ABOUT ME
In 2014, I founded Tough Girl Challenges with a mission to inspire and motivate women and girls through adventure and physical challenges. My ultimate goal is to increase the visibility of female role models in the media, particularly those in the world of adventure and physical challenges.
As the host of the multi-award winning Tough Girl Podcast, I interview exceptional women from all walks of life, including explorers, athletes, and everyday women who have faced challenges and setbacks and persevered to achieve their goals. The podcast has become a global sensation, with listeners in over 210 countries and a remarkable 3+ million downloads to date. In fact, based on monthly downloads, the Tough Girl Podcast ranks in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide.
Challenges & Adventures
In 2016, I took on the Marathon des Sables, running six marathons in six days across the Sahara Desert. It was an incredibly challenging experience, but it also taught me a lot about myself and what I'm capable of.
The following year, I embarked on a solo, unsupported thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, covering 2,190 miles in 100 days. It was an amazing journey that allowed me to connect with nature and push my physical and mental limits.
In 2018, I decided to take on a different kind of challenge and cycled over 4,000 km from Vancouver to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico via the Pacific Coast Highway. It was an unforgettable adventure that took me through some stunning landscapes.
In 2019, I walked the Camino Portugués, a 675km-long pilgrimage route from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I also hiked the Lycian Way in Turkey, another incredible adventure. In 2020, I took on the Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia, a challenging and beautiful hike that allowed me to explore a new corner of the world.
In 2021, I created the Tough Girl UK Adventure Series, which involved walking the Anglesey Coastal Path, the South Down’s Way, the Pilgrims Way, the West Highland Way, climbing Ben Nevis, and walking the Great Glen Way. In 2022 I walked the Wales Coast Path - 870 miles in 50 days and completed a series of Scottish Hikes, including The Hebridean Way, Speyside Way, Moray Coastal Trail, Dava Way & East Highland Way.
2023 was filled with unforgettable adventures. I walked the Camino Francés, covering 500 miles from St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I completed the Offa’s Dyke Path and the Coast to Coast Walk, each offering unique challenges and stunning views. I also returned to Spain to walk the Camino Primitivo and the Camino Finisterre.
Later in the year, I began my most ambitious adventure yet—the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, starting with the North Island and experiencing breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural encounters.
I carried my momentum into 2024 by tackling the South Island of the Te Araroa Trail, completing this extraordinary 3,000 km journey across New Zealand. I continued my adventures by walking the Camino Via de la Plata, one of Spain’s longest pilgrimage routes, and explored the Cotswold Way, immersing myself in the charm of the English countryside. Most recently, I completed the South West Coast Path, a breathtaking 630-mile National Trail along England’s coastline.
Each of these challenges has pushed my limits, deepened my love for adventure, and left me with a profound sense of accomplishment. I’m excited to see where the trails lead me next!
Tough Girl Awards & Nominations
2015 - Finalist in the New Media Europe - Influencer Award and Audience Appreciate Award
2016 - Tough Girl Blog was Highly Recommended in the UK Blog Awards
2016 - Recognised by the Guardian as one of the 10 most inspiring contemporary female adventurers
2016 - Northern Power named me as one of the top 50 women to follow on the Future List
2017 - Tough Girl Blog was a Finalist in the UK Blog Awards
2018 - Winner - Women's Sports Trust #BeAGameChanger Media Initiative of the Year Award
2018 - Red Bull named me as one of the adventurers to follow on Instagram
2019 - Winner of the SheExtreme Best Adventure Podcast Award
2021 - Winner of the Best Urban & Adventure Podcast for the Sports Podcast Awards.
2022 - Best Adventure Sports Podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards