Wild Rambling Footnotes: March & April

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind in the best possible way - full of planning, exploring, and more planning. Here’s a little peek at what’s been happening behind the scenes.

Our Wonderful Trip to the Malvern Hills

March took us to the Malvern Hills for four days of loveliness and laughter. The weather gods were definitely smiling, and treated us to glorious sunshine that showed the Malverns in their very best light. They may not be the biggest hills, but they’re full of drama: rolling ridgelines, long airy stretches, huge sweeping views across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and yes, a few steep-ish ups! It was my first time there, and they were an unexpected delight.

This trip was also a special one because our fabulous new guide Mel Britton (Outdoor Adventure Connection) joined us for the first time, and immediately became part of the Wild Rambling family. And guide‑in‑training Sally (fibro_walker) joined us again and led us on a beautiful countryside walk north of the hills, giving everyone a taste of her calm, confident guiding style.

It was one of those trips that reminded me exactly why Wild Rambling exists - I left with a full heart and a huge smile.

Check out the photos from the trip here.

Planning for the Beautiful Brecon Beacons

April has been all about preparing for our upcoming Brecon Beacons adventure next month. We had a fantastic time there last year in the beautiful cottages at Wern-y-Cwm near Abergavenny, and this one is shaping up to be something special.

There’s the walking, of course, and, even though I say it myself, I’ve planned some fabulous low moderate walks in new areas, combined with some lovely sightseeing, and even a barge trip.

I’ve spent the past few weeks finalising the routes, checking accommodation details, coordinating with the wonderful massage therapist, and finalising the taxi schedule. And Sarah (sarah_brown_upholstery) has devised the most delicious menu, tailored to a range of dietary requirements - I really don’t know how she does it.

I’m so excited about going back to this beautiful corner of Wales - let’s just hope the weather gods continue to be on our side. Although there is something lovely about sitting in the hot tub in the rain…

Check out the photos from our last trip here.

Launching Wild Rambling: Skills

The biggest milestone of all for me has been the steady work behind the launch of Wild Rambling: Skills.

This has been on my mind for a long time - creating a space where women can learn the foundations of navigation, planning, and decision-making in a way that feels calm, supportive and welcoming. A space where nobody has to pretend, where questions are encouraged, and where confidence grows step by step.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic organisations out there doing this already - our dear friend Clare Kelly from Navigation for Women / Her on a Hill runs fantastic courses up in the Peak District, for example.

I do believe that there’s always room for one more space where women can learn, grow and feel supported (particularly down here in the South West). Wild Rambling: Skills is simply my way of adding another small, but meaningful piece to that wider movement.

I’ll be sharing more information about how you can get involved in the coming weeks.

It really feels like the start of something important.

The BMC Big Walking Weekend

When: Friday 29th May - Sunday 31st May 2026 

Where: YHA Edale, Peak District with nationwide walks

Sally and I are both members of The British Mountaineering Council’s Hill Walking Committee, and we have been helping to organise their Big Walking Weekend in Edale in May.

There are loads of wonderful walks, talks and workshops planned over the weekend (including some women only navigation sessions and walks). You can stay over in the YHA Edale which is the Festival base for a very reasonable cost, or if you live locally, you can join for the day. If you can’t make it to the Peak District, they are putting on loads of free guided walks around the country, meaning you can join in the fun from your doorstep too.

You can book tickets for the Festival, and the free guided walks here.

In Other News

• The Wild Rambling website has had a much needed facelift - I’d love to know what you think.

• Rambling and Pilates January 2027 - I’m still in conversation with HF about heading to The Cotswolds, but they tell me that decisions have been delayed because of world events. I should have news at the end of this month

• Our other guide-in-training, Amber, has launched a new Instagram account to document her outdoor adventures - you can follow her on amberrramblerr.

• I’m very excited to announce that Wild Rambling has joined the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), who are dedicated to engaging, representing and promoting the Outdoor Recreation Industries. I’m looking forward to connecting with others in the outdoor sector, especially within their Women’s subgroup.

• A place has come up for the Low Moderate Eryri / Snowdonia holiday in September - see website for more details, or get in touch (helen@wildrambling.com).

Looking Ahead

March and April have been full of planning, full of walking, full of connections, and full of possibilities. As we move into the brighter months, I’m excited for everything still to come: more adventures, more women stepping into the outdoors with confidence, and more moments that remind me why Wild Rambling really matters.