Have you ever found yourself watching from the sidelines - scrolling through photos of people wild swimming at dawn, hiking into the hills, cycling across open landscapes - and felt that quiet pull? That yearning to be part of it, even if you’re not quite sure where to start?
Maybe the outdoors hasn’t always felt like your space. Maybe life’s been busy, or confidence has been low, or you’ve told yourself, “That’s just not me.”
Image by Anna Blackwell
But what if this summer, it could be?
What if you planned just One Big Thing - something that stretches you in the best way, gets you outside, and gives you the feeling that you’ve done something just for you?
Your Big Thing is your own big step, not attached to any one else’s standards. It doesn’t have to be extreme. It could be joining a local outdoor swimming group, going for your first solo hike, or finally saying yes to that friend who keeps inviting you on a cycle. It’s not about distance, speed or experience - it’s about the willingness to try. The courage to take a step.
Image by Jenny Tough
Challenging yourself in nature has a way of building strength, both inside and out. It clears the head, lifts the mood, and can shift the way you see yourself. Not as an outsider - but as someone who belongs.
Why Taking a Big Step matters
Embarking on a personal physical challenge isn't just about fitness - it's a pathway to building resilience. According to the NHS, setting and achieving physical goals can boost self-esteem and positively change your mood. Engaging in physical activity helps manage stress and build resilience, creating an overall feeling of increased happiness.
So, whether it's joining a local hiking group, trying outdoor swimming, or setting a personal running goal, your "One Big Thing" can be a significant step toward improved mental wellbeing.
Image by Dee Hollingsbee
Ideas for Your “One Big Thing”
We know you all love being outdoors, so here are a few ideas for taking on a new challenge. Here are a few “big things” that others have tried—and loved:
Join an open water swimming group - while the weather is warmer, this is a much more appealing time to “jump in”. There are groups all over the UK and the benefits of open water swimming are endless. Just dip your toe in, you may become addicted.
Hike a section of a long-distance trail - Deciding to hike the entire West Highland Way is an amazing challenge - but it is enormous. The preparation, experience and time required is daunting for some, so why don’t you pick a long-distance trail and aim to do one section of it. Get a feel for it, experience the challenge, and maybe some day down the line, you will get to the full trail.
Sign up for a women’s outdoor skills course - Sometimes all we need to do is build up a few key skills to feel like we can accomplish something we have never done before. As well as building confidence, you will likely feel inspired to take on the activity quickly after.
Go camping - go solo or go with a friend, but keep it wild, and try sleeping in the great outdoors, even just for a night. The experience will stay with you, whether challenging or simply incredible.
Commit to a local park run or weekly outdoor yoga class - even the most urban dwellers can find park runs or outdoor yoga and both are very rewarding, both physically and mentally.
Image by Pollyanna Xavier
Start a monthly adventure tradition with friends - it is always more fun with a group. Plus there is the added accountability that you have to do it. Trust us, you never regret a swim, a bike ride, or a hill climb, and by committing to your friends, you will be more inclined to get out there.
How to Start
If you're not sure where to begin, there are so many groups of women who have once been in your shoes - these organisations and directories can help you find your people, your place, and your path:
- FNY Collective - Friends of FINDRA who organise various mountain bike rides and events at different levels with encouraging, qualified leaders to help you develop your confidence.
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Outdoor Swimming Society – There are outdoor swimming groups popping up across the country and this website can direct you to one near you. It also provides safety tips and inspiration for first-time dippers
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Ramblers – If you think walking is more your pace, then find a local Ramblers group - these guided walks are a chance to challenge yourself at any level, and socialise with like-minded people.
- Love Her Wild – These women-led adventurers organise amazing events across the UK which are designed around a supportive community, and building skills and confidence. They range from camp-outs, hikes and skills training.
- CampWild - If you fancy trying a little wild camping, you can find safe, secure options from CampWild. They also organise community camp outs, if you don’t yet feel ready to go it alone.
- Paddle Scotland - If you are interested in paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking, then Paddle Scotland has resources to help you get started. There are women focussed events too, which are about building communities around water sports.
Share Your One Big Thing
When you’ve chosen your One Big Thing - we would love to hear about it! . Whether it’s a challenge, a first step, or a quiet commitment to yourself, share it in the comments below or by tagging us on social. Lets work together so we can cheer each other on, swap tips, and keep each other motivated.
Every story shared could be the start of someone else’s big thing, and isn’t that amazing.
So don’t wait for the perfect moment or the right level of fitness. Just start.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
We Can Do Hard Things by Glennan Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle
It is called the "Guidebook to being Alive". Pages of inspiration, emotional support and hard truths to inspire you to make the changes that you want to see in yourself.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
Shake it Out - Florence and the Machine
A great anthem for starting afresh - shake off those feelings of self-doubt!
