Welcome to August, which, if you didn't know, is National Wellness Month, a time to reflect on the ways we care for our minds, bodies, and spirits. For many of us, wellness isn’t found in gyms or green juices, but in something much simpler - just getting outdoors.
It’s easy to picture summit selfies, multi-day hikes, or finish-line photos at epic endurance events. But the truth is, there's no one way to enjoy being outside - and there’s certainly no right way. Whether it’s climbing a mountain or sitting by a river with a flask of tea, getting outdoors offers something powerful: space to think, time to slow down, and a chance to reconnect with ourselves.
For many women, finding their own path in nature has nothing to do with speed, performance, or distance. It’s about listening to what they need in a moment - and honouring that. Below, we share the stories of four women, all with different approaches to the outdoors, but united by one thing: they go outside for their wellbeing.
Jenny Tough – The Endurance Adventurer
Jenny Tough is known for her solo running expeditions across mountain ranges on six continents — but what stands out most is her philosophy. Jenny’s adventures are not just about pushing physical limits; they’re a means of self-discovery and emotional resilience. She speaks openly about how time in nature helps her process emotions, build confidence, and feel empowered in a world that often underestimates solo female adventurers.
For Jenny, being outdoors is about challenge and change — but also about connection and freedom. Her path might be rugged, but it’s paved with purpose.
Lindsey Heath – The Forest Therapy Guide
Not everyone needs to break a sweat to feel the benefits of nature. Lindsey Heath, founder of Dorset Forest Bathing, invites people to slow down and open their senses through guided forest therapy walks. Her sessions are rooted in mindfulness, helping participants reconnect with nature at a deeply personal level.
Lindsey’s approach shows that wellbeing in the outdoors doesn’t have to involve distance or difficulty. Simply being in nature — noticing the trees, the breeze, the birdsong — can calm the nervous system, improve focus, and lift mood.
Ellen Renton – The Creative Walker
Poet and performer Ellen Renton is open about the impact of nature on her creativity and wellbeing. Living with a visual impairment, Ellen often explores accessible outdoor spaces close to home, using walking as a tool for reflection and inspiration. Her relationship with the outdoors is deeply personal and beautifully slow.
Through her poetry, Ellen invites others to see the landscape not just with their eyes, but with their imaginations — proving that the benefits of nature aren’t reserved for those who move fast or far.
Caroline McQuistin – The Intentional Lifestyler
Living on the west coast of Scotland, artist and photographer Caroline McQuistin offers a beautifully grounded connection to the outdoors. For Caroline, nature is not about high-energy adventure, but about presence, ritual, and creativity. Her days are shaped by the natural world — the way light shifts across the hills, how the sea sounds at different times of day, the rhythm of the weather as it moves through the landscape.
Through her photography and reflective approach to life, Caroline shares a slower, more intentional way of being outside. She often speaks about how time in nature helps her feel calm, connected, and creatively recharged — especially in moments when the modern world feels too fast or too loud.
Caroline’s story reminds us that the outdoors doesn’t have to be a backdrop for activity — it can be a sanctuary for stillness. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a pause to notice a changing sky, or time spent capturing the subtle beauty of a familiar place, there’s power in slowing down and letting the natural world do its quiet work on us.
Find What Feeds You
Each of these women has found a path that works for them - and yours might look completely different. You don’t need to summit mountains, clock miles, or even leave your local park to feel the benefits of being outside. What matters is how you show up - with presence, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to what you need.
In a world that often tells us to do more, be more, and move faster, time spent outdoors can be an antidote. It’s a space where you can simply be. Whether your version of wellness means wild swims or quiet picnics, solo hikes or shared strolls, the outdoors is waiting - no judgment, no pressure.
So take a moment this Wellness Month to ask yourself: what kind of path do you want to walk? What feeds your spirit, calms your mind, brings you joy? Let that be your guide. And know that whatever your pace, your path is yours to claim — and that’s more than enough.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
We highly recommend Waymaking, a powerful anthology of women's adventure writing, poetry, and art. Edited by Helen Mort and others, the collection brings together diverse voices exploring what it means to find freedom, solace, and strength in the natural world.
Favourite Quote
This is a quote shared by Jenny Tough in her video above that lingers long after you hear it.
Favourite Song
Moving Mountains by The Brevet
A great song to accompany your outdoor adventures! Its a reminder to push through your own doubt and take each step with intention!
