Episode Details

Step back in time with guest host Nat Jackson, for a profoundly nostalgic and historic episode of Outward Bound and Me.

2026 celebrates a monumental milestone: 75 years since the first Outward Bound course exclusively for girls took place. To mark this special occasion, Nat sits down with Biddy Brown and Joan Clark, two extraordinary nonagenarian icons who were there in Eskdale in 1951, when history was made. Their pioneering month in the mountains paved the way, and altered the trajectory, for many other young woman who followed in their footsteps.

At a time of rationing, where strict gender stereotypes were deep rooted, two intrepid teenagers were packing up home-knitted gloves and borrowed boots to face the rugged Lake District. Biddy recalls a sheltered farm life where she had never even seen a mountain, and Joan shares vivid memories of growing up during the London Blitz, watching doodlebugs from her playground. Together with Nat, they re-live the sheer magic of that four-week course, the legendary mountain breakfasts, the freezing nights (and frozen boots) in doorless bivvies, and the lifelong confidence, resilience, careers, families, fun and adventure that followed. The ladies of Eskdale share stories of scaling Napes Needle, carrying fragile logbooks through life, and staying in touch with fellow pioneers for decades.

Joan reflected on the seminal course: “It's a competition against yourself at Outward Bound. It was up to you whether you improved or not. It's a good foundation for life”. This special episode is a beautiful reminder that the wilderness doesn't care about gender; it only asks you to discover who you are.