Gary Daines

Arles sur Tech, French Eastern Pyrenees

International Mountain Leader

I was born in Essex in the UK, a long way from any mountains. But, at the age of 18 I started to travel and work across the world. By my late twenties I decided that sleeping on other people’s sofas or floors and not having anywhere to call home meant it was time for a change. However, I did not want to give up the lifestyle I had grown to love so much – and that is how I fell into expedition guiding. I started to get my certifications and then, in 2009, I moved to Chamonix, France, which became my home.

Three years ago I moved down to the French Eastern Pyrenees to be nearer to my little boy, who lives just over the border in Spanish Catalonia. Here, I can run the trails all year round, and have finally discovered the home of my heart.

I came to trail running later in life. Beforehand, I was always a climber and expedition leader, but when I discovered trail running something changed in me and it’s all I do now! I started racing a couple of years back, but I love being out by myself and doing long distance trails and multi-day fast packing trips. The Pyrenees are very wild and remote compared to the Alps, which is one of the reasons why I love it here.

The mountains changed my life and I truly believe that they bring not only physical, but also mental and spiritual well-being to our lives. To be able to help others step outside of their normal routines and experience that sense of freedom and well-being on the trails is very special for me.

I also love to talk and laugh, and guiding is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life, share some very special moments and make a lot of new friends.

Chamonix Valley

Pyrenees