Blake guiding the next generation in the annual Gents Trek

At CN&CO we believe in the power of mentorship, the beauty of the outdoors and the importance of conservation. Each year, our own Blake Dyason partners with the Cape Leopard Trust through his side hustle, Love Our Trails, as the guiding partner for the annual Gents Trek. This unique initiative brings young men into the Cederberg wilderness, offering them a challenging, transformative journey that goes beyond hiking. It’s about building character, respecting nature and developing future custodians of our natural world.

The Cape Leopard Trust’s Gents Trek is an annual mentorship journey that invites young men from various communities to step into the wilderness, push their limits and discover more about themselves and their surroundings. This year, Blake’s role as the guiding partner has been pivotal. His responsibilities include setting the route, ensuring the safety of all participants and, most importantly, mentoring these young men as they transition into adulthood. Through this trek, Blake has the chance to teach the participants about trail navigation, environmental stewardship and the principles of safe and respectful hiking.

The Cederberg Mountains, with their rugged beauty and rich biodiversity, set the stage for this incredible journey. It’s a place where participants can disconnect from daily routines and truly connect with themselves, each other, and the environment around them. For many of these young men, it’s their first time exploring such remote areas, making Blake’s guidance invaluable.

But Blake’s mentorship extends beyond navigation and trail knowledge. He’s there to instil life lessons, helping these young men gain confidence, resilience and respect for the environment. As they trek through the breathtaking landscapes, Blake encourages them to think critically about the impact of their actions on the environment, the importance of preserving our trails, and how they can contribute to conservation efforts.

“The wilderness has a way of teaching us things we can’t learn in the classroom,” Blake says. “Out here, they face real challenges and it’s my job to guide them, not just on the trails, but through these learning moments.”

Building future custodians of nature

One of the core goals of the Gents Trek is to nurture young leaders who will become custodians of South Africa’s rich natural heritage. Through hands-on learning, these young men gain an appreciation for conservation that will hopefully inspire them to protect and respect the environment long after they leave the Cederberg.

Blake’s work with Love Our Trails aligns perfectly with this mission. By promoting trail conservation, he has already inspired many South Africans to take ownership of their natural spaces. His partnership with the Cape Leopard Trust on the Gents Trek brings this mission to life, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the participants themselves.

“The trek is challenging, both physically and mentally,” says Blake. “But it’s precisely these challenges that make it transformative. Participants learn endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills as they navigate the rugged terrain.”

Blake’s presence ensures that they face these challenges with confidence, knowing they have a guide who understands the land and respects the journey.

Through Blake’s mentorship, these young men leave the Cederberg with more than memories; they gain an appreciation for nature, a sense of responsibility and an understanding of what it means to be a steward of the land. These experiences shape them as they step into adulthood, prepared to become leaders who value both their communities and the environment.

“Every young person deserves the chance to experience the wilderness, to push their limits, and to realise their own potential,” says Blake. “I’m honoured to be part of this journey with these young men, guiding them not just through trails, but through life.”

Join the journey

CN&CO is fully behind Blake’s efforts to inspire and educate the next generation. Stay tuned for more stories from the trail, and consider how you, too, can play a role in conserving and cherishing our natural world.

To learn more about the Cape Leopard Trust and Love Our Trails, or to support these causes, visit Cape Leopard Trust and Love Our Trails.