Our Story

Our Story

At Tracks&Dales, we believe in the transformative power of the outdoors. My journey began with a passion for helping others, from organising charity events in retail to volunteering at climbing walls. This passion led me to pursue rock climbing outdoors in 2017, after which I completed several beginner and safety courses.

By sharing my love for climbing with friends, I realised my calling: teaching and guiding others in nature. In 2021, I became a Rock Climbing Instructor, followed by earning my Mountain Leader Qualification in 2022.

Inspired by the names of my childhood Golden Retrievers, I founded Tracks&Dales to highlight the mental health benefits of outdoor activities. While our team at Tracks&Dales are not mental health professionals, we are dedicated to the belief that nature can play a vital role in improving mental well-being. We understand that taking the first step to join an outdoor activity can be daunting. At Tracks&Dales, there’s no pressure: our goal is to create a positive experience, no matter how small.

Through activities like climbing, we offer participants a fresh perspective, allowing them to focus fully on the task at hand and momentarily escape daily stresses. We believe these experiences can empower individuals to carry newfound skills into everyday life.

We recognise that mental health is serious and that some days can be challenging. If you ever feel overwhelmed, professional help is available. For more information on accessing support, please click here.

“I set up Tracks&Dales in 2022 to showcase the natural mental healing powers of the outdoors.” - James Garner, founder of Tracks&Dales

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