Meet the Team

I was born in Manchester, with the Peak District and the Lake District close enough to feel like an extended playground. Time spent in the hills and countryside from an early age instilled a lasting appreciation for the outdoors — something that has shaped much of my life since.

My love of food and wine also began early. Part of my family was involved in a French wine importing business, and I grew up surrounded by conversations about vineyards, regions and pairings. Mallorca became a regular destination during my formative years, long before I could have imagined building a life and business there.

The turning point came when a childhood friend and I purchased two derelict buildings in Alcúdia’s Old Town — quite a departure from the corporate career I was leading at the time. Those buildings became Hotel Can Mostatxins, a nineteen-bedroom boutique hotel that we developed and ran for ten years.

During that decade, I learned a great deal — not only about hospitality, but about Mallorca itself: its people, culture, cuisine and quiet corners. Most importantly, I learned what guests truly value and how to consistently exceed expectations. I have always been a passionate cook — and during our hotel years, the restaurant was very often where you would find me.

It is a privilege to welcome guests through The Gourmet Hiking Company and to share the mountains, food, wines and lesser-known gems of Mallorca. For me, it is about offering experiences that are authentic and relaxed and create lasting memories— the kind of journeys we would choose for ourselves.

I was born in the UK, but much of my childhood was spent in British Colombia, Canada surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains, which left a lasting impression.

Growing up immersed in wide open landscapes and outdoor life shaped my love of walking and nature. It’s something that has stayed with me ever since. In 2013, Brian and I returned to Ontario for three years with our two daughters, embracing Canada’s outdoor culture once again as a family.

Today, I live in Surrey within easy reach of both the North and South Downs, I still make regular trips to the Lake District — mountains have always felt like home.

While I love the simplicity of being outdoors, I also have a deep appreciation for comfort, beautiful surroundings and excellent food and wine. After a long walk, I firmly believe in a good glass of something chilled, crisp sheets and a memorable dinner — and I know how much those details matter.

Our ten years owning and running Hotel Can Mostatxins in Alcúdia deepened my connection to Mallorca. The island’s landscape, food, wine and warm hospitality captured me completely. I feel incredibly fortunate to now be working once again in the Balearics through The Gourmet Hiking Company, sharing my passion for its mountain trails, flavours and hidden corners with our guests.

Jeremy fell in love with Mallorca and the Serra de Tramuntana on his very first visit to the island in 2013. Over the following years, he returned again and again — exploring its network of mountain paths and eventually completing the entire GR221 route from Andratx to Pollença.

In 2017, Jeremy made a life-changing decision to step away from his career as a criminal defence lawyer in England and move to Mallorca permanently. What began as a passion for the mountains became a profession.

As a guide, Jeremy brings both knowledge and perspective to every walk. His hikes explore not only the dramatic mountain scenery but also the island’s nature, history and contemporary life — from flora and fauna to the human stories that have shaped the Tramuntana. Along the way, guests can expect thoughtful insight, gentle encouragement and, occasionally, an amusing anecdote.

Jeremy particularly enjoys guiding The Gourmet Hiking Company’s small groups, where like-minded guests share a curiosity for landscape, culture, food and wine — combining everything he values about island life.

Outside the walking season, he can often be found exploring trails further afield, particularly in South America and other mountainous regions of the world.

Jeremy Leaning is a registered mountain guide with the Consell de Mallorca (TA/88).

Maeve has lived in Mallorca for over ten years, based in Port de Sóller. Her passion for food and wine has been a defining thread throughout that time, leading her to build a successful business supplying high-quality wines and produce to the island’s yacht industry.

Working with The Gourmet Hiking Company brings together everything she enjoys most — developing gourmet picnic selections and thoughtful wine pairings that enhance the experience for our guests while also championing Mallorca’s exceptional food artisans.

Maeve is particularly passionate about sourcing directly from local markets, butchers, bakers, vineyards and growers. Her focus is always on freshness, quality and variety, favouring independent producers and avoiding chain suppliers wherever possible.