About the Author of the Site
I'm Mathis Bernard, founder and lead writer of Borderhike Co. I grew up drawn to the edges of places — the meeting points between land and sea, pasture and peat, forest and field — and I spend as much time as I can exploring Britain's wild borders. Through evocative nature writing, practical hiking guidance and landscape photography I aim to share the pull of these marginal places and help others move through them respectfully and confidently.
My background blends field experience with a lifelong appetite for natural history. I trained in outdoor leadership and have logged thousands of miles on foot across coastal cliffs, upland peatlands, woodlands and cross-border routes in Britain. Along the way I've learned to read terrain, judge weather and choose kit that works in real conditions — knowledge I pass on in the Guides and Gear sections of the site.
Photography is central to how I tell stories. I shoot handheld and from the ground, favouring light, texture and small moments of wildlife behaviour that reveal a place's character. My aim is not only to make attractive images, but to encourage careful observation: noticing tracks, seasonal change and the quiet signs of ecology that deepen a walker's understanding of a landscape.
Conservation informs everything I do. I write about how to reduce impact on fragile habitats, why peatland restoration matters, and practical steps walkers can take to support local wildlife and communities. I believe outdoor recreation and conservation must be partners — enjoyable access carries responsibility — and I use Borderhike Co. to promote low-impact travel, ethical photography and local conservation initiatives.
On the Trails and Wildlife pages you'll find route ideas, species notes and seasonal reading to plan meaningful days out. In Gear I test kit in real-world conditions and give straightforward recommendations for clothing, packs, navigation and camera equipment suited to Britain's variable weather. The Guides combine route planning with safety advice, map reading tips and variations for different abilities so you can focus on the walk itself.
I write in a practical, sensory style: enough detail to keep you safe and prepared, and enough atmosphere to make you want to lace up and go. If you have route questions, want advice on equipment, or would like to suggest a place or project for me to cover, I’m always happy to hear from fellow walkers, photographers and conservation-minded readers.
Thanks for visiting Borderhike Co. — I hope my words and images inspire you to explore Britain's wild edges with curiosity, care and a sense of adventure.