WHY I WROTE MY BOOK WILD GIRL

I was incredibly lucky to grow up in Cumbria. The great outdoors has always been the place where I am happiest. My brother and I grew up playing outside for hours: climbing trees that we probably shouldn’t have climbed, and building rafts to float down the river. I have written Wild Girl: How to Have Incredible Adventures because I want to encourage young people to find their happy place outdoors.

I have never been afraid to push myself to try new things, and I don’t think anyone should ever be too scared to have a go. Use your fear, try your best and whatever happens, afterwards you will have learned something new and important about yourself. There is nothing more satisfying than taking on a challenge that others have said is impossible.

That is why I am thrilled to see so many young women owning the outdoors and adventure. I think today is such an exciting time to be a female adventurer and I am inspired by the incredible feats of women such as Anna McNuff (the long-distance cyclist and runner) and Ashima Shiraishi (US rock climber). Boundaries are being broken and there is now space for everyone to discover what drives them and to pursue their passions – whether that’s cycling, walking, running, climbing or wild swimming.

That freedom to be whoever you want to be is very important and I hope that we can show young women that there are many different types of adventure out there, ready and waiting for them. All they need to do is to pack their enthusiasm, curiosity and determination.