The Douro Valley in Northern Portugal, has stunning scenery, steeply terraced vineyards, and sleepy traditional villages. It’s a great place for cycling, especially with an e-bike.
Looking for Christmas ideas for the outdoor enthusiast or armchair adventurer in your life? Here’s my pick of gifts for book lovers, climbers, cyclists, walkers, runners, and more. Updated for December 2024.
Ultimate guide to outdoor adventure activities in England: walking, cycling, climbing, SUP and more. The last in a four-part series, this guide covers county names beginning with S - W (Somerset to Worcestershire).
Ultimate guide to outdoor adventure activities in England: walking, cycling, climbing, SUP and more. The third in a four-part series, this guide covers county names beginning with L - S (Lancashire to Shropshire).
Ultimate guide to outdoor adventure activities in England: walking, cycling, climbing, SUP and more. The second in a four-part series, this guide covers county names beginning with D to K (County Durham to Kent).
Ultimate guide to outdoor adventure activities in England: walking, cycling, climbing, SUP and more. The first in a four-part series, this guide covers county names beginning with A to D (Bedfordshire to Dorset).
As a small cyclist myself, I know it can be a struggle to find bikes in a small enough size. This guide takes you through a few things to consider when choosing a new bike for two-wheeled adventures, and the bikes I found. Also has helpful information for taller riders 😉
Discover fun facts about Yorkshire, celebrating the heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique traditions of England’s largest county. From the history, to the National Parks, and world-famous Yorkshire Pudding, learn what makes Yorkshire truly special.
Being active outdoors in hot weather can affect both your health and performance. Read top tips for hydration, staying fuelled, sunscreen, beasties, and planning ahead.
Sustainable outdoor adventure is about how we travel, and the impact of tourism on our environment and local communities. But it's also about how we can leave the world a better place for the generations to come.
There are hundreds of long-distance walking trails across the UK. Here are some of the best, along with extra links to explore even more.
The UK is full of long distance cycling routes covering all kinds of terrain and distances. Here are 20 ideas for your next bikepacking adventure.
The British trig point has a sentimental hold on our hearts. We love visiting them, especially as they often have incredible views. Find out where 10 of my favourites are located.
The Hebridean Way is a 185-mile route through the remote and stunning islands of the Outer Hebrides. Get all the logistics here, with updated links for 2024.
The Suunto Race is an excellent GPS watch for training workouts and navigation. With base maps and clear AMOLED display, it comes in way cheaper than the competition.
Looking for a GPS watch that fits small wrists and can be used for navigating in the hills. This ultimate guide to choosing a GPS watch includes what to look for, an overview of 8 watches, and a free PDF download comparing 12 watches.
You don’t have to look far these days to find inspirational women outdoors. Many are achieving records as the first person, not just the first woman. Read here about ten amazing female adventurers.
Alston is a great base for walking in the Cumbrian North Pennines. Read about walks covering Cauldron Snout, Cow Green Reservoir, and Alston circular - all taking in parts of the Pennine Way National Trail.
See my pick of 10 awesome outdoor adventure films to keep you inspired this winter. If you like climbing, ultra running, snowboarding, mountain biking, exploring, and more, I’ve got you covered!
Plan an adventure fuelled weekend with my pick of the UK’s mountain festivals in 2024. Online streaming information also included.
On Christmas Eve, with driving rains and gusty winds of up to 60mph forecast, we headed out for a blast of fresh air. This is one of my favourite areas to walk, on open moorland with stunning scenery, but it was a wet and wild one! GPX download available.
This challenging walk across remote moorland had superb views, a surprise encounter with a mountain hare, and an incredible summit sunset. High on my list of favourite adventures.
Looking for nature-inspired and eco-friendly gifts for your loved ones this Christmas? Here are 20 of my favourites.
Did you know that getting outdoors in cold, blustery, and rainy weather can be great for our health. The Dutch and Scandinavians even have words for doing it.
Often overlooked in favour of taking motorway north to the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway is a quiet and unspoiled region of Scotland. Read about 5 outdoor activities in the western most part.
The North York Moors is a perfect location for a mini getaway. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to walk, bike, run, or simply kick back and relax.
There are 15 National Parks in the UK, and they're perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for mountains, moorland, or coastal adventures, get inspired here.
I love dreaming about adventures almost as much as I love going on them. Here are 40 things on my list, from long distance hikes to bike packing, cycle touring, and other adventures.
Most of us who love the outdoors will already have a high awareness of our impact on the environment. But is there anything else we can do to make outdoor adventure more sustainable?
Cycle coast to coast on the Hull to Hornsea rail trail. This flat, 13 mile route is part of the Trans Pennine Trail and mostly traffic-free.
Frequently asked questions about the West Highland Way. How long does it take, how to avoid blisters, what to pack, and more.
The West Highland Way is a 96 mile route in Scotland. It runs from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William. Find out what we thought about our 7-day trip.
The Ethels are 95 hills in the Peak District, mostly over 400m above sea level. Find out more about the Ethels and how to plan walks to tick them off.
This lovely 2.80 mile circular walk starts and finishes in the village of Thurstonland (between Huddersfield and Holmfirth in West Yorkshire).
Read this post to find out what ticks are, where you find them, what to look out for, and how to remove them safely. No pictures of ticks are shown, but links are included so you can look if you want!
Our Friday night wild camp didn’t quite go to plan, but that's what adventures are all about.
Walk: Fabulous circular walk in Swaledale, starting at Usha Gap campsite and going to Keld, via Muker.
The ultimate guide with 10 of the best outdoor activities across Yorkshire.
If you’re heading to the Peak District this summer, check this guide for 10 of the best outdoor activities in the area.
Five top tips for navigating with a map to celebrate National Map Reading Week.
2021 calendar for UK mountain adventure film festivals - including online streaming.
Adventure is about our mindset, curiosity, and the way we approach life. We can have amazing adventures without travelling far from home. Here’s how with 25 ideas and links to help you explore more.
In celebration of Yorkshire Day, take a look at some of the reasons which make the biggest county in the UK so great.
Changes to the Outdoor Girl website will mean more health and relaxation posts. Wahoo!
Why moorland fires are so devastating and how we can prevent them.
If you’re thinking of going on a solo adventure for the first time, read my top tips before setting out.
Walk: Wessenden and West Nab in West Yorkshire. With downloadable route map.
The Hebridean Way is a 185-mile route through the remote and stunning islands of the Outer Hebrides. Get all the logistics here, with updated links for 2024.
How being curious can lead to new adventures in places you know well.
Wondering what and how to pack for a two week bike packing adventure in the Outer Hebrides. Here’s my kit list, per bag.
Bike packing in the Outer Hebrides: South Uist, Eriskay and Barra.
Bike packing in the Outer Hebrides: North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist.
Bike packing in the Outer Hebrides: North Uist and Berneray.
Bike packing in the Outer Hebrides: Barra, Eriskay and South Uist.
Vatersay is a stunning island at the bottom of the Outer Hebrides. It has white sandy beaches, and an unspoiled landscape. We arrived in Barra and cycled to Vatersay, spending two nights wild camping.
We headed out on the bikes for our first wild camp of the year. Then realised we had no way of lighting the stove…
When the snow falls and the beast from the east whips up a storm, why not head out for breakfast?
Walk: Digley to Black Hill Summit, Peak District area of West Yorkshire. Route map available.
5 gifts for the outdoor enthusiast this Christmas.
Five ideas for mini adventures close to home. Ideal for the winter months.
Want to know the best layering system when riding your mountain bike in winter? Here’s what I do.
Walking to the summit of Skiddaw - my first solo +900m summit.
Read about a very (very) wet day mountain biking in the Lake District on the three rivers’ descent.
The Kentmere Horseshoe is a 12.8 mile circular walk, staying high for much of the day. It takes in 9 Wainwright summits and has some of the most incredible views in the Lakes.
Five of my favourite gritstone crags in the Peak District.
Five of my favourite outdoor adventure books by male authors.
Five of my favourite outdoor adventure books by female authors.
Thinking of going wild camping? Here are five tips to help you enjoy the adventure.
Sometimes a solo adventure is just what you need. Read about my first solo wild camp.
Fancy extending the mountain bike season by going night riding? Here’s how my first experience of night riding went.
How an outdoor first aid training course can give you more confidence when heading out into the hills.
Looking for a great cafe in Scotland? Here are seven of my favourites.
Bike packing helped me rediscover my love of cycling after a nasty crash. Read about my first bike packing trip.
Concussion can have a major impact on everyday life. Read how my recovery from a mountain bike crash is going.
Read how cruising down a fire road on the way back to the cafe for tea and cake ended up with a trip to the local hospital.
New walking guidebook: Walking in the Upper Dearne Valley. Researched and written by Jacquie Budd (Outdoor Girl).
Mountain bike route around Ladybower in the Peak District. With route map available.
Ten Christmas ideas under £20 for outdoor enthusiasts.
Are you a summit bagger? Or do you go out into the hills for a different reason?
Ten must have items for your next camping trip.
Looking for Christmas ideas for the outdoor enthusiast or armchair adventurer in your life? Here’s my pick of gifts for book lovers, climbers, cyclists, walkers, runners, and more. Updated for December 2024.