IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ADVENTURESSES

The Himalaya

Red Chilli Adventure (00 91 705 570 0021; redchilliadventure.com) offers an eight or ninenight Wild East Adventures trek through the pristine wilderness of Chang Tang, the high plateau extending through Tibet and into Ladakh, where Isabella Bird sought freedom. Conducted at high altitude (up to 17,000ft), it negotiates two major passes before entering Rupshu and the land of the Changpa nomads – people of Tibetan origin who live in encampments of black yak-hair tents and earn a living by breeding yaks, sheep and Pashmina goats. How: Fly to Delhi. From there, flights depart daily to Leh, where you will be met. How much: From £410 per person, including tent accommodation, camping gear and all meals.

The Amazon

Cuyabeno National Park, in Ecuador, has a dazzling variety of neotropic wildlife – from river dolphins, caymans, anacondas and monkeys, to bird life, including hoatzins, toucans, harpy eagles and parrots. The most authentic place to stay is Cuyabeno Lodge (00 593 99 980 3395; cuyabenolodge.com.ec), set in the dense forest where explorer Isabela Godin got lost. It is home to three ancient, indigenous tribes – the Siona, the Secoya and the Cofan – who receive funding from lodge stays. How: Fly to Quito, then travel by road over the Andes to Lago Agrio. There, lodge staff will collect you for the last 60 miles of the journey, partly by road and partly by canoe.

How much: Three nights (four days) in a thatched cabin with a private bathroom cost from £290, including all meals and the use of boots and a poncho.

Patagonia

A tour with Wild Women Expeditions (00 1 888 993 1222; wildwomen expeditions.com) may hit the spot if you are thirsting for an adventure like Lady Florrie Dixie, who rode across Patagonia in 1878. On this 11-day horseback riding adventure, led by professional female wrangler guides, you will venture into the vast and rugged heart of the Andes on a strong and sure-footed Argentine Criollo, travelling up river valleys to their headwaters, along the shores of a deep alpine lake and over mountain passes with spectacular 360-degree views.

How: Fly to Neuquen Airport in Argentina where staff from Wild Women Expeditions will collect you. How much: From: £2,966 for 10 nights full-board, based on shared accommodation in lodges or camping, and including all equipment.

Cumberland

If you are after a womenonly adventure, Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel. com) offers trips to Mongolia, Pakistan and Iran. Closer to home, Isabella Bird would have approved of this year’s Women’s Activity Holiday in the Lake District. On this seven-night (eight-day) adventure, there are introductions to hill walking, Nordic walking, aerobics, kayaking on Derwentwater and circuit training, as well as gentle yoga and Pilates. Be prepared for a lot of fun, storytelling and banter. How: Travel to Buttermere by road or rail.

How much: From £695 per person, including accommodation at Hassness Country House.