So excited to be back on a roll with the interview series and of course to have The Helpful Hiker, Lauren with me this week.
Lauren is a working Mum who really values her time outside (if not only for her sanity, but for the many other benefits too!) Lauren’s blog is really down to earth and as helpful as her name suggests with plentiful reviews, tips and help to get you enjoying the great outdoors both in and around Northampton and beyond. Plus, she shows that you don’t have to give up on an outdoor lifestyle when you grow your family! You’ll also get to enjoy some of her husband Luke’s fantastic photography too.
Lauren is also a #Getoutside Champion for Ordnance Survey which just goes to show that she definitely knows what she is talking about when it comes to the great outdoors. She’s also absolutely lovely which is a bonus! And also a quick shout out for Luke for the fantastic photos!
Hello Lauren and thank you for taking part in my interview series, it’s great to have you here. As always I like to start off nice and easy with you describing yourself in one sentence.
I’m a busy working mum who loves being outdoors, in fact I need to spend time outside to keep myself sane these days.
That’s perfect! I can imagine that you do need outdoors time, it must be lovely to get some time to yourself in the outdoors, fresh air and greenery.
How about the first time you realised you enjoyed the outdoors, tell me about that?
I don’t have a single memory, but growing up I spent lots of time outdoors as I was into horses from a young age. I was out in all weathers and it’s only now that I realise how lucky I was. I just remember often being cold, wet and muddy, but still happy.
Spending time with horses does seem to come with being cold, wet and muddy. Definitely prepares you for future adventures in the great British weather though. I agree, that we often don’t see how lucky are until many years later. Reflection is a great thing.
As well as horsey things, when did you really get into outdoor activities, was there a specific thing that ignited your passion?
I’ve always loved walking, but a very wet D of E expedition put me off camping (very nearly for life!). When I met my now husband, Luke, about 5 years ago he persuaded me to give camping another try. I was reluctant at first, but I’m so glad he persevered. He’s really into photography, so it’s a great way to get out in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. This really reignited my love of the outdoors.
I think D of E sometimes has a way with doing that – many of my friends were put off like you! I’m glad Luke managed to persuade you to get back into it and I agree that getting out into some of the most beautiful places is a really helpful reminder. So other than the obvious beauty of the great outdoors, what else do you enjoy about being outdoors?
Everything! It’s an amazing stress reliever. When you’re outdoor, everyday issues seem so far away. When you’re walking it’s all about the here and now, you’re just looking ahead of you, admiring the view, finding a route, putting one foot in front of the other. Likewise, with camping, it’s all about the most basic human needs: making a shelter, keeping warm, getting water and feeding yourself. It’s a great way to ‘reset’ yourself and forget about the bills, work and that never-ending to do list!
Wow, it certainly sounds like a good therapy. A good step away from the modern world is a lovely thing. I can see that camping definitely plays a big part in your outdoor life, but what else does an outdoor lover get up to?
Primarily walking, whether that’s round the local park (often) or tackling a mountain (less often). We also like exploring new places and finding accessible and fun family days out.
I have to agree that local walks can be a fantastic way to get out and about, a mountain is fun too, but not always necessary or easy to get to! You sound like the perfect person to know around the school holiday time, I don’t think parents can get enough inspiration for fun family days out. I bet your little one loves all the adventures too.
On the topic of walking, what is your greatest challenge to date? Spoiler alert! I know that Lauren has completed an absolutely AMAZING challenge and just couldn’t interview her without including it! Over to you, Lauren!
My biggest challenge was definitely the 50 mile walk that I completed earlier this summer. I walked the entire ‘Northamptonshire Round’ in 2 days, doing 30 miles the first day and 20 the second. I completely underestimated how hard it would be. It was just a long walk, I walk all the time, how hard could it be??!! Well, very hard. I was in agony by the end of the first day, it took an extraordinary amount of determination (and a lot of help from friend and family) to keep going. It also took a long time to recover, my feet are still not 100%, but looking back I am so glad I did it. There were moments that I hated it, but I was telling my colleague about it at work a few days later, and she was laughing at my beaming face. It was then that I realised how happy it had made me and how proud I was of myself. I have no plans to do anything like it again (at least for a while) but it’s a good feeling knowing that I could do it if I wanted to!
I have to give you huge amounts of credit for that challenge, Lauren, a huge well done! What an amazing feat (and feet!) You are right to be proud of yourself (given a few days to get over the experience!) and I am sure as the memory of the endurance fades you’ll be planning your next long distance challenge! (see why I wanted to include it?!!!)
Now the fun question! We all have those activities that we love but aren’t so good at! Go one, can you share yours please? We promise not to laugh (too much)
I am really clumsy, so I avoid anything that involves any coordination. I’ve never attempted any kind of winter sports, but I would like to be better at riding a bike. I’d love to take my son out on family bike rides when he’s older, but my cycling skills are pretty rubbish.
That wasn’t too embarrassing and you have a bit of time before your son is ready for cycling. Oooh, winter sports! I’m really tempted to try some skiing or snowboarding having not done them myself either. Maybe we could make a pact to give at least one a go before 2017 is over? I reckon you can strengthen your cycling in no time (your son is still quite young so you have time!) perhaps check out Bike Right or Bikeability for some adult confidence courses. I recently got on a bike after quite a few years and it took me a while to get used to it again, wobbling about on the side streets getting my balance!
It has been pretty rainy this summer so I was wondering how you stay motivated to get out there when the weather is dull and damp? It applies for winter too – loads of people find it especially hard at that time of year.
At the moment, I have a very energetic two-year old who doesn’t give me much choice. Invest in decent waterproofs and base layers and you’ll be fine. There really isn’t a better way to combat SAD than a bit of fresh air. That feeling of accomplishment (and that well-earned pint in a warm pub) after a walk is incomparable.
They are excellent reasons and I reckon having a little’un to run around with definitely stops you from curling up and having a day indoors! They are a great inspiration too as they don’t care about wet socks or messed up hair.
And last but not least, I’m curious to find out what inspired you to start your blog in the first place?
A couple of things. Firstly, because I wanted a record of all our walks and the places we’d been, plus I thought it would be a good way to showcase Luke’s photography. Secondly, when we started camping and were looking for advice and reviews, I found a lot of the ‘traditional’ outdoor blogs were a bit intimidating. I thought that there must be people like us who enjoy the outdoors, but aren’t experts or hardened wild campers, who are looking for ideas and guidance. I try to show that anyone can get outdoors and have fun, whatever your experience or budget.
I love that you created something that you wanted to find and also chose to make it accessible to the majority of us. There is definitely a glut of hardcore outdoor blogs out there and I think it makes a positive change to find ones, like yours, that show that camping and the outdoors is for everyone.
Thank you so much to Lauren for taking the time to speak with me. I love that you show everyday people like you and me, that getting outside is for everyone. That an adventure in the park can be as fun as hiking up a mountain (if little more accessible) and that we are all capable of taking on our own challenges, not matter how big or small. I really look forward to hearing more about your adventures this year and getting plenty of camping ideas along the way.