And now in my 50s, after a couple of health scares, including cancer, I’m grabbing the chance to live my life once again in the out of doors, both because I love it, and because it will repay me (and you) many times over in terms of the benefits to our physical and mental well-being.

And I aim to bring along with me as many like-minded women as I can.

I’ve been a canoe coach since 1996 – which is a long old time. And have walked in the hills of the UK since I was 15 – which is even longer ago. I’ve seen and experienced changes along the way, but the one change we’ve not yet fully embraced is the lack of women enjoying the benefits of the outdoors. So let’s put that right together. 

I’m not saying women don’t and can’t enjoy the out of doors, the adventurous sports, the beauty of the hills, but in my experience, we are in the minority – so whatever the barrier, let’s break it down, and get out more, with like-minded women, who want to join together to walk and paddle and enjoy the benefits of community and the joys of nature.