Making your mountain dreams achievable realities

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About

"My passion is to show others that the outdoors belongs to all of us, they are a privilege indeed, but not just for the privileged. There is great personal reward helping people perform safely in the mountains. There’s nothing better than witnessing a client’s journey from our initial consultation to the summit. That sense of fulfillment is what drives me every day."

"I started in the mountains over three decades ago, using them for both challenge and escape. they are a healing force, deadly if disrespected, but by respecting the mountains we focus entirely on the present, a much needed technique in todays world of high distraction. My favourite quote that resonates with all that we do is simply - climb mountains not so the world can see you but so you can see the world"

"My clients are at the heart of everything I do. Their success, growth, and safety are always my top priorities."

Gareth Cook (ML)

Raven Mountaineering, under the guidance of Mountain Leader Gareth Cook, is dedicated to helping individuals and groups conquer their mountain goals and enjoy the wide ranging benefits of outdoor experiences.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility we cover all UK mountain ranges, offering personalised guiding and coaching services that cater to all levels of adventurers.

We are passionate about getting as many people into the outdoors as we possibly can, the outdoors is a privilege not just for the privileged.

Qualified Mountain Leader
Trained and assessed by Bryn Williams (WMCI, IML, RRT)
Enhanced DBS checked and subscribed to update service.
FREC 3 Medic
International experience
Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme Expedition and Assessor qualified
Eryri Gold ambassador
Bannau Brecheiniog Gold Ambassador

Consultation

At Raven we want you to feel in control of your goals. Our first consultation with you will involve looking at your plans and goals, from there together we will co-create the ascent or trip of your dreams.

You may have an idea already or you have just decided that you want to get out there and challenge yourself, either way we will look at options, including how to best prepare for your chosen challenge with us. Equally, you may be experienced and just wish to add an additional layer of safety and assurance, again, we are here to help you achieve your goal.

The mountains are a place of 'high consequence' without a full understanding of the inherent and dynamic risks. We will ensure your safety and control risk so you can focus on achieving your goal. Contrary to popular belief you don't need a history in adventure, you just need a positive approach and belief in yourself. We already believe in you!

Blog

Reflections from the mountains: Lessons from International Trekking and Adventure

There’s something about standing on a mountain peak halfway across the world that changes the way you see everything, your surroundings, the people around you, and ultimately, yourself. Over the years, I’ve trekked and climbed in places as diverse as the misty hills of Sri Lanka, the towering peaks of Nepal, the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, Spain, Vitosha Mountains in Bulgaria and Romania, Crete, and even San Jacinto in California. Each journey has left its own mark, teac

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Let’s talk about who you are, In a world that rewards polish over honesty, authenticity has become one of the greatest challenges. It’s not something you simply find, it’s something that you build, layer by layer, through experiences, both positive and negative, you need some hits to grow, that’s fact.

Age brings perspective. Travel expands empathy. The mountains teach humility.

And failure, that’s the most important component that reminds us growth often hides behind discomfort.

Each moment of struggle, discovery, and renewal is part of a lifelong process of rewilding, returning to what’s real, learning to evolve with intention, and embracing the lessons that shape us into something truer.

Authenticity isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment, mind, body, and purpose, moving as one and silencing the chatter and negativity of others. Most people can only view the world through their own experience, remember that when they tell you that you can’t do something they’ve never done themselves.

Movement, we must move, however small the steps, however uncomfortable it is, move. Only then will you begin to grow into who you are and who you want to be.

Move confidently in the direction of your dreams and be the person that encourages others to truly live.

You are the author of your adventure story and the book is a constant work in progress, when it is all done who will read your book and what would the core message be?

#RewildResetEvolve #AuthenticLiving #mountains #ModernAdventure #GrowthThroughChallenge #LifeLessons #MindfulExploration #TheEvolvingJourney

Revisiting past adventures for my DLOG and found this moment from Sri Lanka, a reminder of the country’s raw, untamed beauty. 🌿✨

Every trek, every journey leaves something behind in you, a lesson, a memory, a sense of wonder that never really fades.

Wherever you are, make time to travel, to explore, to reconnect. To experience different cultures and ultimately to grow as a person.

The world is waiting. 🌍

#RewildResetEvolve #AdventureAwaits #SriLankaTrek #MindfulExploration #TravelToEvolve #OutdoorLife #AdventureMindset #RewildYourSoul

The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them.

#adventure #adventuremotorcycle #royalenfield #himalayas #himalayan #royalenfieldhimalayan #indian #indianhimalayas

Love this photo taken on assessment with @brynwilliamswmci and @sam.bradshaw.coaching in the spring.

This photo was a grabbed opportunity, but, serves as a timely reminder that the days are getting shorter.

Night navigation is far from easy and is a skill that requires practice and attention to detail. It’s important to recognise that timing is crucial and if you are heading out in the shorter days be sure to make sure you plan ahead for your winter adventure

Plan for shorter daylight hours, it will get dark quicker if the skies are overcast. Set out in good time, carry a torch, even if you intend to be back long before the dark descends; check your batteries before setting off and carry spares.

Gather relevant information about where you are planning to go right up to the planned day and then throughout your trip.

Check the latest weather and ground conditions before you set off – take advice, only attempt a trip if the conditions are within you and your companions’ capabilities.

If in doubt, alter your plans or go with a qualified guide.
Be flexible – there’s no shame in changing your plans. Choose a different route or turn back if the forecast doesn’t look too clever; if the weather closes in unexpectedly or if the conditions turn out to be more difficult than you’d expected.

#beadventuresmart #mountains #mountainleader #cardinalblack #navigation #mountainguides #eryri #wales #snowdon #snowdonia

Well, today feels like autumn has well and truly arrived, so before the clocks change here in the United Kingdom it feels like time for a bit of reflection. What an amazing spring and summer it’s been in the mountains. Long days, excellent weather and hopefully many memories made.

It’s normal to feel a bit flat as the nights get longer, but now is the time to plan more adventures, get time with your people and then get training for those adventures. Viktor Frankl said: Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.

Try and create your purpose.

Tomorrow @a_wilder_paramedic, myself and others who I’m looking forward to meeting, will begin a journey with @thetherapyadventure on the first ever outdoor and adventure therapy level 4. For me, I feel that’s it’s a consolidation of years of experience of using the outdoors as an intervention for those who experience difficulties in their lives. Aside from the mountains I’ve been very privileged to lead and to help those in first response and public sector roles, the world needs thoughtfulness and care right now, and as I add another layer ready for the next chapter I am looking forward to sharing some of that journey with you.

#mountains #mountainleader #outdoortherapy #firefighter #mountaineer #wales #eryriambassador #cymru #mountaintrekking #mountaintraining #firefighterscharity #fireandrescue

The Himalayas are the world’s highest and youngest mountain ranges, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, and are still growing taller. They are home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and contain the third-largest store of ice on Earth. The range is also a vital watershed, feeding major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra, and supports incredible biodiversity.

But more importantly if you are a westerner the Himalayas may change you in the following ways:

A sense of perspective: The sheer scale of the mountains can make visitors feel small and insignificant, which can help quiet ego and reframe daily problems.

Greater resilience: Navigating the physical and logistical difficulties of the journey fosters a greater sense of resilience, grit, and confidence.

Deepened gratitude: Simple comforts like a warm bed, a hot meal, and a cup of tea become luxuries, leading to a deeper appreciation for everyday things that are often taken for granted.

Stronger human connection: The shared experience of a challenge can foster powerful and spontaneous connections with fellow climbers and local guides.

Renewed purpose: The journey often prompts introspection, encouraging visitors to confront inner fears and desires and return with a renewed sense of purpose and self-awareness.

So, as the nights become longer in the UK, looking forward to 2026, training and planning is very much order of the day.

Would you be interested in a trek through the Himalayas in 2026?

#himalayas #everestbasecamp #nepal #india #annapurna #manaslu

Solitude and landscapes

Creativity flourishes in solitude, the ability to sit and be, to be present, to shut down the noise.

Life pushes and pulls, various deadlines, chores, responsibilities all conflict with creativity.

Everybody needs some solitude, some reset time, time to reconnect with oneself.

Solitude takes courage also, the courage to listen to yourself and to act.

So, to problem solve we usually need creativity and to get that we probably need solitude. So why do we insist on sitting with the noise frantically rushing from disaster to disaster, when we really need to step into this.

#solitude #mountains #lakedistrictuk #lake #sunrise

I love this image from my recent trip to the Himalayas.

There was so much to be grateful for, and on reflection, nothing more so than every rider bringing their true selves.

@valariekaur said:

“When we choose to wonder about people we don’t know, when we imagine their lives and listen for their stories, we begin to expand the circle of those we see as part of us. We prepare ourselves to love beyond what evolution requires”

Kindness knows no boundaries

Kindness sees no stranger

Love sees no stranger

#himalayas #royalenfieldhimalayan #royalenfield #india #indianhimalayas #adventuremotorcycle #mountains #kindness

The beauty of Eryri

Eryri National Park is a landscape of awe-inspiring beauty – from rugged mountains and tranquil moorlands, to lush green ravines opening out to expanses of golden estuaries. Speckled all over the landscape are traces of times gone by – from castles, fortresses and ancient bridges to slate tips, mines and railways – all standing testament to Eryri’s colourful past and the foundation upon which wales’ unique cultural identity was formed.

The crowning glory is Yr Wyddfa, the mountain sees around 600,000 visitors a year and with opportunities for views like this it’s not hard to see why.

#eryri #eryrinationalpark #eryriambassador #wales #walesadventure #snowdonia #snowdon #mountainleader #mountaineering #cloudinversion

I’ve always loved the freedom of the mountains, the sense of immediate consequence, the enforcement of being present, switched on and engaged.

Since the pandemic, many of us have found ourselves wrestling with the balance of responsibility and truly living. The corporate model now seeing people thinking they’re getting a good deal WFH, when really you’re just sitting in a box all day talking to people about seemingly never ending tasks that will require the inclusion of more people to ensure the task gets bigger whilst never resolving. No wonder you feel tired!

Before the internet, yes in Neolithic times, I used to read Alan Watts when I was in the mountains, his philosophy resonated and has provided a constant connection.

“For unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax.
There is no point whatsoever in making plans for a future which you will never be able to enjoy.
When your plans mature, you will still be living for some other future beyond.
You will never, never be able to sit back with full contentment and say, “Now, I’ve arrived!” Your entire education has deprived you of this capacity because it was preparing you for the future, instead of showing you how to be alive now”.

Alan Watts

#mountain #mountainleader #mountaineering #alanwattsquotes #philosophy

Eryri Feral Goat with Tryfan in the background.

Feral goats have inhabited Eryri for thousands of years, descended from populations introduced by Neolithic farmers around 5,000 years ago. These resilient Welsh Mountain Goats, while not indigenous, have formed distinctive wild herds throughout the rugged landscape.

A constant reminder of the wild nature of Eryri.

#eryri #eryriambassador #tryfan #glyderau #wales #snowdonia #welsh #wilderness

Looking back towards a cloud shrouded summit route on
Mount Psiloritis. This mountain has a history steeped in Greek mythology, where it was the site of Zeus’s birth and protection, leading to its significance as a sacred site.

#mountains #mountainleader #crete #greece #mountida #mountpsiloritis

The best part about taking pictures with your phone is the memories.

One minute you’re figuring out bills and replying to emails and the next you’re reminded of why you do it.

This popped up this morning of summiting a 4000 metre mountain in Switzerland called the Breithorn instantly taking me back there, without the breathlessness or effort 🙂

Keep making memories, keep taking pictures, keep planning, remember tomorrow is promised for no one.

#mountains #mountainleader #switzerland #breithorn #alpine #alpinist #mountaineer #mountainmemories

Sometimes it really is just a case of go for it

Indecision rather than measure, hesitance, rather than thought, all become the enemy

‘If you look closely, you will see that your anticipatory anxiety increases with indecision and decreases with each decision you make. Interestingly, this is true whether your decision is to avoid or, conversely, if your decision is to firmly commit to action no matter what’.

Sally M. Winston,

#livefullynow #adventurebike #himalayas #india #royalenfield #royalenfieldhimalayan❤️

Every single moment spent doing what you love doing will never be regrettable, ever.

Plan mountain trip
Execute mountain trip

Ad infinitum

#mountain #mountaineering #mountainleader #getoutside

Whenever I return from any trip it takes time, time to process, to readjust.

Imagine never being able to take that time, never seeing past survival, never feeling safe enough to feel.

I definitely didn’t come from privilege, I’ve literally scrapped my way through life, skirmishing from failure to failure until a glimpse of success. But what exactly is that success, a car, a house, a corporate job that looks good to the outside world but thieves your soul while you scrabble for recognition.

Well the truth is, depending on the individual, success is unique to all of us wherever we are in life. You are only ever a sum of your experiences.

All you can do is know your own version.

This is mine

#himalayas #india #ladakh #mountains

Adventures need structure, much of it is down to timings and knowing how to plan. Having the right kit is paramount.

I never doubted that the new @helmwatches Togiak expedition would be the perfect adventure companion. Rugged, dependable and unique.

#himalayas #india #royalenfield #helmwatches #toolwatch #adventure #adventuremotorcycle

And it’s back to the wall!

#climbing #bouldering #mountainleader

I love the dogs of the mountains, self sufficient wise souls, a reminder to co-exist and not to own or dominate.

I was lucky to spend some time with this one in the Himalayas recently and I think this photo captures that rare free soul.

‘The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them’.

Charles Bukowski, Tales of Ordinary Madness

#himalayas #indianhimalaya #ladakh #dogsofinstagram #adventure #mountains

I noticed the nights drawing in tonight, we had an amazing summer and some amazing sunsets and sunrises. What was your best memory in the mountains this summer?

#mountain #mountains #mountaineering #mountainleader #mountaineers

Tommy getting some photos, everywhere you look there’s another amazing picture to be had

The highest motorable pass in the world! Umling La or Umlung La is a mountain pass in the Changthang area of Ladakh, India near the village of Demchok. It is on the ridgeline that divides Koyul Lungpa and the Indus River at an elevation of 19,024 feet (5,799 m). It forms the source for the Umlung stream that drains into the Indus and a tributary of the Kiungdul river that drains into Koyul Lungpa. Who would have thought that you can effectively drive up to almost a thousand metres above Mont Blanc!

The spectacular night sky over Hanle

#himalayas #india #hanle #nightsky #stars

Morning walks at 4350 metres definitely awaken the senses

Adventure comes in many forms

#himalayas #india #royalenfield #mountains #motorcycle

The Shanti Stupa, situated over 3600 meters above sea level in Chanspa, Leh, is a revered Buddhist site. Built by Japanese Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura in 1991, the stupa’s white dome dominates the landscape. With the 14th Dalai Lama having enshrined Buddha’s relics at its base, Shanti Stupa attracts tourists and devotees alike, drawn by its panoramic views and profound spiritual significance.

#leh #ledakh #himalayas #buddism #india

Riding the Himalayas

@bikeshedmotoco @royalenfieldrides @royalenfielduk @helmwatches

#leh #mountains #adventure #adventuremotorcycle #royalenfield #royalenfieldhimalayan #helmwatches #india #royalenfield

#mountain #leh #ladakh #lehladakh #india

Acclimatisation and photography

@royalenfielduk #ladakh #leh #adventure #himalayas #india #adventurephotographer

Adventure is calling and packing must commence

@royalenfielduk @royalenfieldrides @bikeshedmotoco @helmwatches

Reflection, connection, perfection

Time to breathe, a weekend well spent

Rain is here!

The heatwave has gone and it’s back to grinding it out in wind and showers!

A coffee and escape from the rain @chatteddington did the trick though

Not long now until I’ll be swapping these two wheels for something a little more powerful in a slightly higher terrain

#cervelo #london🇬🇧 #londoncycling #mountainleader #mountains #himalayas #adventure

Flashbacks like this remind me of the power of mountain weather. This was an August day with soaring temperatures in the valley below.

When it comes to mountain weather don’t get caught off guard!

Learn about the weather and use dedicated services like MWIS and the Met Office for accurate forecasts.

Stay safe by checking forecasts, understanding altitude's impact, and packing essentials. Monitor the weather, stay hydrated, and know when to turn back.

The mountains will still be there another day.

#beadventuresmart #mountains #mountainweather #italy #montebianco #mountaineer #mountainleader #alpinism

May you all experience many evenings like this

Stop the world for a moment

Stop the thoughts

Stop the noise

Reconnect

#mountain #mountains #lakedistrictphotography #lakedistrictnationalpark #lakedistrictuk

A nice reminder @ravenswall

“Better we raise our skill than lower the climb.” – Royal Robbins

I’ve been about for, let’s just say a while, and what I’ve learned is that age isn’t a barrier, it’s a reminder. A reminder that consistent training and lifelong learning are what keep us moving forward, no matter the number on the calendar.

When we stay curious and keep building skills, the climbs don’t have to get smaller, instead we get stronger, more skilled, and more resilient and our world gets instantly bigger.

🔹 Training builds strength and protects against injury.

🔹 Skills sharpen efficiency, so effort goes further.

🔹 Consistency fuels confidence — and confidence keeps us in the game.

I don’t plan to lower the climb. And I don’t want you to either.

Ego and looking back will end everything instantly, yes you used to be able to and no you don’t want to look daft in front of others, oh well, never mind because if you embrace humility, keep turning up and stop caring about how it looks and focus on how it feels you will cross the threshold into a new arena.

This is about you now, not what people think but what you want to achieve. Wherever you are, whatever your age, keep investing in yourself. The mountain will always be there. You are never not good enough and you are never too old! Even if it feels completely unobtainable, that’s just a reminder to focus more on your goal!

#RoyalRobbins #KeepClimbing #StrongerWithAge #TrainForLife #NeverTooLate #mountainleader

The nights are getting longer so make sure you get out and enjoy our wild spaces!

To do this safely don’t forget:

BE ADVENTURESMART
Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:
– Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
– Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
– Do I have the right GEAR?

#beadventuresmart #mountain #ukmountains

🌄 Chasing Sunrises in the Mountains

There’s something deeply powerful about watching the sun rise from the mountains — the world still quiet, the horizon lighting up with colour, and you, standing there, part of something bigger.

You don’t have to be the fittest, fastest, or most experienced to get up there. It’s not about summits or stats — it’s about showing up for yourself. Whether it’s a long hike, a short walk, or a slow steady climb, with the right support, the mountains welcome you as you are.

It’s not always easy — early alarms, aching legs, doubt in your head — but when that first light spills over the peaks, you’ll know it was worth it. Every step, every breath.

🌟 Ability doesn’t define you. Determination does.
The mountains don’t care how fast you go. They just ask that you respect them.

Time to stop putting it off and get out there.

#SunriseHike #MountainsForAll #YouBelongHere #NatureIsForEveryone #RisingWithTheSun #MentalHealthOutdoors #NoBarriersJustSteps #AdventureMindset #GetOutside #RewildResetEvolve

Ankle injuries 🥴 my Physiotherapist today said “no bolognese” or something like that, strange advice but he’s the expert. I mean he could have said no bouldering but that would just be counter intuitive. No bolognese for me!

Plus the music @thefontborough is just too good today!

#bouldering

The Mer de Glacé

When you stand at the gondola, looking down at that glacier far below you have to remember that it once used to be at the same level you are stood at, now it’s 2 km away.

To reach it, you descend 550 steps… and with every step, you feel what’s been lost. 100 m of ice gone in 30 years.

It’s beyond sobering

#MerDeGlace #chamonix #montblanc

Last month the Alps, they are an amazing place to be. It’s days like this that remind you what it’s all about #chamonix #chamonixmontblanc🇫🇷 #aiguilledutour

Consolidation of three decades of First responding and transition to the outside world and client provision. Basically the name of the game.

The joy of alpine starts

#chamonix #chamonixmontblanc🇫🇷 #alpine #alpinemountaineering #alpinism #mountains #mountain #mountainleader

This Heatwave is causing chaos everywhere

Made the decision to bail at 3200 metres on a 3500 metre route early this morning. We made a call on the weather, knowing the implications of a poor decision we turned back. The weather is so unpredictable with some pretty serious storms and lots of routes already out for the season, lots of difficult safety decisions are being made in the alpine environment

Looks like a very tricky season ahead

#chamonix

Home for the night @refuge_albert_1er

#chamonix #chamonixmontblanc🇫🇷

Hanging around

#chamonix #saintgervaislesbains

Ça roule

#chamonix #merdeglace #montblanc

Heatwave you say! I think you may be mistaken

Never try and second guess mountain weather

Always check the weather forecast before you set off with a detailed forecast from the @the_mwis and make sure you are prepared.

Don’t you just love days like this!

#richmond #londoncyclists #londoncyclist #richmonduponthames #richmondpark #cervelo

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Making your mountain dreams achievable realities

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Reflections from the mountains: Lessons from International Trekking and Adventure

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