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, teaching me lessons I could never have learned at home. But, it was at home where the foundations were firmly built.

Looking back, the British mountains were my training ground. The Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands may not compare in scale to the Himalayas or the Alps, but they are wild and can be unpredictable, they should never be underestimated and many a global expedition has been trained for in our mountains.

Early adventures paved the way for a life of exploration - Eryri 2000

From early on, mainly through error, I learnt fundamentals of reading the weather, navigating rugged terrain, pacing myself over long days, and staying mentally resilient when conditions get tough.

These skills proved invaluable when I found myself in unfamiliar countries, facing trails I had never walked before. British mountains taught me that preparation, observation, and respect for the terrain are as crucial as physical fitness, lessons that travel with you no matter where you climb.

One of the most powerful parts of international trekking is how it immerses you in culture. In Nepal, I watched local communities perform daily rituals in the shadow of the Himalayas, feeling the deep connection they had to the mountains and then in Bulgaria, I learned the subtle rhythms of life in small mountain towns. These experiences remind you that mountains aren’t just landscapes, they’re part of people’s lives, histories, and identities. This transfers directly back to the United Kingdom where the environment has a direct reflection on the culture.

High in the Himalayas above EBC

Adventure comes in many forms, and some of my most memorable lessons have come from combining different types of exploration. My recent trip to the Indian Himalayas with Royal Enfield and the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club is a perfect example. Navigating remote mountain roads on motorcycles required the same resilience, awareness, and planning as trekking high-altitude trails—only on two wheels. Route planning, risk assessment, communication, and adaptability were all essential and delivered perfectly by the Royal Enfield team, just as they are on a multi-day trek. These cross-transferable skills and experiences, from motorcycling to mountaineering, have reinforced the importance of preparation, mental flexibility, and teamwork in any adventure.

Operating internationally also sharpens practical skills. From managing logistics and navigating foreign transport systems to understanding local regulations and weather patterns and languages, every trip becomes a masterclass in adaptability. Communication, patience, and problem-solving often matter more than strength or stamina, and learning to work with local guides, or fellow adventurers, becomes part of the journey itself.

Sled dogs in Finland, probably one of the best adventures ever

Perhaps the greatest gift of international trekking and adventure is the reflection it fosters. Being far from home, on trails you’ve never walked, or roads you’ve never ridden, forces you to face challenges alone and adapt quickly. You learn resilience, humility, and curiosity, not just about the world, but about yourself. Every summit, every long day, every unexpected turn along the path is a mirror showing what you’re capable of and what you still have to learn.

All of these experiences, trekking, climbing, and adventure riding, have made me a better guide. They’ve taught me how to read terrain, anticipate challenges, and support others while fostering curiosity and confidence. They’ve shown me that adventure is not just about the destination, but about the journey, the people you meet, and the skills you develop along the way. Each trip leaves me more aware, more adaptable, and more inspired to help others explore and connect with the mountains and the world around them.

Indian Himalayas 2025

It is now my privelege to pass on some of my skills and knowledge to others, i am passionate about helping people achieve past their imagination. My journey may look like its been priveleged, but I come from a very humble, and some may say, difficult background. its the ability to write your own adventure story and to prioritise that story which ultimately shapes us.

Happy adventures

Gareth