Meet camper christopher
Christopher is from the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. He shares his story about how he found confidence, adventure & friends through his Trails & Roots journey…
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I never thought of myself as much of a traveller. Growing up, my family didn’t take holidays abroad, we explored Ireland instead, and while those trips were lovely, the idea of venturing farther never crossed my mind. My first flight wasn’t until my late 20s when I flew to Manchester to see Manchester United play. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking! I went to New York for my 30th birthday, but travelling solo, especially somewhere foreign, felt far out of my comfort zone.
That all changed just before Christmas a few years ago. The holiday season is a tough time for me, with many loved ones no longer around. So, on a whim, I decided to spend Christmas alone in Vienna. I didn’t plan much; I just booked an Airbnb (which turned out to be perfect) and rented a car. I spent ten incredible days wandering the city, visiting museums, and marvelling at how beautiful everything was. Sometimes, having no plan is the best plan. That trip gave me the confidence to push myself even further. A few months later, I signed up for Trail Camp Chamonix, my first trip with Trails & Roots. It was completely outside my comfort zone, and I was really nervous. But I thought, “If Vienna was amazing, why not try this too?” |
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I’ll never forget arriving in Chamonix on a sunny Sunday. The mountains towered above me, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunlight. Paragliders floated through the sky like colourful specks. I couldn’t stop smiling - it felt like stepping into a dream. I was nervous when I first arrived at Camp, surrounded by strangers in a completely new place, but the warm smiles, hugs, and energy from everyone put me immediately at ease. Plus, the food—wow! Delicious treats everywhere!
The week in Chamonix changed me. I climbed higher than I ever thought possible, ran alongside incredible people, and left feeling fitter and more confident than ever.
One standout moment was running the final section of the infamous UTMB route, with Mont Blanc visible in all its glory. It was an unforgettable day.
After Chamonix, I went to Trail Camps Slovenia and Cape Town, each bringing new challenges and unforgettable memories. In Slovenia, I tackled steep trails I didn’t think I’d manage and marvelled at sunrise views that felt like they belonged in a dream. In Cape Town, I navigated challenges (like climbing Table Mountain with an injured foot!), soaked in the icy ocean, and laughed endlessly with my fellow Campers. |
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These trips weren’t just holidays—they were life-changing experiences. They taught me to embrace the unknown, trust in the process, and push past the limits I’d set for myself.
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For anyone who’s nervous about taking the leap and signing up for a Trail Camp - don’t let your doubts hold you back. Whether you’ve never travelled much or feel shy about meeting new people, the Trails & Roots team will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. You’ll leave with new friends, incredible memories, and a confidence you didn’t know you had.
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Favourite Trail Camp Routes!?
- Chamonix: This was tough to narrow down, but my favourite route has to be Le Tour. It was my first experience running above 2,000m, and now I’m hooked—I don’t even like running lower than that anymore! It was also the first time I dipped into glacier water. Let’s just say, it was freezing but unforgettable.
- Slovenia: This one’s nearly impossible to pick, as every day was epic in its own way. If I had to choose, though, I’d go with the mini-Via Ferrata route. The climb was exhilarating, and I loved the flowy run back down, topped off with apple pie, which was the perfect finish! Also, the sunrise run where Spela told a story about a chamois and then one just appeared in the trees, as if by magic!
- Cape Town: I will have to go back and run all the routes, but I’ll always cherish the day spent with Garth (what a lovely guy!) and the moment I got to see and smell the penguins up close. Yes, smell them—they’re unforgettable in more ways than one!
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Favourite Trail Camp Food!?
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The food at Camp deserves a special shoutout. It’s like eating at a 5-star Michelin restaurant every mealtime! There’s so much to choose from, but my absolute favourites have to be Chef Lily’s cinnamon rolls and also the chocolate cake in Cape Town. That chocolate cake was out of this world—rich, decadent, and topped with strawberries. I had second helpings at every single dinner, which says a lot since I’m not normally a plant-based eater at home.
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Final Words?
If you’re feeling nervous about signing up for Trail Camp, feel the nerves & do it anyway!
Take it from someone who once doubted they could do it—sometimes, the best journeys start with a simple “Why not?”
Take it from someone who once doubted they could do it—sometimes, the best journeys start with a simple “Why not?”
Have any questions for us or our Campers?
