From Algeria to Zimbabwe – an extraordinary route to the Norfolk Coastal Path
Norfolk woman changes career to promote walking and glamping
Ginny Wilson-North has followed an odd career path, even by Norfolk standards. She started out as a hairdresser, running a successful salon, and ended up as a disaster-area rescue worker for RAPID UK, deployed to earthquakes in Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia. She’s also part of the Red Cross’ psychosocial support team, helping British nationals who’ve been involved in crises overseas, this has taken her to Algeria, Calais and Zimbabwe. Now her career path’s taken yet another turn: she’s setting up a walking and glamping (glamourous camping) holidays company, specialising in the Norfolk Coastal Path.
How does walking and glamping compare to some of her previous activities? “I guess the biggest disaster area I was involved in was the Pakistan earthquake in 2005,” says 48 year old Ginny, who lives in North Norfolk with husband Mark. “Our team was the first to arrive and one of my jobs was a helicopter reconnaissance over the most devastated region (ITN’s Mark Austin was on board, too). That ended up as a three-day mission, leading the local search and rescue teams to the worst affected areas and helping set up medical facilities.
“So it’s certainly a change of direction! I love walking, especially with our dog. I love camping, too. So this new venture seemed the natural thing to do. The Norfolk Coast is so beautiful and peaceful – walking the path is fantastically therapeutic. And glamping is so popular right now. Our holiday will be a tonic for anyone who needs a break, or who just wants a bit of exercise along with their relaxation!”
Ginny’s company, MarGins, is offering three holiday options: a three day, 38 mile walk from Cromer to Hopton-on-Sea; a four day, 46-miler from Hunstanton to Cromer; and the full 84 miles of the Norfolk Coast Path from Hunstanton to the Suffolk border, taking six days.
“We set up glamping accommodation each day, and transfer the luggage for our walkers, so they can get on with enjoying the scenery,” she says. “We’re very keen on supporting the Norfolk economy, so we supply a hamper of local produce each day for breakfast.”
Does she miss the old days? “Well, I’m still involved in the psychosocial support team for the Red Cross, so I’m keeping my hand in! But setting up MarGins has been a blast. We’ve had lots of help from all sorts of people, and initial feedback from our first customers has been very positive, so it’s fingers crossed!”
MarGins Walking and Glamping Holidays is based in Colby, North Norfolk. For more information visit www.walkandglamp.co.uk.
Margins can be contacted direct by email, info@walkandglamp.co.uk, or phone +44 (0)7787 534809.
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Press enquiries:
Ginny Wilson-North, +44 (0)7787 534809 or info@walkandglamp.co.uk
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