We’re committed to working closely with community groups that share our belief the outdoors is for everyone to enjoy and we were delighted to supply Outdoor Adventure Girls with a range of Nikwax Care Kits for their recent, sell-out hiking event.
Outdoor Adventure Girls is the UK’s largest adventure community for women with 100k members nationwide, 14 regional Facebook groups and 20 volunteers, and we’re thrilled to feature an inspiring Q&A with them in this month’s newsletter….
What is the core mission of Outdoor Adventure Girls (OAG)?
OAG exists to bring women together through the power of the outdoors. Our mission is to create an inclusive, empowering community where women can connect, build confidence and explore together. We want every woman to feel that the outdoors is for her, no matter her background, experience or ability level.
What makes your group’s adventures unique or different from others?
Our trips aren’t just about the destination – they’re about the people. While the landscapes are incredible, what makes OAG unique is the community spirit. Many women join solo, and by the end of a trip, they’ve found new friends to share future adventures with. We focus on creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where it’s perfectly fine to be a beginner, to try something new, or to simply enjoy the experience at your own pace.
How did you build your team of event hosts / adventure guides and what qualities do you look for in them?
Our hosts and guides are hand-picked from within the community itself. Many started as OAG members before stepping into hosting roles. We look for women who are warm, approachable, and organised – people who embody the values of OAG: respect for nature, kindness, and inclusivity. An essential is the ability to create a safe, encouraging atmosphere for everyone.
How do you ensure safety and inclusivity for all participants?
Safety is always a priority. We carefully plan routes, provide clear kit lists and work with experienced guides for activities that need technical expertise. Inclusivity runs through everything we do. We choose locations and activities that cater to a range of abilities, we make sure our community guidelines are respected, and we always create space for people to go at their own pace without pressure.
Can you share a story about a time when your group made a positive impact on a participant or the environment?
We often hear from women who’ve joined OAG after a tough time – be it redundancy, a breakup, or simply feeling stuck. One member shared that joining her first OAG trip gave her the courage to travel solo for the first time and ultimately changed the way she saw herself. We follow the Leave No Trace rule throughout all our meetups and events, often leaving spots cleaner than when we found them!
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try an outdoor adventure?
Start small and give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t need all the fancy kit or years of experience. You just need a sense of curiosity and an open mind. And remember, you’ll never be alone with OAG. You’ll be surrounded by other women who are probably feeling the same nerves and those shared first steps often turn into the best memories.
How do you incorporate Leave No Trace principles into your adventures?
We educate members on the basics of Leave No Trace before every trip and meet-up. This means respecting wildlife, camping above fell walls in England and Wales, taking all rubbish away with us, and being mindful of fragile landscapes. Our ethos is simple: leave nature as you found it – or even better.
What are some of the most interesting trips people can experience on an Outdoor Adventure Girls adventure?
One of the best things about Outdoor Adventure Girls is the variety of experiences on offer. Whether you’re brand new to the outdoors or ready to take on a big challenge, there’s something for everyone. All our trips are thoughtfully planned and they are always bespoke – you’ll never experience our trips elsewhere!
This summer we headed to Norway, where we explored forests, kayaked through fjords, hiked iconic peaks, spotted sea eagles, and even took part in a traditional cooking class. It’s the kind of trip that makes you pinch yourself.
For those who love a blend of adventure and comfort, our Summer in the Alps trip is hard to beat. Days are spent hiking in stunning alpine scenery, and evenings are for relaxing in a luxury chalet with spa time, wine-paired dinners, and group activities that bring everyone together.
Our Three Peaks challenges (Yorkshire and National) are all about grit, determination, and teamwork. These are big days out that push your limits, but they’re also where you see the OAG spirit shine the brightest – cheering each other on and crossing those finish lines together.
And then there’s our Summer Campout, which celebrates the simple joys of wild camping. It’s a welcoming weekend where members pitch tents, share campfire chats, and learn the basics of camping responsibly. For many, it’s their first step into wild camping and it’s incredible to see the confidence and friendships that grow in just a couple of days.
Whether it’s summiting mountains, kayaking fjords, or spending your first night under the stars, every OAG adventure is a reminder that you don’t need to be an expert to do something extraordinary.
What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about the outdoors?
That it doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful. You don’t need to climb Everest to feel the magic of the outdoors. A short woodland walk, your first wild camp, or sharing a sunrise on a hilltop can be just as powerful. The outdoors is for everyone, no matter your experience or ability and we’re here to help you on that journey.
If you could lead one “dream” adventure for your group, where would it be and what would it involve?
Honestly, every single adventure we lead feels like a dream. Five years ago, we never could have imagined that a few simple group get-togethers would grow into a community of over 25,000 women, travelling the world together and sharing experiences of a lifetime. From wild camping weekends to hiking in the Alps or kayaking through Norwegian fjords. Each trip is special, and it’s a privilege to see our members making memories, building friendships, and stepping into adventures they once thought were out of reach.
outdooradventuregirls.com
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