Meet Max — Founder of MellowJourneys

From a young age, I’ve been an adventurer — perhaps it runs in my genes. My great-grandfather was a trapper and big-game hunter in northern Canada who owned the first aeroplane in the region. My grandfather was a bush pilot and ornithologist who discovered ancient Native American sites. My father lived with the Tahltan and Kaska Indians in the Cassiar Mountains and travelled across Canada and Europe in search of the late Leonard Cohen.

I grew up on the edge of a small village in Alsace, France, in an old farmhouse surrounded by forests and a murmuring creek. Alongside my five siblings, I spent my childhood outdoors: tracking animals, building tree houses, fishing, foraging, and exploring endlessly. Those early experiences gave me a deep appreciation for nature, life, and freedom — lessons I carry to this day.

My own journeys have taken me to 24 countries across five continents, from Mexico to China, Senegal to Bosnia. Along the way, I’ve learned to embrace new cultures, challenges, and ways of living.

Settling in England, I discovered my passion for teaching children. Working as a science teacher in Birmingham, I noticed how many children lacked opportunities to connect with nature. They were afraid of dirt, rain, and snow, and had little experience climbing trees, balancing on logs, or stargazing. I wanted to change that.

From humble beginnings — building a wildlife garden and outdoor classroom at a school — MellowJourneys was born. Over the years, I’ve grown it into an outdoor education initiative, offering small-group adventures, camping trips, forest-school activities, and hands-on workshops.

I love seeing children grow through experiences that are simple yet transformative: reaching the top of a hill, catching a trout, or lighting their first fire. It’s moments like these that make the adventures truly worthwhile.

I invite you to join us — step outside, explore, and discover your own adventure.

Lukas Max Widrig
Founder, MellowJourneys

‘My mission is to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for nature by guiding small-group adventures and hands-on experiences.’