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Let's Get Out There

We've designed Let's Get Out There to encourage more women to get active outdoors.

Five women enjoy kayaking on a canal.

Enjoying the benefits of outdoor activity

Welcome to Let’s Get Out There, our campaign that seeks to inspire more women to enjoy the many benefits of being active outdoors.

We know that women face greater barriers to accessing and enjoying outdoor spaces. This is especially true for women on lower incomes from underrepresented groups, including Black women, Asian Muslim women, pregnant women, new mothers, and older women.

So we’re sharing lots of ways to get moving outside and showcasing the groups and organisations out there already overcoming these barriers.

There are so many reasons to give outdoors activity a try, including: 

  • spending time in green and blue spaces – from urban parks and canals, to coastal paths and forests – is great for your physical and mental health, boosting your happiness and confidence.
  • getting active outdoors is often easier than you think, with opportunities right from your doorstep, if staying closer to your home and family works best for you.
  • not needing lots of gear and there are options for all fitness levels, ages and backgrounds, from a quiet stroll in the woods to a riverside walk.
  • going outdoors can be a great way to spend time with family and friends, meet communities of like-minded people or even just take a bit of me-time.

Thinking of getting out there?

Below are some fantastic ideas from our partners on ways of adapting to get active outdoors:

Forestry England logo.

Forestry England

Forestry England are teaming up with This Woman Runs to launch five new women-only running groups in Forestry England locations.

Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into running, these supportive, social sessions are designed to help you feel confident, capable, and connected. It’s all about moving in nature, at your pace, with a community that gets it.

Ready to run your way? Join us in the forest. 

Find out more

Canal and River Trust logo.

Canal & River Trust

The Canal & River Trust is bringing free, women- and girls-only sessions to towns and cities near you. Whether you want to paddle or walk, these sessions give you an easy way to try something new and meet others in your community. 

What you can try 

  • Paddling: canoeing or paddleboarding, all kit supplied
  • Guided walks: gentle routes along the towpath

Activities will be taking place across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, and Gloucester. No experience is needed, and our friendly team will guide you step by step. 

Book your free place

National Trust logo, featuring an oak tree leaf.

National Trust

The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation charity. They are dedicated to restoring nature and ending unequal access to nature, beauty and history, as well as inspiring more people to get involved.

So, whether you just want to get some fresh air, spend time in nature to boost your wellbeing, meet up for a walk with friends and family, or boost your hormones through running, cycling or water sport activities, you take your pick from a range of options at the places they look after.

Find some inspiration

Ramblers logo.

The Ramblers

Whether you fancy a solitary stroll or a walk-and-talk, the Ramblers can help. Join a free Ramblers Wellbeing Walk – short group walks that make it easy to start walking and stay active. They are a chance to stretch your legs, unwind, meet new people and discover nature on your doorstep. With hundreds of walks happening weekly, you’re sure to find one close to home.  

Or delve into the Ramblers’ library of tried-and-tested walking routes to plan your own walk. There are over 4,000 routes ranging from short and easy to more challenging options. 

Plan your walk

Paddle UK logo.

Paddle UK

We’re putting the spotlight on the South Birmingham Paddle Club with activities scheduled this June! 

Paddling is a fun, accessible activity on the water that includes canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It offers a rewarding way to enjoy nature and stay active in our blue spaces.

Beginners can start with a Paddle UK affiliated club or delivery partner for support, learning and #PaddleSafe advice. 

Go Paddling

Ordnance Survey logo.

Ordnance Survey

OS Maps - Get Outside is your ultimate guide to outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, cycling, paddling, or trail running, you'll find expert advice, inspiring stories, and detailed route guides.

Gain confidence in the great outdoors with our trusted mapping tools and comprehensive beginner guides. Explore breathtaking landscapes with step-by-step instructions, parking tips, and top recommendations.

Our resource hub is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed for your next adventure.

Trust OS Maps to be your reliable companion in discovering the beauty of the UK's great outdoors.

Get Outside

YHA logo

YHA

YHA self-guided walks

We've developed a range of mapped circular walking routes from hostels for you to enjoy at your own pace whenever its suits you. They vary from short and easy circuits to more challenging routes, all starting and ending at a YHA hostel. Download them for free or pick up a copy at one of our hostels. What could be more convenient!  

YHA Festival of Walking

This autumn the YHA Festival of Walking is back for a fourth year with a packed programme of free guided social walks from over 50 hostels around England and Wales. There will be walks to help you improve your map and navigation skills, discover pilgrimage routes and National Trails, or try out Nordic walking or mindfulness walks, including several women-only events put on by Outdoor Adventure Girls and the BMC.

The festival runs from 12 September to 12 October and the programme will be unveiled here on 12 June, so make a date in your diary! 

 

Festival of Walking

Parkrun logo.

parkrun

parkrun is free, weekly and a great way to be active, social, and outdoors on Saturday mornings!

People walk at parkruns, others volunteer, some run, and a few do a bit of everything. You can take part however and whenever you want.

We don’t expect you to have the latest running gear on, or any running kit for that matter. All that matters to us is that you’re wearing something you feel comfortable in.

Children are welcome at parkrun, and we have fun 2k junior parkrun events on Sunday mornings for 4-14 year olds.

Simply register and bring your barcode to your nearest event, or watch this video to find out more.

Find an event

Park Yoga logo.

Park Yoga

Park Yoga is a national charity delivering free community yoga in nature every Sunday morning from May to September to improve the health and wellbeing of their participants. They have over 50 locations across England and regularly see 5,000+ yogis joining them each week.

Find a venue
Two women smile as they walk side by side in a forest.

Ideas from the doorstep

Not sure how to get started? No problem! 

When it comes to building up your confidence about being active outside, take small steps and find something that works for you, such as:

  • Walking the kids to the local park
  • Taking your yoga mat outside in the morning
  • Enjoying a walk in your local forest
  • Taking a stroll along a nearby footpath
  • Doing some stretches on a balcony, courtyard or garden.
A group of women canoe down a canal, with a barge in the background.

We want to hear from you

Sunny summers, with longer and brighter days, are the perfect time to step outside! Share your own story and tell us what you love about getting active outdoors on our social channels using #ThisGirlCan and #LetsGetOutThere.

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