top of page
.jpg){kind=logo}
Programme
*included in the price of your weekend pass
Please check back regularly as speakers and workshops are being added all the time. We'll be publishing a full programme/schedule closer to the event.
Talks
Adriana Brownlee
British mountaineer Adriana Brownlee made headlines last year as she became the youngest woman ever to climb all 14 8000m peaks at the aged of 23, and only the second Brit ever to achieve this feat. Born in London and having been introduced to the British hills by her father at a young age, Adriana had already been on expeditions to Aconcagua, Elbrus and Kilimanjaro before she was 18. She attended Bath University for a while before dropping out in order to devote herself to the challenge of climbing the world's 8000m peaks. Now living in Nepal, she leads treks and expeditions with her partner Gelje Sherpa, himself a record-breaking mountaineer, being the youngest person to summit K2 in winter.
Adele Pennington
Adele Pennington is one of the UK’s leading mountaineers and has a number of notable achievements to her name, including being the first British woman to have climbed Mount Everest twice and the first British woman to summit Ama Dablam in winter, and has so far ticked off six of the 14 8000m peaks.
It is safe to say that Adele was born with a ‘Spirit of Adventure’ and that by the age of two she had climbed over a six foot gate to join the prize fish in a neighbour’s pond. By the time she was eight years old she had climbed Mt Snowdon with her step-dad; this lit the candle for greater adventure and the beginning of a dream to reach the world’s highest mountain. This was a dream that was not easy to achieve whilst growing up in a county like Northamptonshire, but school trips to the Lake District and holidays in Scotland kept the flame alight.
It was not until she was studying for a PhD in Biochemistry at York University that she became much more involved in her love for the great outdoors and became a member of the Scarborough and District Mountain Rescue Team. She spent all her free time in the hills learning the hard way and serving what was to be the start of a long apprenticeship in mountaineering. Adele was not satisfied with the amount of time she could spend in the mountains so she took a sabbatical year from her post in medical research to explore and climb some of the mountains of New Zealand and the European Alps. By this time she had also notched up 250 Munros.
It was time to return to reality and think about a career that would enable her to follow her love of the great outdoors. She achieved a PGCE and began a career as a Teacher of Chemistry & Outdoor Education. During her years as a teacher in the North East of England and through her involvement in the D of E Awards and her Rock Climbing Club she inspired many youngsters from all walks of life. She took every opportunity she had to climb higher and higher.
In 1998 Adele made the first British female winter ascent of Ama Dablam (6386m) in the Himalaya. Her climbing career took a step backward when she was involved in a serious accident in the Alps; she spent five months in a wheelchair and a full year getting her body back on track for she was determined that her outdoor career was not over but only just beginning. She gave up her very secure and successful career as a teacher to become a freelance Outdoor Instructor. It was not long before she joined the ‘Jagged Globe’ team to become an expedition leader. This was an opening that enabled Adele to chase her dream.
She was the first British woman to have climbed Mount Everest twice; as well as this she holds the British female record for climbing six of the fourteen 8000m peaks. Currently, she has settled in the North West of Scotland to run her own company, ‘Adele Pennington Mountaineering’. She is also enjoying her latest pursuits in ski -mountaineering and sea-kayaking. In 2021 she completed her ‘Operation Scottish Classic Rock by Bicycle’ challenge, in which she linked 26 classic routes (including the Cuillin Ridge) in one 45-day push, cycling between the routes.
It is safe to say that Adele was born with a ‘Spirit of Adventure’ and that by the age of two she had climbed over a six foot gate to join the prize fish in a neighbour’s pond. By the time she was eight years old she had climbed Mt Snowdon with her step-dad; this lit the candle for greater adventure and the beginning of a dream to reach the world’s highest mountain. This was a dream that was not easy to achieve whilst growing up in a county like Northamptonshire, but school trips to the Lake District and holidays in Scotland kept the flame alight.
It was not until she was studying for a PhD in Biochemistry at York University that she became much more involved in her love for the great outdoors and became a member of the Scarborough and District Mountain Rescue Team. She spent all her free time in the hills learning the hard way and serving what was to be the start of a long apprenticeship in mountaineering. Adele was not satisfied with the amount of time she could spend in the mountains so she took a sabbatical year from her post in medical research to explore and climb some of the mountains of New Zealand and the European Alps. By this time she had also notched up 250 Munros.
It was time to return to reality and think about a career that would enable her to follow her love of the great outdoors. She achieved a PGCE and began a career as a Teacher of Chemistry & Outdoor Education. During her years as a teacher in the North East of England and through her involvement in the D of E Awards and her Rock Climbing Club she inspired many youngsters from all walks of life. She took every opportunity she had to climb higher and higher.
In 1998 Adele made the first British female winter ascent of Ama Dablam (6386m) in the Himalaya. Her climbing career took a step backward when she was involved in a serious accident in the Alps; she spent five months in a wheelchair and a full year getting her body back on track for she was determined that her outdoor career was not over but only just beginning. She gave up her very secure and successful career as a teacher to become a freelance Outdoor Instructor. It was not long before she joined the ‘Jagged Globe’ team to become an expedition leader. This was an opening that enabled Adele to chase her dream.
She was the first British woman to have climbed Mount Everest twice; as well as this she holds the British female record for climbing six of the fourteen 8000m peaks. Currently, she has settled in the North West of Scotland to run her own company, ‘Adele Pennington Mountaineering’. She is also enjoying her latest pursuits in ski -mountaineering and sea-kayaking. In 2021 she completed her ‘Operation Scottish Classic Rock by Bicycle’ challenge, in which she linked 26 classic routes (including the Cuillin Ridge) in one 45-day push, cycling between the routes.
Alex Staniforth
Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ultra-endurance athlete, international keynote speaker, author and mental health charity founder from Chester, who is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
By the age of 19 he had already survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history, in two consecutive years. However, his biggest mountains have been within: overcoming epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a stammer since childhood.
Alex has never allowed adversity to become his identity – only an opportunity. Through his adventures he is committed to discovering his potential and helping others achieve their own ‘Everest’.
He is the fastest person to climb all 100 UK county tops - covering 5,000 miles by human power in 72 days - and has raised over £100,000 for charity, being awarded the Pride of Britain Granada Reports Fundraiser of the Year 2017 and a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2023. Alex has authored two books ‘Icefall’ and ‘Another Peak’, and in 2020 founded a national charity, Mind Over Mountains, to restore mental well-being through nature.
By the age of 19 he had already survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history, in two consecutive years. However, his biggest mountains have been within: overcoming epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a stammer since childhood.
Alex has never allowed adversity to become his identity – only an opportunity. Through his adventures he is committed to discovering his potential and helping others achieve their own ‘Everest’.
He is the fastest person to climb all 100 UK county tops - covering 5,000 miles by human power in 72 days - and has raised over £100,000 for charity, being awarded the Pride of Britain Granada Reports Fundraiser of the Year 2017 and a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2023. Alex has authored two books ‘Icefall’ and ‘Another Peak’, and in 2020 founded a national charity, Mind Over Mountains, to restore mental well-being through nature.
Allie Mason
Allie Mason is an autistic author and microadventurer, seeking to give neurodivergent young people a place where they recognise themselves and feel that they belong. Her non-fiction debut, The Autistic Guide to Adventure, was published in 2023. Inspired by her experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic person navigating life in an outdoorsy family, this guide provides young people with sensory expectations and support recommendations for 35 different outdoor activities.
Alongside writing her second book, Allie is a full-time copywriter for a luxury travel company. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, and she has spoken at events such as Kendal Mountain Festival and Timber Festival. Allie has also been a guest on BBC radio and numerous independent podcasts.
Alongside writing her second book, Allie is a full-time copywriter for a luxury travel company. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, and she has spoken at events such as Kendal Mountain Festival and Timber Festival. Allie has also been a guest on BBC radio and numerous independent podcasts.
Alun Richardson
One of Trek & Mountain magazine’s most prolific contributors, Alun has recently retired from a 30-year career as an international Mountain Guide, having led treks and expeditions around the globe, from the Alps to the Himalaya, from Africa to the Arctic circle.
Although still active as a trek leader for Jagged Globe, Alun now spends much of his time on his other passion – photography – and at Base Camp Festival he will be not only sharing his expertise in our Outdoor Photography workshops, he will also be giving a talk on his new book ‘The Khumbu Himal’, which will be published in early 2025. With a foreword by Sir Chris Bonington, the book is a photographic celebration of Nepal’s Khumbu region, with the ‘voice of the Sherpa people' in words.
Although still active as a trek leader for Jagged Globe, Alun now spends much of his time on his other passion – photography – and at Base Camp Festival he will be not only sharing his expertise in our Outdoor Photography workshops, he will also be giving a talk on his new book ‘The Khumbu Himal’, which will be published in early 2025. With a foreword by Sir Chris Bonington, the book is a photographic celebration of Nepal’s Khumbu region, with the ‘voice of the Sherpa people' in words.
Belinda Kirk
Belinda Kirk is an explorer, author and leading campaigner promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing and mental health. She’s spent 30 years leading groups into the wilderness and has witnessed first hand the power of adventure to transform people’s lives. She’s written 'Adventure Mind: Transform your wellbeing by choosing challenge', the first book to explain the psychology of why adventure is essential to our wellbeing.
In 2019 she launched the AdventureMind alliance to further explore the positive impact that adventurous activity has on wellbeing. It is now a conference series, an international research collaborative and an alliance of practitioners working together to promote adventure for mental health.
Belinda has led dozens of international expeditions, crossing continents on foot and gaining a Guinness World Record for rowing unsupported around Britain. She has led numerous youth development challenges, pioneered inclusive expeditions for disabled people and managed scientific research missions in the Amazon, Sinai and Alaska. She also runs Explorers Connect to encourage 30,000 ordinary people to engage in transformational outdoor challenges.
Belinda will be giving a talk at Base Camp Festival: ‘How to improve our mental health through adventure’
Through adventuring - chosen challenges in the outdoors - we can make lasting improvements to clinical outcomes (such as anxiety and depression), self-concept (our beliefs about ourselves), personal development (such as courage, resilience, creativity) and social development (improving the wellbeing of every individual in society). This has a multitude of benefits for our communities and our own wellbeing, benefits that are currently undervalued and underutilised.
The evidence base is growing rapidly and Belinda sees an opportunity to apply this new information as an innovative tool in the mental health crisis we face. Importantly, she has seen that adventures are for everyone and she describes how any size adventure, from camping in your garden or learning how to surf for the first time to climbing a 5,000m mountain, brings benefits and offers a way for us to live our best lives.
In 2019 she launched the AdventureMind alliance to further explore the positive impact that adventurous activity has on wellbeing. It is now a conference series, an international research collaborative and an alliance of practitioners working together to promote adventure for mental health.
Belinda has led dozens of international expeditions, crossing continents on foot and gaining a Guinness World Record for rowing unsupported around Britain. She has led numerous youth development challenges, pioneered inclusive expeditions for disabled people and managed scientific research missions in the Amazon, Sinai and Alaska. She also runs Explorers Connect to encourage 30,000 ordinary people to engage in transformational outdoor challenges.
Belinda will be giving a talk at Base Camp Festival: ‘How to improve our mental health through adventure’
Through adventuring - chosen challenges in the outdoors - we can make lasting improvements to clinical outcomes (such as anxiety and depression), self-concept (our beliefs about ourselves), personal development (such as courage, resilience, creativity) and social development (improving the wellbeing of every individual in society). This has a multitude of benefits for our communities and our own wellbeing, benefits that are currently undervalued and underutilised.
The evidence base is growing rapidly and Belinda sees an opportunity to apply this new information as an innovative tool in the mental health crisis we face. Importantly, she has seen that adventures are for everyone and she describes how any size adventure, from camping in your garden or learning how to surf for the first time to climbing a 5,000m mountain, brings benefits and offers a way for us to live our best lives.
'Hebridean Baker' Coinneach MacLeod: Hiking the Outer Hebrides
Join Coinneach MacLeod, international bestseller also known as the 'Hebridean Baker', as he takes you on a journey through one of the most stunning and storied archipelagos in the world – the Outer Hebrides. From the thrill of hiking the iconic Hebridean Way to the rich tapestry of Gaelic language, Viking culture, and history, Coinneach will share his passion for these unique islands. Expect tales of wild landscapes, unforgettable food, and must-see sights that make the Hebrides a dream destination for adventurers, foodies, and culture seekers alike. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking windswept beaches, tasting traditional island fare, or immersing yourself in Gaelic heritage, this is a talk not to be missed.
'Fell Foodie' Harrison Ward
Harrison Ward, perhaps better known as Fell Foodie, is a Cumbrian outdoor cook who loves to recreate restaurant style meals on minimal equipment (usually a camp stove) in remote locations. He has a strong following across various social media platforms and has featured regularly in the media inc The Guardian, Countryfile Magazine, Men's Fitness, and more. He is a brand advocate for Volvo Car UK, ambassador for the Lake District Foundation and recently featured on the BBC in Dame Mary Berry's latest series ‘Love to Cook’, and Channel 5 on ‘Winter on the Farm’.
His life was very different just a few short years ago. Struggling with a clinical depression that first appeared in his adolescence, Harrison's life spiralled out of control whilst using alcohol to try and medicate his mental afflictions. The end of a relationship and a personal breakdown led to a major life change. Hear about how he takes modern practices back to their primal roots and shows what can be cooked in the outdoors as well as sharing the importance of time outdoors for physical and mental wellbeing. Harrison’s talk will address his personal battle with depression, suicidal thoughts and journey from an overweight, alcoholic, smoker to the fit, fell loving foodie he is today.
His debut cook book, 'Cook Out' was published by Vertebrate Publishing in 2023.
His life was very different just a few short years ago. Struggling with a clinical depression that first appeared in his adolescence, Harrison's life spiralled out of control whilst using alcohol to try and medicate his mental afflictions. The end of a relationship and a personal breakdown led to a major life change. Hear about how he takes modern practices back to their primal roots and shows what can be cooked in the outdoors as well as sharing the importance of time outdoors for physical and mental wellbeing. Harrison’s talk will address his personal battle with depression, suicidal thoughts and journey from an overweight, alcoholic, smoker to the fit, fell loving foodie he is today.
His debut cook book, 'Cook Out' was published by Vertebrate Publishing in 2023.
Jesse Dufton
Jesse is a climber, best known for his trad climbing. Despite being born severely sight impaired, his parents saw no reason to let this get in
his way and climbing became a large part of his childhood. As soon as he could walk his dad took him climbing and taught him how to lead trad in
Cornwall, this in between many family trips to Fontainbleau, instilled a
life-long passion for the sport. As he lost the little sight he was born with, he never considered giving up his passion and instead set about
adapting how to climb without the use of his eyes.
Since then, Jesse has continued to push his limits and gained recognition when he became the first blind person to lead climb the Old
Man of Hoy, which was recognised as an official Guinness World record
and is the focus of the multi-award winning documentary Climbing Blind. However, this is but one of the many hard trad routes he has to his name leading these "non-sight". As well as his trad pedigree, he also has first ascents in Arctic Greenland completed in alpine style in winter conditions. He is also a competition climber, representing the GB
Paraclimbing team and winning medals in multiple international competitions.
his way and climbing became a large part of his childhood. As soon as he could walk his dad took him climbing and taught him how to lead trad in
Cornwall, this in between many family trips to Fontainbleau, instilled a
life-long passion for the sport. As he lost the little sight he was born with, he never considered giving up his passion and instead set about
adapting how to climb without the use of his eyes.
Since then, Jesse has continued to push his limits and gained recognition when he became the first blind person to lead climb the Old
Man of Hoy, which was recognised as an official Guinness World record
and is the focus of the multi-award winning documentary Climbing Blind. However, this is but one of the many hard trad routes he has to his name leading these "non-sight". As well as his trad pedigree, he also has first ascents in Arctic Greenland completed in alpine style in winter conditions. He is also a competition climber, representing the GB
Paraclimbing team and winning medals in multiple international competitions.
Jo Moseley
Jo Moseley is the author of two bestselling books - Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain - Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland and Wales and Stand Up Paddleboarding in The Lake District - Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria with award winning Vertebrate Publishing.
In 2019, aged 54, she became the first woman to paddleboard coast to coast across northern England, picking up litter and fundraising for a mental health surf charity.
A film about her adventure called “Brave Enough - A Journey Home to Joy” has been screened at prestigious film festivals such as Keswick, Kendal and Shextreme.
Now 60, Jo writes and speaks about the joy of adventure, encouraging others to enjoy the benefits of being in, on or by the water and hills. She has been featured in many magazines, on TV & radio as well as speaking at adventure & outdoor festivals. She has regular column called “Paddleboarding for Good” in SUP Mag UK.
A single Mum of two grown up sons, Jo lives at the coast, loves daily sea swims and beach cleans. When not at home, you can find her exploring in her van, Summer. She does a headstand a day and is learning to skateboard.
Instagram @jomoseley
Www.jomoseley.com
Photo courtesy of: Jumpy James
In 2019, aged 54, she became the first woman to paddleboard coast to coast across northern England, picking up litter and fundraising for a mental health surf charity.
A film about her adventure called “Brave Enough - A Journey Home to Joy” has been screened at prestigious film festivals such as Keswick, Kendal and Shextreme.
Now 60, Jo writes and speaks about the joy of adventure, encouraging others to enjoy the benefits of being in, on or by the water and hills. She has been featured in many magazines, on TV & radio as well as speaking at adventure & outdoor festivals. She has regular column called “Paddleboarding for Good” in SUP Mag UK.
A single Mum of two grown up sons, Jo lives at the coast, loves daily sea swims and beach cleans. When not at home, you can find her exploring in her van, Summer. She does a headstand a day and is learning to skateboard.
Instagram @jomoseley
Www.jomoseley.com
Photo courtesy of: Jumpy James
Naomi Benson
Naomi is a serving member of the British Army and competes in XC for the Army Medical Services. Her career and love of travel has provided opportunities to run in various locations and climates around the world including Afghanistan, Romania, and Africa. Naomi's first 'proper' race was a half marathon in Cyprus in 2013 which she signed up for the day before and ran without a watch! This race ignited a flame inside to continuously push her limits and she ran her first Ultra the following year.
In 2019 Naomi ran a 100-mile race followed by an 88-mile race only 3 days later. Chasing 200 miles, Naomi then completed the Wildhorse 200 in 2022 finishing as second place female. Though Naomi prefers longer ultras, she recently competed in the UTS by UTMB 55k placing in the top 10 female finishers. In her spare time Naomi recce's and route-marks courses for Trail Events Co. She regularly completes ultra distance events handcuffed to a medicine ball raising money for mental health charities and was shortlisted for the Soldiering On Award in Sporting Excellence in 2022.
In 2019 Naomi ran a 100-mile race followed by an 88-mile race only 3 days later. Chasing 200 miles, Naomi then completed the Wildhorse 200 in 2022 finishing as second place female. Though Naomi prefers longer ultras, she recently competed in the UTS by UTMB 55k placing in the top 10 female finishers. In her spare time Naomi recce's and route-marks courses for Trail Events Co. She regularly completes ultra distance events handcuffed to a medicine ball raising money for mental health charities and was shortlisted for the Soldiering On Award in Sporting Excellence in 2022.
Neil Gresham presents Straight 8s
One of the UK’s best all-round climbers, Neil has been at the cutting edge of the British climbing scene for over two decades, performing at a high standard in disciplines ranging from sport climbing to deep water soloing, winter and traditional climbing.
In his new film ‘Straight 8s’, Neil teams up with Belgian sport/competition climber Anak Verhoeven to take on a unique, multi-discipline '24/8s' challenge in the Lake District. Inspired by Dave MacLeod and Dan Turner, who both completed multi-disciplinary rounds in the UK, Neil set out to create a similar challenge. His ambitious goal was to complete a V8 boulder problem, an E8 trad route, an 8a sport climb, a D8 dry-tooling route, and hike eight Wainwright summits – all within 24 hours.
‘Straight 8s’ is a tale of partnership, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District. As Neil and Anak push their limits, they discover that the greatest challenges are best faced together.
We’re delighted to welcome Neil to Base Camp Festival to present his film and take questions after the screening – an essential session for climbers and anyone who loves the Lake District!
In his new film ‘Straight 8s’, Neil teams up with Belgian sport/competition climber Anak Verhoeven to take on a unique, multi-discipline '24/8s' challenge in the Lake District. Inspired by Dave MacLeod and Dan Turner, who both completed multi-disciplinary rounds in the UK, Neil set out to create a similar challenge. His ambitious goal was to complete a V8 boulder problem, an E8 trad route, an 8a sport climb, a D8 dry-tooling route, and hike eight Wainwright summits – all within 24 hours.
‘Straight 8s’ is a tale of partnership, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District. As Neil and Anak push their limits, they discover that the greatest challenges are best faced together.
We’re delighted to welcome Neil to Base Camp Festival to present his film and take questions after the screening – an essential session for climbers and anyone who loves the Lake District!
Paul 'Tut' Braithwaite: The Hard Road to Everest
Paul started climbing in 1960 at the age 14. In the early years he made regular visits to Derbyshire and the local Chew Valley outcrops, climbing with limited knowledge and very basic equipment. Fortunately he survived these early experiences and over the following years went on to climb at the highest standards in Britain, the Alps and the worlds greater ranges in both summer and harsh winter conditions. He eventually became recognised as a leading British mountaineer of his generation.
Over the years Paul has climbed most of the steep and difficult mountain faces in the Alps and the Dolomites. In addition he has been a member of many successful mountaineering expeditions to some of the most extreme and remote regions of the world, including Arctic Canada, Alaska, South America, Russia, Nepal, Tibet,and Africa. During these expeditions he climbed numerous first ascents. He played a major role in the successful first ascent of Everest South West Face in 1975.
He is a former president of The Alpine Club and Vice President of the British Mountaineering Council. For the past 20 years, he has been a trustee of Community Action Nepal (CAN).
Over the years Paul has climbed most of the steep and difficult mountain faces in the Alps and the Dolomites. In addition he has been a member of many successful mountaineering expeditions to some of the most extreme and remote regions of the world, including Arctic Canada, Alaska, South America, Russia, Nepal, Tibet,and Africa. During these expeditions he climbed numerous first ascents. He played a major role in the successful first ascent of Everest South West Face in 1975.
He is a former president of The Alpine Club and Vice President of the British Mountaineering Council. For the past 20 years, he has been a trustee of Community Action Nepal (CAN).
'Highland Hutter' Peter MacQueen: How to Build Your Dream Off-Grid Cabin
Peter MacQueen, BBC presenter and author of 'The Art of Hutting, Living Off-Grid with the Highland Hutter', will inspire attendees with his practical guide to building the ultimate off-grid retreat. From purchasing the perfect plot of land to designing a space that reflects your dreams, Peter will share invaluable insights on working with architects & specialised companies that craft tiny homes. He’ll explore the joys and challenges of embracing 'The Good Life,' offering a glimpse into a simpler, more self-sufficient way of living. Whether you’re looking for a weekend hideaway or an off-grid lifestyle, Peter’s talk will leave you ready to start your own journey.
Sara Barnes
From cycling up mountain passes to not being able to walk, Sara thought that her physical life had ended after major leg surgery in 2017 left her in a wheelchair and she had to learn to walk again.
There was one thing she could do to get back outdoors and numb the emotional and physical pain that taunted her daily; immerse her healing body in the lakes, tarns and river pools of home, whatever the weather. Gradually, the cold water released her on many levels.
Her creativity and love of storytelling, which had become trapped, burst back into life. In November 2022, her narrative non-fiction book, The Cold Fix, was published by Vertebrate Publishing and sold out within four months and is now on its second reprint. A lifetime’s worth of aspiring to be a published author took another exciting turn when her emotional love letter to the power of cold water was spotted by a major publisher and evolved into The Winter of Our Lives, Sara’s debut novel published by HarperCollins in November 2023.
An active 63-year-old, Sara is often found exploring the wilder parts of Cumbria, seeking quiet places near waterfalls and mountain rivers, both of which feed her soul and imagination. When not in the Lake District she travels to Scotland, Norway and France, alone or with friends and family.
There was one thing she could do to get back outdoors and numb the emotional and physical pain that taunted her daily; immerse her healing body in the lakes, tarns and river pools of home, whatever the weather. Gradually, the cold water released her on many levels.
Her creativity and love of storytelling, which had become trapped, burst back into life. In November 2022, her narrative non-fiction book, The Cold Fix, was published by Vertebrate Publishing and sold out within four months and is now on its second reprint. A lifetime’s worth of aspiring to be a published author took another exciting turn when her emotional love letter to the power of cold water was spotted by a major publisher and evolved into The Winter of Our Lives, Sara’s debut novel published by HarperCollins in November 2023.
An active 63-year-old, Sara is often found exploring the wilder parts of Cumbria, seeking quiet places near waterfalls and mountain rivers, both of which feed her soul and imagination. When not in the Lake District she travels to Scotland, Norway and France, alone or with friends and family.
Workshops/Demos
Films
Social Sessions
All Day Activities
bottom of page