Our Story
Operation Cairngorms was founded by a team of British Army veterans with a clear mission: to provide transformative, wilderness-based workshops, courses, and retreats that support mental and physical well-being.
The project began with Stu and Pip, a husband-and-wife team with over 30 years of combined military service and operational experience in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Following the loss of a friend to suicide, Stu retrained as a bushcraft instructor to create opportunities for others to reconnect with nature, rebuild resilience, and draw strength from the outdoors.
Pip’s personal experience of postnatal depression inspired her to become a forest therapy practitioner, using nature as a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Together, they transformed their 50-acre woodland near the Cairngorms National Park into a safe and supportive environment where veterans, emergency service personnel, and their families can truly thrive.
Today, Operation Cairngorms is much more than just their story; it is a growing organisation dedicated to empowering individuals through the restorative power of the natural world.
The People Behind Operation Cairngorms
Founders
Stu Wright
Founder and Lead Instructor
Stu is a British Army Veteran with 12 years of service in the Royal Dragoon Guards, bringing operational experience from both Iraq and Afghanistan. After retraining as an outdoor and bushcraft instructor, Stu now leads the hands-on workshops, retreats, and courses at Operation Cairngorms. Passionate about using nature to build resilience, he dedicates his time to empowering others through outdoor skills and transformative experiences.
Pip Delamere-Wright
Co-Founder and Forest Therapy Practitioner
Pip, the UK’s first female Army Commando, has over 18 years of military service and operational tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Her personal journey overcoming postnatal depression inspired her to retrain as a forest therapy practitioner. Using her unique combination of military discipline and therapeutic skills, Pip helps participants improve their mental and physical well-being through meaningful connections with nature.
Core Team
Darren Woolley
Now an Outdoor Instructor, former Grenadier Guardsman Darren came through the OPCG program and has since returned full circle to work alongside us. With experience as a bushcraft and outdoor instructor, he specialises in supporting children with additional needs. Passionate about the outdoors, Darren brings energy, empathy, and expertise in bushcraft and mountain biking. His loyal dog Bailey is always by his side — a calm, supportive presence and a valued part of the team.
Karl Steadman
With strong military ties in his family, Karl brings over 20 years of experience in functional fitness and resilience training. Leading Project Momentum, he helps participants build physical and mental strength through outdoor-focused fitness programs.
Karl believes that fitness is for everyone, and specialises in adaptive fitness suitable for all levels, and ensuring that fun is had throughout.
Derek Hunter
Our Outreach Coordinator, and as a Veteran with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by those in uniform, Derek ensures that Operation Cairngorms reaches those who need its programs most. His role is vital in connecting Veterans, emergency service workers, and their families to the opportunities we offer.
Supporters and Patrons
Operation Cairngorms is proud to be supported by individuals and organisations who share our vision for resilience and transformation through nature.
Liz McConaghy
Patron
Liz McConaghy is an ex-RAF Chinook crewmember who has deployed worldwide with the CH47 fleet, including to Iraq and Afghanistan. Part of her role during these conflicts was the MERT medical recovery aircraft for injured soldiers.
Our Objectives
Support Military and Veterans
We provide support to anyone who has served in the military, whether active, reserve, or Veteran. Through outdoor experiences in a woodland environment, our skill-building workshops and retreats offer opportunities to reset, rebalance, and reconnect with nature.
Strengthen Bonds
Our programs foster teamwork and genuine camaraderie, helping participants build lasting connections and a sense of belonging. By working together and sharing experiences, individuals leave with renewed confidence, self-reliance, and lifelong friendships.
Support Family
We extend support to the families of Veterans and serving military personnel, offering inclusive programs to strengthen family bonds and promote well-being.
Support The Transition From Serving To Veteran
We assist individuals transitioning from active service to civilian life, providing a supportive bridge to navigate this process and build a sense of purpose beyond service.
Empower The Community
Through the Momentum Project, we engage our entire community in outdoor functional fitness, resilience training, and coaching. These sessions are designed to improve mental and physical health, creating a space where everyone can thrive together.