International Mountain Leader (European Alps)

Diane McGuinness

Diane has had a passion for mountains and for the outdoors from an early age. She spent some years in the English Lake District, running a large accommodation centre and also leading customers (especially young people on their first visit to the hills) on hikes. In 2005, Diane decided on a change of scene and moved to Italy, where she spent several years building up a formidable knowledge of Italian mountains, culture and customs as well as becoming an enthusiastic connoisseur of Italian food and wine.

She now lives in Chamonix in the French Alps and is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader and trekking guide. When not trekking the European mountains, Diane can also be found leading cultural trips in Italy and France where she indulges her passion for history.

Diane has completed the Tour du Mont Blanc numerous times, and hopes to complete many more. It’s impossible to get bored on this trek, there is so much variety and so many fabulous views. Her favourite section of the Tour du Mont Blanc is the Italian Val Ferret for its unrivalled views of Mont Blanc.

Diane loves introducing her guests to the Alpine wildflowers, which are absolutely amazing (especially in June and early July), the glaciers tumbling precipitously from 3000m above the trail and the cosy refuge dining rooms and outside terraces where you can sit with a drink before dinner and admire the stunning scenery.

Diane also designed out unique itineraries in the Italian Dolomites and loves sharing her unrivalled knowledge and insights.

Diane loves to give RAW Travellers the experience they are hoping for – be that photography, history, local, culture, food and wine, or the physical challenge. Clients who have been guided through the Dolomites by Diane consistently rate her as one of the best things about their experience!