Rachael is an outdoor girl through and through. Based in Innerleithen, she spends as much of her time as possible hiking, running, climbing, wild swimming and generally finding an excuse to get outside.
Having newly joined the FINDRA Shop & Cafe team, Rachael brings plenty of outdoor experience – and a genuine love of finding kit that works. In her first blog, she shares a little about her journey back to the outdoors, the adventures that have shaped her, and why she believes the outdoors really is for everyone.
And if you’re visiting the FINDRA Shop & Cafe, Rachael will be there – ready to help you find your next piece of kit, chat all things outdoors and maybe inspire your next adventure.
Hi, please tell everyone where you are based and what you do!
Hello! I’m Rachael and I’m based in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders. I started with FINDRA in September as the Retail, Media, & Events Coordinator!
What’s your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
Definitely hiking. I love running, climbing, and wild swimming too, but nothing beats a day out in the hills for me.
Can you share your favourite, memorable outdoor adventure or experience?
When I was living in New Zealand in 2025, I went on a 3 day hike of the Kepler Track, one of the ‘Great Walks’. After day 1, my trail trainers gave me the worst blisters I’ve ever seen to the point where I was seriously considering turning back. I woke up the next day to a very misty morning, used up a pack of blister plasters and pushed on for day 2, which had pretty much all of the elevation gain. I was basically putting all my weight on my poles and trying not to cry. After a few hours, we made it to the tree line and when I stopped for a snack I realised we had just popped out of the trees to the best cloud inversion I’ve ever seen! With bright blue skies and mountain peaks all around me, I had a newfound burst of energy. The blisters were worth it in the end as I hobbled across the ridge line to camp on day 2 and back to the car on day 3. I bought some new shoes after that!
Kepler Track Cloud Inversion
How do you manage to find a balance between being active and life’s other responsibilities i.e. work and family?
I’m lucky to start work in the late morning, so I try to get outdoors before, whether it’s for a quick walk and a coffee with friends, or for a run. Being able to use the mornings makes me feel much less like my week is split into work days and the weekend, and more like work is just one part of my day!
Is there anyone in particular that inspired your love of the outdoors?
When I was younger, camping trips during the summer holidays were the most anticipated event of the year and my family always encouraged me and my sister to be outdoors no matter the weather. I think I lost my outdoor spirit a bit as a teenager but then, when I moved down to the Scottish Borders for university and started working at Go Ape I met so many amazing people who love all things outdoors, as well as my partner who always encourages me to push myself. They all made getting outside and trying new activities on days off or after work the norm for me, are always keen for an adventure, and inspire me every day!
What role does nature play in your mental well-being?
It plays a massive role. I definitely find myself feeling worse if I haven’t been outside all day, and I think even going for a short walk on busy days really improves my mood and leaves me feeling very grateful to be able to live somewhere with such easy access to nature.
What’s the one piece of gear or clothing you never leave home without on an outdoor trip?
My Montane down jacket that I got from Vinted! It has a couple of makeshift patches on it from climbing tape and plasters that I haven’t got round to properly fixing, and many missing feathers but it has character and has been on lots of adventures with me. I love it!
When did you discover FINDRA?
I found FINDRA when I was studying Textiles at university. I wanted to find brands that were ethical, sustainable, and using wool as inspiration for a project, and of course FINDRA popped up. It was just perfect for me that the timing also coincided with me rediscovering my love for the outdoors.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’d actually say it’s from my auntie who always said “You’re not sugar, you won’t melt” while I was growing up. It’s such a simple one, but I always think of her saying it when I’m considering changing my plans because of the weather, and sure enough I never regret going in the rain!
On writing this blog, what do you feel is the key motivational or inspirational message you would like to highlight to our followers that would inspire them to get outdoors more.
The outdoors is for everyone! You don’t have to be going on crazy adventures to be an outdoorsy person, it can be as simple as a 15 minute walk by a river, and most people who love the outdoors are excited to share any type of adventure with people who want to get out more.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Poem
Summer's Day by Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean —
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down —
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
Favourite Book
A Line Above The Sky - Helen Mort
Favourite Song
This reminds me of climbing in France earlier this year for the first time, which was a very cool experience!
