Dan Graves

Dan grew up in Devon on Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast; and has always used the outdoors as a place to learn, push himself and build community.

He brings:

• Outdoor and endurance experience

  • Hill & Moorland Leader, National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Assessor, PTL3, Outdoor and Mental Health First Aid, Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (Sport Scotland.)

  • Multiple ultras and marathons in challenging environments (Sahara (UltraX Morocco), Arctic Circle, Egypt, Brecon @winter, John Muir Way, Liverpool–Manchester, across the UK, and in the States).

  • Hiked/ ran many Munros, famous rounds, Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) in UK and Alps, and in every UK national park. Paddleboarded much of the south coast, hiked and road tripped in Africa, Peru (Salkantay, Amazon), Thailand, US and most of Europe.

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• Youth work, leadership and education

  • Undertook teacher training in Scottish secondary schools (Business) through the University of Glasgow, including Masters‑level education coursework, classroom placements, and expert‑led workshops on safeguarding, assessment, social justice, inclusion, policy, relationships, motivation, questioning, and adolescent mental health and development/ Additional Support Needs (ASN).

  • Army Reserves for 3 years, Risk & Conflict Management diploma, and Foundations in Sustainable Development (University of Richmond).

  • Scout Explorer Leader in District Duke of Edinburgh/Hill/Events Teams.

  • Junior Regional Orienteering Squad (JROS) Exec Board member, coach on JROS Deeside camp, former Clyde Orienteering committee member overseeing development of Orienteering in Greater Glasgow, BOF Young Volunteer of the Year and Clyde Chair Award recipient (2 consecutive years). Previously worked as FVO Club Development Officer organising beginner activities. 

  • Founder of Glasgow Uni Trail Running & Orienteering Club (BOF University Club of the Year). Event organiser for fell series, training camps and local races, including the inaugural Auchengillan Winter Trail Race and Glasgow Uni Sprint and Indoor Orienteering: both  ~100 participants. At University, treasurer for several years of the 350 person hiking soc.

  • Extensive work with primary schools delivering maps, permanent courses and full‑day orienteering sessions; as well as dev projects with East/West Dunbartonshire councils to get young people outdoors and navigating.

  • Camp Wachusett staff (overseeing advanced campcraft/survival course and overnight hikes as well as instructing water sports, and riflery.) 

  • Volunteering projects in Ghana and Uganda (Anti‑Malaria project, teaching English and Maths, construction, water safety, community development and microfinance), as well as road tripping, hiking, rafting and surfing in Africa.

  • Operations volunteering with Invictus Games (Team Bath), BUCS cycling in Glasgow, and several large running events. Strong track record in grant/sponsorship activation and partnership work. Previously worked in operations/ customer relations role at Exeter Airport.

Professionally, Dan has a MA Management & Philosophy from Uni of Glasgow and spent a year in Finance and corporate life (Tax at Morgan Stanley).

He sees adventure as a way of life - a mindset of curiosity, rational risk‑taking, reflection and using the outdoors as green therapy for resilience, confidence and connection.

His purpose at GRIT is: to use hills, trails, maps and journeys as education – helping young people and ambitious adults train their minds like muscles, find clarity in chaos, and build values‑driven lives beyond screens and walls.

Alex Chant-Stevens

Alex grew up in Devon, with Dartmoor and the coast as his playground, and has built a life around mountains, skiing and youth adventure.

He is a purpose and results-driven, strategic, and energetic people person who thrives on challenge, variety, and making a difference.

He loves challenging himself, inspiring and developing others and bringing his values, experiences, and passion to the 'classroom'.

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He brings:

• Ski and mountain experience

  • Qualified ski instructor with seasons in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan, teaching a wide range of ages with strong feedback on safety, fun and progression.

  • Skilled in coaching tricks and performance, and skied competitively in three Freeride World Tour Qualifiers. 

  • Vast experience and genuine love for hiking and camping across the UK and Europe, including OMM in the Alps, Greek mountains and winter ascents.

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• Youth leadership and outdoor work

  • Experience with PGL (archery, fencing, orienteering etc.).

  • Instructor at Torquay Dry Ski Slope.

  • Customer‑facing roles alongside construction, and hotel/restaurant cooking in the Scottish Highlands.

  • Love for languages, culture and history (German, French), with a strong interest in using language and local knowledge to deepen travel experiences.

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Alex heads up marketing and much of the creative side of GRIT: found behind the camera with a passion for photography, working on policy, and designing the feel of the self‑guided packs and future ski/winter bases.

He is super excited to help you plan and book an authentic ambitious and safe trip, perhaps skiing or in the mountains, and make sure you get the most fun from it!

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