Case Studies
Tom’s Journey – From Burnout to the Fells
Tom had spent years working under intense pressure in a Michelin-starred kitchen. The long hours and relentless stress eventually took a toll on his mental health, leading him to walk away from his career and, for a while, from day-to-day life. Struggling with anxiety and low motivation, even getting out of bed became a challenge.
When Tom was referred to Tracks & Dales, he was unsure. A few early attempts to go on short walks didn’t come to fruition, his anxiety was overwhelming. But in time, he took the first step and joined us for a walk and climb at Hutton Roof. That day changed everything.
Through our structured outdoor sessions, Tom began to rebuild his confidence. He learned new skills and discovered joy in movement and nature. We supported him to take his climbing further by introducing indoor sessions, which allowed him to build independence in a supportive environment
From there, Tom went on to tackle a challenging walk and scramble in The Langdales. The experience was tough, but it gave him a renewed sense of achievement. Today, he’s set his sights on Helvellyn, a peak that felt impossible just five months ago. Tom is also now back in employment, working at a small independent pub in Ulverston and feeling happier, healthier, and more connected than he has in years.
Daniel’s Reset – Climbing Back to Confidence
David’s Forgotten Fells - Remembering to Heal
Callum’s Journey - From Isolation to Independence
After stepping away from a high-pressure career in hospitality, Daniel found himself stuck. The energy and confidence he once had were gone, and even daily routines felt overwhelming. Attempts to re-engage with life, including joining Tracks & Dales for short walks, didn’t go to plan. Anxiety always seemed to get in the way.
But with time, patience, and gentle support, Daniel joined us for a walk and climb at Hutton Roof. Something clicked that day. He surprised himself with what he could do—and enjoyed it.
That single experience turned into a series of transformative sessions. Daniel began indoor climbing, building confidence in a controlled space while sharpening the skills he’d learned outdoors. A more demanding day out in The Langdales followed, which brought him a huge sense of personal pride.
Now, Daniel is planning to summit Helvellyn, a goal that once felt completely out of reach. He’s also returned to work in Ulverston, this time in a setting that aligns better with his mental wellbeing. Daniel’s story is proof that with the right support and environment, people can rediscover purpose, strength, and joy in movement.
David had spent most of his life walking up mountains across the UK, and had ‘completed’ the Wainwrights 3 times. However, Covid struck and in an extremely rare case, affected his short term memory. David now struggles to remember what he did in very recent events, but can recall days spent on the fells in his youth.
David got in touch with Tracks&Dales through the Carnforth & Milnthorpe Primary Care Network, due to being depressed from not being able to get out walking independently anymore. Through structured walks and open conversation, David is slowly improving his short term memory and his fitness through movement.
His wife, Ruth, is able to to have time to herself when David is out with us and is very grateful to Tracks&Dales for that time. For David, the aim is to eventually complete some of his favourite Lake District hills, including Loughrigg, when the time is right. For now, David is able to complete each walk and talk about more and more things that are more recent, which is a fantastic achievement.
Callum had recently started attending Andy’s Man Club support groups in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Callum started attending due to ‘loneliness and depression’ and knew he needed to change.
Tracks&Dales offers outdoor activities to all Andy’s Man Club participants, so Callum took the big first step and got in touch with us, as he has always wanted to discover the Great Outdoors, as he knew it would benefit his mental health, but never knew how.
After an initial chat, it was evident that Callum would benefit from time spent outside on walks and climbs throughout Cumbria. Callum explained he is lonely, and would like to socialise more through nature. Tracks&Dales explained how our structured sessions will enable him to become independent and safe in the outdoors, as well as help him meet likeminded people to share his stories and adventures with.