Outward Bound and Me

Arriving Where it Started – Biddy Brown, Joan Clark, and the woman who blazed a 75 year trail.

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.

Reaching New Heights - Matt Gupwell on neurodiversity, self-regulation, and empowering others to understand their journeys.

In this thought provoking episode of Outward Bound and Me, Dylan Carroll sits down with alumnus Matt Gupwell to explore the lasting impact of a three-week Outward Bound residential course in Aberdyfi back in 1989. Matt explains how, after 35 jobs (of which he was dismissed from 30 of them), a late diagnosis of neurodiversity led to a better understanding of self, and a career as a neurodiversity speaker, trainer and mentor with blue-chip companies and the NHS.   Matt shares vivid memories of his time at Aberdyfi, where instructors recognised strengths in him that he couldn’t yet see in himself. Years later, after navigating anxiety and insecurity, Matt now understands how those early experiences outdoors laid the foundations for his future career in education, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy: “I think it was the first time that I remember feeling safe. We use the term psychologically safe. I felt like I could go to my instructor on that course at any point and say, ‘I’m struggling. This isn't fair. I don't understand’, and I was never made to feel small or stupid. That was the first time I felt ‘I'm being treated like an adult here’”.   Matt reflects on growing up in the Midlands, discovering climbing as a teenager, and how the outdoors became a vital source of regulation and belonging long before his later-life ADHD diagnosis. Together, Dylan and Matt discuss masking, mental health, identity, and why outdoor education can change and offer young people something traditional systems often cannot. This is a powerful episode about self-discovery, compassion, and the life-changing value of feeling truly seen.

Finding the Spotlight - Arianna McCulloch on discovering self-belief in the wild and the courage to change direction.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me, alumna Arianna McCulloch explains how an epiphany during her Skills for Life expedition at Outward Bound Loch Eil in 2019, led to a moment of clarity and redirection. Facing the daunting prospect of returning to an unsettled home in a wee Scottish Boarder fishing village, she decided to seek the bright lights, and a different future.   “It was the first time in my life that I had so much clarity on something. It felt like I had a cloud of smoke over my head, and then it was the first time that cloud of smoke had cleared. I was like ‘wow’, I can just see exactly what I want to do, and the worry wasn't there. I just think I was so sure of myself for the first time ever, and so sure in what I wanted to do”.   Arianna describes learning resilience, determination, and self-belief through challenging and fun situations, and a pivotal conversation with an instructor which has led to a bustling career as a touring actress. Tune in to hear Arianna reflect on lasting friendships, and encourage young people to say ‘yes’ to opportunities and to trust themselves, like she did.

Beyond the Summit - Alan Hinkes OBE on courage, commitment and the lessons learned on the way up.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me, host Dylan Carroll sits down with Alan Hinkes OBE - mountaineering icon, author, and proud Outward Bound alumnus. More than 50 years on from his Mountain Leadership Course at Ullswater, Alan reflects on the early experiences that shaped his life in the hills, from growing up in North Yorkshire to discovering the pull of wild places, bad weather and the challenge of finding your own way. Alan is the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks. But in this conversation, the summit is only part of the story. He shares the near-death descent from Kangchenjunga, the mountain he climbed to complete the set, and explains why getting back to base camp matters more than reaching the top. Along the way, he talks about fear, focus, family, and why the British hills still feel like “old friends.” "You’ve just got to start something." To order a personalised copy of Alan’s book, 8,000 Metres: Climbing the World’s Highest Mountains, please email Dylan at alumni@outwardbound.org.uk [alumni@outwardbound.org.uk]

Lighting the Spark - Rubina Blackwell on Finding Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Outward Bound.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me, we sit down with Rubina Blackwell — programme and events manager, mental health advocate, and proud Outward Bound alumna. Rubina reflects on her 2008 Outward Bound course and how it became the turning point in her life. Growing up in Nottinghamshire with a challenging home environment, Rubina once felt success was out of reach. But her time on the course ignited a mindset shift that carried her through a global career in events, mental health leadership, and entrepreneurship — all before the age of 32. From climbing Snowdonia to running national projects that supported businesses during the pandemic, Rubina’s story is filled with honesty, resilience, and a deep passion for helping others realise their potential.  Tune in for an inspiring, uplifting conversation about identity, inner work, and how a single spark can light the way.