Emma & The Team

All of our events are led by certified instructors & because of our own experiences of the physical & mental benefits of being outdoors we are all deeply passionate about creating a safe space to inspire & encourage others to get into nature.

Whether it is picking some edible plants on a hike or sharing our knowledge on how ancient glaciers carved out the lake we are paddling on, our goal is to really connect you to our natural environment & maybe teach you some skills along the way!

Emma

Founder / Mountain Leader & Paddle Instructor

Hey I’m Emma, I’m a qualified Mountain Leader & SUP Instructor from Hull, Yorkshire. I have a huge passion for exploring nature and outdoor activities. Over the last 15 years I have travelled 53 countries to absorb different landscapes, cultures, meet many diverse people and try lots of fun outdoor hobbies.

The whole of my working career has been as a Procurement professional in the corporate world but in December 2021 I made the decision that would change my life forever. I handed in my notice and hit the road travelling for one year How Vanlife Transformed My Life – Love, Joy & Belonging. This gifted me with time and space to really think and reflect on what I’m passionate about and where I want to spend my time and energy.

It was during this time that I founded Women Outdoors. Women Outdoors’s mission is to break down confidence and financial barriers that prevent women from getting outside, trying new things and meeting new people. Women Outdoors creates a safe space for all women, provides financial support were required and teaches the community about conservation, flora & fauna & outdoor skills.

If you would like to know more about my journey and creating Women Outdoors go to My Blogs

Sarah

Adventure Co-ordinator / Mountain Leader

Hi, I’m Sarah, I grew up in Devon and Cornwall, where my love for the outdoors began with hiking the coast and exploring the wild landscapes of Dartmoor. Over the years, I’ve walked the Camino de Santiago and the South West Coast Path, and I’m now gradually making my way along the Wales Coast Path, step by step. I also enjoy travel, surfing and embracing any adventure that gets me outside.

I’ve completed my Mountain Leader training and am preparing for my assessment, while currently undertaking a year-long foundation in outdoor education leadership. Since 2021, I have organised and led Womens hiking retreats to share the joys of the outdoors with others. After 20 years working in event production and management across the arts and commercial sectors—from festivals and universities to big brands and charities—I’m now dedicating my energy to my true passion: helping people connect with nature, have fun, and experience adventure. I am excited to be working with Women Outdoors

Bryony

Mountain Leader

Lakes & Yorkshire Dales

Hi, I’m Bryony, aged 42, and I’m fortunate to have lived in The Lake District National Park since childhood. My passion for the mountains led me to becoming a qualified Mountain Leader and Trail Runner, enabling me to share my knowledge of the place I call home, and providing the opportunity for others to discover this wonderful area.

My background is computer graphics; however, I love to travel and am at my happiest being in the mountains, often with my King Charles Spanel, Charlie! I’ve visited lots of different countries hiking, biking and snowboarding – basically if there’s something to get me outdoors, I’m there – I love it, and sharing the outdoors with others is a joy!

I work alongside Emma as a Women Outdoor’s guide on weekend hikes, wild swims and Navigation Courses in The Lake District. I love encouraging ladies to gain the confidence to step out of their comfort zone, get outside, and enjoy all the health benefits this brings. It’s so rewarding when ladies exceed their expectations, walking further than they thought possible, or climbing that fell they first thought impossible! All with the support of other likeminded ladies, challenging themselves!

Judith

Paddle Instructor

Peak District

Hiya, I’m Judith, aged 34, and I own an Outdoor Adventure Business in Tamworth. I started my outdoor career as a paintball marshal and realised the outdoors was a much more fun place to work than my previous warehouse role! I then landed an Outdoor Adventure Apprentice position in Yorkshire when I was 21 and never looked back! I progressed to managing adventure centres in France and The Emirates, and now own my own business teaching everything from bushcraft and archery to paddleboarding and kayaking!

I’ve always loved the outdoors, but spending time in New Zealand got me well and truly hooked! My role is so rewarding, getting people to try something completely new, and enjoy these outdoor adventures as much as I do. The best bit about my job – the buzz I get when others realise that they can do something they never thought possible!

This is why I enjoy working with Women Outdoors so much as a Paddleboard Coach! I love Emma’s ethos of getting women to conquer their fears and enjoy spending time outdoors. For me, the best thing about paddleboarding, is it’s more about technique than strength, so it’s something all ladies can try! Many ladies turn up feeling nervous or apprehensive, so to see them smiling out on the water is simply wonderful!

Julie

Mountain Leader

Peak District

Hi I’m Julie and I’m based in the Peak District, I’m a Mountain Leader, a regular runner and also enjoy climbing and mountain biking.

My passion for the outdoors and adventure began in my early 20s when, as a complete novice, I decided to tackle the Pennine Way. Little did I know, this would be the start of a journey that would take me on countless long-distance challenges—not just across the UK, but also in Africa and the Himalayas, exploring some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes.

I feel at peace with the world when I’m immersed in nature—it makes me happy, and my hope is that I can inspire and help others to experience that same sense of freedom and joy. Nowadays, I enjoy regular walks in the Peak District with my little dog, Henry. He’s not able to go very far these days, but he still loves being outdoors, and we both appreciate the simple pleasure of a quiet walk together.

More recently, I’ve become involved with the Winter and Summer Spine Race as a volunteer on the Safety Team, as runners challenge themselves to continuously run the 268 miles along the Pennine Way in just one week. Working with Emma, as a Women Outdoors guide means I’m able to support other women on weekend hikes by providing a safe and supportive environment for those who might not feel confident to explore the mountains on their own or who want to challenge themselves with something more technical. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing other women achieve something they thought was impossible, helping them realize their own strength and capabilities.

Joe

Mountain Leader

Snowdonia & Yorkshire Dales

Hey, I’m Joe, aged 32, and was fortunate enough to meet Emma when we completed our Mountain Leader assessment together. Based in Liverpool, I’ve been walking in the countryside since I was a baby really, and especially love Eryri National Parks where I do lots of my mountain leading, as well as helping with the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

I love everything about the countryside, particularly in Wales from the ruggedness of the glacier mountains, right down to the intricate details which others often miss. I really enjoying giving back, pointing out the alpine flowers, flora, mushrooms and generally teaching people about everything that surrounds them. You’ll often see me at the Women Outdoors Wildflower Events!

I decided to train as a mountain leader when out walking with a mate who was already qualified. When I realised, he got paid to do what I love, I thought amazing, I need to this too and never looked back! Up until recently I have been working for the Local Authority, delivering events for schools, but I’m soon to start a new role at an Outdoor Education Centre in Anglesey and I can’t wait to get started!

Its amazing being able to help with Women Outdoors, I think it’s great what Emma does, it’s such a good idea! Taking down those barriers to help women build confidence and get outdoors is just great! I really enjoy meeting people from all different walks of life on the walks, from businesswomen, to nurses, teachers, and students. Everyone is always so friendly and its always such a nice environment for women to connect with each other!

Megan

Mountain Leader

Peak District

Hi, I’m Megan, aged 30, and I’m a qualified Mountain Leader, fortunate enough to assist Emma at Women Outdoors in The Peak District, alongside my day job in engineering. The outdoors is so much more fun!

I was raised in Devon and was introduced to Dartmoor from a young age, but I first fell in love with the mountains during a holiday to the Pyrenees when I was about 10 years old! In addition to my guided Mountain Leader hikes, I now love the thrill of high-altitude expeditions in various parts of the world, such as the Alps and Himalayas.

I got into hiking around ten years ago and became a Mountain Leader two years ago, when I was encouraged to do so by other leaders, who said my friendly personality and Mental Health First Aider training, paired perfectly with leading expeditions. There is nothing better than a good chin-wag whilst walking in the countryside!

Outside of Women Outdoors I work alongside schools assisting with Duke of Edinburgh exhibitions, and regularly get involved in charity challenges for a range of excellent causes.

I particularly enjoy working with Women Outdoors to see the sense of fulfilment and enjoyment that the ladies experience at the end of each walk. They may not feel they can reach the summit of a mountain but seeing them reach their own personal summit is so rewarding for me. It doesn’t feel like a job – I love it! Watching ladies push themselves, the processes they go through, whilst pushing and supporting others in a comfortable setting is incredible. I’m so proud to be a part of it!

Jemima

Mountain Leader

Peak District

Coming Soon

Laura

Mountain Leader

Peak District

Hi, I’m Laura. I’m 32, based in Sheffield, and happiest when I’m outside—preferably somewhere with big views and good company. I qualified as a Mountain Leader three years ago and now alongside my job in education sustainability work with schools on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions alongside Women’s Outdoors.

My connection to the outdoors began early with family hiking and camping trips, carried on through Scouts, and grew again at university when I discovered climbing. Since then, I’ve worked as a climbing instructor, in the outdoor clothing industry, as a geography teacher, and as a mountain leader—balancing work with time spent climbing, fell running, highlining, and occasionally surfing.

I’ve also recently joined the BMC’s EDI panel, where I’m focused on widening access to the outdoors and supporting more inclusive practice across the sector. I care a lot about helping people feel at ease outside and love sharing my passion for the outdoors with other people, creating an environment where people feel confident, happy and safe in the outdoors. A place where people feel confident and welcome.

Katie

Mountain Leader

Peak District

Coming Soon!

Ellie

Mountain Leader

Scotland

Hi folks, I’m Ellie and I can’t wait to work with Women Outdoors! I’m 28 and currently completing a PHD in Biomedical Engineering. Alongside that, I’m fortunate to work as Mountain Leader in the stunning Scottish Highlands!

My passion has previously been kayaking, which I coach too, however, a shoulder injury limited my kayaking somewhat. Always keen to be outdoors in the mountains, I started to enjoy multi day hikes and wild camping – it’s awesome! I just love the hills, the scenery and the adventures! So much so, that I wanted to be able to share this with others and completed my Mountain Leader training. I’ve loved leading hikes up Ben Nevis and can’t wait to work with Women Outdoors on the West Highland Way!

I’m really looking forward to hanging out with girls who share these similar interests, meeting people from all different backgrounds, showing them around this stunning area and having a good old natter along the way!

Emily C

Mountain Leader

Snowdonia

Emily’s bio is coming soon!

Emily T

Mountain Leader

Peak District & Snowdonia

Hi everyone, I’m Emily and I’m lucky to live between the Peak District and the South Pennine Moors. I’m a qualified Summer and Winter Mountain Leader and recently qualified as an International Mountain Leader too. I’ve got over 15 years experience working in the outdoors, training people in outdoor skills and leading groups on adventures. Whilst I love leading guided hikes, my passion is teaching people the skills to have the confidence to lead their own adventures. I love inspiring people to be outdoors and seeing them get hooked on the bug of adventure that only self-reliance in the elements can bring. I regularly teach navigation and hill and mountain skills courses and always keen to share my knowledge.

I’m also a qualified Mindfulness Instructor, and I’m passionate about sharing that the outdoors can benefit the mind and not just the body. I run mindfulness walks and forest bathing activities.

I am a regular hiker and mountaineer both in the UK and overseas, and a keen fell and ultra runner. I love to travel and experiencing new cultures, and I’m also a trainee dog handler in my local Mountain Rescue Team, so you might just get to meet him on a hike!

Christel

Mountain Leader

Lake District

Christel grew up in the French countryside, where exploring the outdoors was simply part of everyday life. From family wild camping trips in the Alps and the Pyrenees to adventures in Corsica, Nepal, and now the Lake District she calls home, her love for the great outdoors has only grown deeper.

As a Mountain Leader, Nordic Walking Instructor, and Forest School Leader, she’s happiest when helping others discover the joy of being outdoors—whether that’s a gentle woodland walk or a trek across the Tunisian Sahara. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Christel brings warmth, curiosity, and a sense of adventure to every journey.