Our Story

Meet Matt: Founder and Head Instructor

Matt Hale - Profesional Outdoor Instuctor for over 15 years

Hello, I am Matt. I am a qualified Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), and Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Assessor. Alongside other outdoor qualifications.

For the last 15 years, I have worked as a professional outdoor instructor. I have guided walkers across featureless UK moorlands, led overseas expeditions, and been directly involved in high mountain rescues. Through all of this, I noticed the exact same patterns. Walkers were heading into unpredictable weather with a deep fear of getting lost, often relying entirely on a phone battery that was rapidly draining.

I started Bondringo back in 2016 with one clear mission. I wanted a way to teach people how to keep themselves safe in the outdoors, empowering them to get the absolute most out of their adventures without the anxiety.

Making Elite Instruction Accessible

I know firsthand that not everyone can afford private sessions with a quality instructor. Furthermore, many beginners feel rushed or intimidated learning these critical skills in a mixed group practical setting.

Bondringo is the solution to that problem. It is a way to give as many people as possible the chance to learn exactly what they need to know through high quality online courses. You get the space to grasp the complex theory before you ever set foot on a wet, windy hillside.

The Evolution of Bondringo

What started purely as an online navigation course UK has now expanded significantly. After years of development and a major platform relaunch, we have transformed Bondringo into a comprehensive digital outdoor academy.

We champion a modern approach to the outdoors. Our curriculum bridges the gap between digital convenience (using your phone GPS effectively) and traditional safety (paper map and compass skills).

Today, Bondringo offers:

  • Step by step online courses: Covering everything from foundational map reading to emergency protocols and NNAS Bronze online prep.
  • Access to elite level coaches: We now provide online video analysis sessions and direct, personalised coaching.
  • Interactive learning: Advanced digital methods to build your muscle memory from the comfort of your kitchen table.

Join the Community

My goal is to help you stop relying on a group leader to guide you. I want you to feel completely confident planning your own routes, whether you are tackling the local hills or bagging Munros.

We have much more content and new outdoor activity modules coming soon, and I look forward to seeing you inside our community.

Online Map Reading Course

Matt's Blog Posts

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