businesses can work with Luke for corporate events to help with team cohesion but he also works one-on-one with people who are looking to bring a little more adventure into their lives.

That could be through a half-day hike or a multi-day adventure.

"I took a lady up Scafell the other day and it took us eight and a half hours, which is like double what it should," he said.

"And she achieved something wonderful.

"It was a hard day, it was a slow day, but helping people achieve something wonderful was ace."

His experience of running successful businesses for the last 15 years have helped him build up his 'soft skills' which are invaluable for him as a mountain guide. 

Luke said: "You just get good at communicating and managing people and that's everything.

"Obviously growing your business, you get under a lot of pressure, so you get used to it. You get used to managing pressure and stress."

There are many perks to getting to work in the breath-taking Lake District and getting outside so often.

Luke loves it all, but his favourite things in particular are the "sense of freedom, adventure, noticing how small you are in the world," he said.