I graduated with the Outdoor Adventure Education Degree at UWTSD this year and am currently transitioning into the world of work within this exciting industry. I am particularly passionate about gender studies and women’s roles in the outdoors, which motivated me to focus my final-year dissertation on the barriers and opportunities for women within the outdoors and now my work with the Outdoor Partnership.

Since moving back to Gwynedd, I’ve been keen to continue with outdoor activities, and find out about any programmes and communities exclusively for women. But first, I’ll highlight some barriers that women have and currently still face to show you just how important these women-only schemes are.

The Outdoor Adventure Industry (OAI) has long been known for its traditionally male-dominated culture, but recent years have seen growing attention to gender diversity and inclusivity. As the conversation around women in outdoor spaces gains momentum, it’s crucial to explore both the barriers they face and the opportunities available to them. I’ll delve into these issues, aiming to provide fresh perspectives on the evolving role of women in the outdoors.

For years, much of the research and discussions surrounding women in the outdoors industry have focused on the challenges they face, such as gender bias and underrepresentation.

Many women shared that they have faced gender bias, whether it’s from colleagues, clients, or even within leadership structures. This bias often leads to feeling misunderstood or dissatisfied within careers. Additionally, women may feel underestimated or overlooked for certain roles, despite qualifications or experience.

The concept of ‘The Female Experience’ highlights how societal norms and gender biases shape women’s experiences in the outdoor industry. As many women navigate career challenges, gender expectations, such as the pressure to prioritise motherhood or to deal with hormonal factors, may become barriers to career progression and satisfaction.

Research has shown that the outdoor industry, like many others, tends to be less supportive of working mothers. In particular, the lack of flexibility in working hours, poor salary compensation, and the challenges of managing childcare are significant barriers that women face. Anja Whittington’s study explores how these issues affect women’s careers in the outdoors, noting that “working outside the home while paying for childcare remains a reason why women leave their current positions and opt for more flexible work hours.” This often leads to women leaving the industry or scaling back their careers.

Hormonal factors, such as menstruation and PMS, can significantly affect women’s physical and mental well-being, yet they remain largely unspoken topics within the outdoors. Studies show that many women in the field face embarrassment, frustration, and discomfort due to the lack of awareness about managing menstruation or PMS while participating in outdoor activities. Women may feel embarrassed or frustrated by the lack of understanding, which can discourage them from taking part in adventurous activities or even pursuing leadership roles in the industry.

Recognising these challenges and fostering a more supportive environment for women can lead to greater inclusion and participation. Female role models who openly address menstruation and PMS can help dismantle these barriers and create a more supportive atmosphere for women in the outdoors. However, there still seems to be a low figure of female role models within Gwynedd.

For many women in the outdoor industry, not seeing other women in leadership and instructor roles, or even just participating in adventurous activities, creates a feeling of isolation and self-doubt. If there are few female role models to look up to, it becomes harder to envision themselves stepping into those roles.

Seeing other women in influential roles can be a powerful motivator, but this representation is still lacking in many areas.

For example, research by Calum Muskett in 2019 found that “Only 5.5% of British Mountain Guides (BMG’s) are female with no female welsh BMG’s, and only 7.4% of MIC’s are female”.

Additionally, of people participating in Mountain Leader courses in the UK, with an aim to become leaders, 25% are women, which is the highest it has ever been but still significantly low.

This may feel discouraging, but a positive shift is occurring within the outdoor industry with the rise of support networks, mentorship programs, and communities for women, helping navigate the field and providing a sense of belonging. Crucially, representation is key—seeing women succeed in the outdoors inspires the next generation of female adventurers and leaders.

Below, I have found some ‘women-only’ groups and communities in Gwynedd and North Wales, as well as passionate female guides and role models that strive to make the outdoors an accessible place for aspiring female adventures!

Female Guides:

• Freedom-Outdoors – Louise Tulley 

“Louise offers courses and guiding in a range of mountain and water-based activities. Based in North Wales.”

• Kelly Duffey Adventures 

“Down to earth rock and mountain adventures with your fun and friendly guide”

• Women Only Walks (WOW) – Lisa Wells 

“Organised walks in Snowdonia led by a qualified Mountain Leader”

Facebook Groups:

Mum’s Gone Climbing – Supporting and inspiring mothers though climbing

Wild Women Loving Life – Women all across North Wales who are creating friendships and living lives to the full

Antur y Ferch Hon – Online hub for women and girls across Wales to engage in and share outdoor activity opportunities through the Outdoor Partnership and local community clubs

Women in Mountain Training – A place to discuss Mountain Training-related topics, seek or offer support to women who are pursuing or who hold our qualifications and find walking or climbing partners to help you practise relevant skills

Women Specific events:

Breeze Cycling – Getting more women into riding bikes for fun. Volunteer Breeze champions organise bike rides in their local areas, with plenty happening across Gwynedd

Women Only courses Plas y Brenin – Plas y Brenin offers specialized courses for women in outdoor adventure. These programs empower and support women in activities like rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and mountaineering

She Climbs, Plas y Brenin – Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or an advanced climber, you’re invited on Friday 15th – Sunday 17th August to take part in climbing workshops, meet other women in the climbing community, chat with lots of climbing brands and professionals and have fun!

She Paddles, Llyn Tegid, Bala – “If you’re thinking about having a go at SUP racing or just want to use your SUP as a mode of fitness, these sessions will be perfect. These sessions are for people age 18+ who can already SUP and want to improve in speed or fitness. Boards and paddles are available to use”