Amy, being bold and building outdoor confidence
Confidence in the outdoors isn’t something you’re born with. It’s built—step by step, climb by climb, fall by fall.
Amy knows this better than most. She’s climbed 226 Munros (and counting), taken on remote hikes, and now, she’s adding mountain biking to her growing list of outdoor skills. But she’ll be the first to tell you, she wasn’t always this confident.
Growing up with a mountaineer dad and an ultra-runner mum, adventure was always part of her life. But there’s a difference between tagging along and leading the way. Between following and knowing you have the skills to take care of yourself.
That’s why she’s passionate about helping more women step into adventure, because confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build by showing up, taking up space, and learning as you go.
Overcoming the Fear of Being a Beginner
One of the biggest barriers for women in adventure sports isn’t strength, skill, or ability—it’s the fear of looking like a beginner.
Too often, women are told that if we’re not naturally good at something, we shouldn’t do it. That struggling means we’re not meant to be there. That adventure spaces—whether it’s climbing walls, mountain trails, or bike parks—aren’t built for us.
Amy knows that feeling. But she also knows that the only way to belong in adventure is to take up space in it.
“Being a woman should never be a barrier to exploring the outdoors. The outdoor community is welcoming and supportive—regardless of gender.”
For her, confidence didn’t come from waiting until she felt ready. It came from learning new skills, making mistakes, and proving to herself—one challenge at a time—that she could handle whatever the outdoors threw at her.
Learning to Lead: Confidence Through Climbing
my has spent years in the mountains, but the moment she truly felt independent in the outdoors was when she led her first climb… completely on her own.
“When I was 24, I finally plucked up the courage to lead my first climb completely independently—placing my own protection into the rock as I climbed. Once I reached the top and set everything up safely, my dad simply said: ‘My work here is done.’”
That moment changed everything. Climbing isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about trust. Trust in your gear, trust in your technique, trust in yourself.
“Climbing can be a daunting activity to get into and is often considered dangerous. The ‘what ifs’ play a huge part in your confidence and head game. But relatively speaking, climbing is very safe if you know what you’re doing.”
The hardest part? Getting started.
“The skills behind placing protection aren’t difficult; they just require practice and judgment. That judgment takes time to build, but booking an instructor or guide can help you learn in a safe environment.”
Her advice? Start small, build skills, and don’t let fear stop you.
- If heights make you nervous, try bouldering—it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get into climbing.
- If you want to climb outdoors, book an instructor or join a group—having support makes a huge difference.
- If you’re feeling unsure, remember that confidence doesn’t come before experience—it comes because of it.
Her most memorable climb wasn’t about difficulty. It was about connection.
“In April 2024, during my first holiday with my now-boyfriend, we climbed under the Spanish sun and completed a multi-pitch route. As we reached the top, he told me he loved me and asked me to be his girlfriend.”
Some climbs change the way you see yourself. Others change the way you see life.
Trying Something New: Stepping Into Mountain Biking
Even after years of climbing and mountaineering, Amy knows what it feels like to start something completely new.
“I would consider myself a beginner when it comes to mountain biking… but I instantly fell in love. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of flying solo down muddy trails—I feel like such a strong, independent woman.”
Starting something new is always intimidating. But for women, it often comes with an extra layer of self-doubt.
❓ Will I be taken seriously?
❓ Will I embarrass myself?
❓ Will I look like I don’t belong?
Amy didn’t let those thoughts stop her.
“I started small, practicing at local trail centers, seeking advice, and slowly building confidence. Now, I’m riding some of Scotland’s best trails, proving that stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real magic happens.”
Because that’s the real lesson: you don’t have to be perfect to belong. You just have to start.
The Power of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Amy’s journey isn’t just about climbing, hiking, or biking. It’s about pushing through discomfort, taking up space, and proving—to herself and to others—that women belong in adventure sports.
One of her biggest challenges? Taking on four Munros in one day—Ben Lui, Ben Oss, Beinn Dubhchraig, and Beinn a’Chleibh.
“Navigating through remote terrain on my own made me feel incredibly strong and independent. It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone—it was about proving something to myself.”
That’s what adventure is really about. Not being fearless—but learning to trust yourself.
Why Women Need to Take Up Space in Adventure
Outdoor sports have historically been shaped by men. Women have had to fight for representation, for access, for the confidence to step into these spaces without feeling like outsiders.
The only way to change that? Step up. Take up space. Do it anyway.
That’s exactly what Amy is doing. Not just by pushing her own limits, but by helping others push theirs. Through guided hikes and outdoor experiences, she’s making sure more women feel confident stepping into adventure spaces.
Because if the outdoor industry won’t make space for women, we’ll make it ourselves.
