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How I Became a Specialist Luxury +Adventure Ranch Travel Writer

 

 

Hello, I'm Kate and for 14 years, I’ve worked behind the scenes of some of the guest ranch industry’s most respected platforms, including Top50 Ranches and Ranchweb


Along the way, I’ve developed a deep understanding of guest ranch culture, ranch vacation travellers and the kind of storytelling that inspires people to saddle up, and experience the West for themselves.

But here's a little bit about who I actually am behind the words!


  • I’ve specialised as a ranch vacations writer for 14 years, and have ‘cowgirled’ in Montana, Mexico and Wyoming. Loved every second
  • After graduating from university in 2015, I was ecstatic to land my dream job as firstly Products Editor, then Assistant Editor, for the UK's No: 1 equestrian monthly glossy magazine, Horse&Rider UK
  • I personally interviewed and wrote about many UK equestrain athletes, including legendary U.K. Olympic Showjumpers John Whitaker MBE and Michael Whitaker; Tim Stockdale; Olympic Eventer Lucinda Green and more
  • I’m Cambridge University-certified (CELTA) to teach English as a second or foreign language and have a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Leisure Marketing.
  • In 2013, I set up my freelance writing + editing business, solo travelled around South East Asia, never looked back. Best decision ever! Now, I choose to live and work remotely, travel frequently and absolutely love being able to do the job I adore, anywhere in the world
  • 'Vanlife' is also my passion and I own a Mercedes Sprinter campervan conversion named 'Sadie'. When I'm not travelling the world, I love to travel my home country, the UK in my rolling home
  • My pet hates are alarm clocks and van break-downs
  • I try as much as possible to live ‘eco’/green/zero waste/plastic free – we don’t have a Planet B! I'm a proud Ambassador for UK-based organic skincare company, Green People and am passionate about natural skin- and planet-friendly products. Click the link and get 10% off Green People Organic Skincare!

Kate Hammaren

Kate Hammaren wine tasting in Sonoma

Kate Hammaren scuba diving Philippines

Kate Hammaren Bitterroot Ranch

Between the Lines: Kate’s Story

Kate Hammarén is a freelance travel writer & editor from the UK, with a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Leisure Marketing, and 20 years' experience in the industry – 13 self-employed.

Before becoming a freelance writer, Kate was formerly Assistant Editor for leading equestrian magazine Horse&Rider UK. She then worked in Marketing for a high-end cosmetics company, but decided to launch her writing and editing business in 2012 so she could embrace her true passion: travel.

As an original Digital Nomad, Kate lived in and explored the Philippines for seven years, and has visited 35 countries, including Mexico, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean islands, the Maldives, The Gambia, The Republic of Cabo Verde, Finland, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, Borneo, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Cook Islands – to name but a few!

She has visited the Californian wineries of Sonoma and the Napa Valley a few times, and was invited to Kentucky to learn and write about the Kentucky horse racing scene. 

Also wearing the (Stetson!) hat as Managing Editor and Membership Director for Gene Kilgore's leading ranch vacations websites Top50 Ranches and Ranchweb for the past decade, Kate was blown away by her travels to the U.S. and Mexico, and has made a few trips to experience ranch life, cowgirlin' in Montana, Wyoming and on a real Mexican rancho.

Kate's expert advice on ranch vacations is also featured on boutique luxury Wyoming ranch, The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch's blog, where she guest writes a monthly article on all the important things you need to know when taking a luxury ranch vacation into Cowboy Country!

Returning permanently to the UK, Kate took her freelance travel writing & editing business to the road in her Mercedes Sprinter campervan 'Sadie', covering much of the country after lockdowns were lifted.

Currently exploring South West England with her partner, when she's not doing vanlife, Kate can occasionally be found 'house-dwelling' as a professional house and pet sitter for her side-hustle company, WKD House & Pet Sitting.

Kate loves to wind down by walking, exploring, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, reading, cycling, cooking, horse riding, practising yoga and scuba diving, and enjoying the sunset with a good glass of red.

 

Kate Hammaren Freelance Writer & Editor