From Trail Snacks to Alpine Tracks
After years of visiting the Alps for skiing, Tim Taylor and Lisa Clarke - the duo behind Chia Charge - decided to see the mountains in a new light. This summer they joined our Hiking in The Alps, Chamonix, swapping running shoes for hiking boots and discovering a slower, more scenic side of the Alps. We caught up with them to talk about mountain life, food, and the simple joy of being outdoors.
What inspired you to come to the mountains for your first walking holiday?
Lisa: I’ve always loved being outdoors - it’s where I feel most myself. I grew up in the countryside, and being outside was just part of everyday life, whether that was helping on the farm or exploring with friends. I’ve never been someone who can sit still for long! The outdoors has become a kind of therapy for me - fresh air, movement, scenery, and that sense of peace you only get when you’re surrounded by nature. We’d only ever seen the Alps in winter, covered in snow, so when I spotted this Tracks and Trails trip, it felt like the perfect way to experience a different side of the mountains.
Tim: I’ve always loved being active, but my real connection with the outdoors developed later in life. Once I started trail running about 20 years ago, that was it - I was hooked. Getting out into the hills gives me time away from work and screens. Even bad weather doesn’t bother me. I’d wanted to see the Alps in summer for years, so when Lisa found the trip, I jumped at the chance.
You’re both used to endurance running - how did you find the pace of a guided walking week?
Tim: I’d been keen for ages to try a classic hut-to-hut hike, but Lisa wasn’t quite convinced yet. So when this trip popped up, I thought: this is my chance! We could take things easy, enjoy the scenery, and see if we’d want to do more in future. The week was just right - a good introduction, especially as Lisa had recently run a 50-mile race and was recovering from an injury. My plan is to play the long game and make the Alps a regular summer tradition for us.
Lisa: I was a little nervous about whether I’d picked the right level of trip, but it turned out to be spot on. The group dynamic really added to the experience - hearing everyone’s stories, swapping ideas for future trips. It felt relaxed, not competitive, and gave me space to really enjoy being out there.
How did you find walking with a guide for the week?
Lisa: Chris, our guide, was brilliant. He knew everything - the local wildlife, the landscape, and all the little details that make the walks come alive. He adjusted routes when things changed, like when a lift wasn’t running, and it all felt seamless. I felt totally safe the whole time, which made it much easier to relax and take it all in.
Tim: Having a guide completely changed the experience. Normally, when I’m running, I’m focused on the next hill or the next checkpoint. But hiking at a steady pace gave me time to really notice what was around me - the flowers, the valleys, the way the light shifts on the mountains. It was slower, but somehow more rewarding.
You both run Chia Charge, can you tell us how it all began.
Tim: It started about 13 years ago. I’d taken a career break and was running marathons at the time. I was experimenting with chia seeds because I’d read about their benefits, and I decided to make my own energy snacks. The first attempt was a powdered drink – it didn’t go down too well! – but then I made flapjacks with chia seeds, and that was it. I took them to a local baker who had to buy butter specially for me. We just wanted something simple, wholesome, and tasty.
Lisa: That’s still our philosophy today. We keep the ingredients real and minimal – oats, butter, chia seeds, golden syrup, sea salt – all things you’d find in your own kitchen. No strange additives or unpronounceable words. When we later added protein bars, it took ages to get the recipe right, but we stuck with our principles: natural, satisfying, and delicious.
For anyone who’s not sure - what’s so special about chia seeds?
Lisa: They might look tiny, but they’re nutritional powerhouses! They’re full of omega-3, fibre, and protein, and when you soak them, they develop a gel-like coating that slows digestion. That means you get a slow, steady release of energy and stay full for longer - perfect for long walks or runs!
Tim: And because they naturally contain electrolytes, they’re great for hydration too. I used to get terrible calf cramps during marathons, so we added a touch of sea salt to the flapjacks. It really helps with recovery. It’s simple food that works.
Who’s eating Chia Charge these days?
Tim: Our customers are mostly outdoor people – trail runners, hikers, cyclists, and everyday adventurers. A third of our business is direct from our website, so we really get to know many of them. Some have been buying from us for years. It’s amazing how many of them share our love of being active and eating real food.
Lisa: And people are becoming more aware of what’s in their food. We’ve always believed that if you can’t recognise or pronounce an ingredient, you probably shouldn’t be eating it! Our customers value simplicity and trust us to keep it that way.
After Chamonix, what’s next on your adventure list?
Tim: It’s definitely not the last time we’ll be in the Alps! I’m heading to Scotland soon, and we’re hoping to be back in the mountains next summer. Maybe that hut-to-hut trip is finally on the cards.
Lisa: I think this trip opened my eyes to how beautiful the Alps are in summer. I’d love to see more – maybe a few days in Switzerland or Italy next time. It’s just such a lovely way to travel – slow, connected, and full of moments you don’t forget.
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In winter, we offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while in summer we would encourage you to join us for hiking, and trail running.