Change region

Have an account?

Sign in

Have an account?

Sign in
Join the Ramblers Make a donation
    ...
  1. Home
  2. News & features
  3. Features
  4. We're helping young women gain skills and confidence outdoors - here's how

We're helping young women gain skills and confidence outdoors - here's how

Our Walks for Women project is helping young women from north Wales enjoy the outdoors.

Darllenwch yn Gymraeg

Walks for Women is a project run by the Ramblers with young women in Rhyl, Wrexham and Holyhead, to develop their skills and confidence in the outdoors.   

Project participants, Lacey and Georgia, recently joined Ramblers Scotland’s Community Champions on a trip to the Cairngorms. 

 

A woman stands on a forest path surrounded by tall pine trees and dense green undergrowth. She is wearing outdoor clothing, including a dark knitted hat with a fluffy pom‑pom, a long padded coat, dark trousers and sturdy walking shoes. A backpack is worn on her back, and a pair of binoculars hangs at the side. She is holding a folded paper map in one hand and a mobile phone in the other, appearing to navigate. The forest floor is covered with pine needles, patches of grass and low shrubs, and the surrounding trees create a natural, quiet woodland atmosphere.

 

Lacey is on the autism spectrum and struggles with her mental health. “It’s just opened my mind up to a lot of things and pushing my boundaries,” she tells us. 

“This is a really big thing for me – it’s been an amazing experience. Hopefully at some point I can come back here because it’s an absolutely beautiful place.” 

 

Helping young women access the outdoors  

Liv, our Regional Officer in north Wales, leads on the project: “the age range [18-25] has been identified as hard to engage,” she says. 

“After school everyone’s just thrown out into the real world. People can get a little bit lost, so it’s creating a sense of community for the girls. 

"They’re making friends, connections, and obviously out walking – it’s good for mental and physical health.”  

North Wales boasts stunning scenery and attracts walkers from across Britain and further afield. But lack of skills and confidence can prevent people from enjoying the beautiful landscape on their doorstep. 

The Walks for Women project has been helping young women to develop their confidence, fitness and outdoor skills. 

 

Two hikers are walking uphill through a wide expanse of purple heather on open moorland. The hiker in front is wearing a dark outdoor jacket, fitted trousers and blue walking shoes, and is carrying a backpack with straps across the front. The second hiker, slightly behind and to the right, is wearing a colour‑blocked jacket in shades of black, white and blue, along with patterned trousers. The terrain is covered in dense, low heather with earthy patches between the plants. Behind the hikers, steep hills and ridges stretch across the landscape, marked with rocky outcrops and a mixture of brown, green and purple tones. A valley and distant fields are visible further back under a cloudy sky.

 

As well as the trip to Scotland, participants have also been tackling challenges closer to home. 

The group’s day hike up Foel Lus gave the young women a chance to push themselves physically and also explore new parts of their local area.   

Tammy, who joined the group how?, says “I used to not like walking because I suffer with my legs due to my weight. I’m getting help with that, but I like to walk long distances and push my limits so I can hopefully do more stuff in walking...” 

 

“I’ve met some lovely people.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” - Tammy, Walks for Women participant

 

Ela joined the group after she moved to Wrexham for work. She says, “I didn’t really know anyone there so I felt quite isolated at first. And then I saw an advert for this walking group and I thought I’ll give it a go. 

"It’s just been a really good atmosphere, very friendly vibes. I’ve noticed that since covid and the cost of living’s just absolutely sky rocketed, it’s so much harder for young people to meet, to socialise. So things like this are perfect because it’s free.” 

What's happening in 2026

If you’re aged 18-25 and live in Rhyl, Wrexham or Holyhead, you can find out more and get involved by contacting olivia.evans@ramblers.org.uk. 

No experience is needed – don’t worry about speed or fitness. 

Discover more

A small woodland stream flows over moss‑covered rocks, creating gentle cascades as the water moves downhill. The water appears smooth and silky from a long‑exposure effect, contrasting with the rough texture of the rocks around it. The banks of the stream are lined with thick green moss, ferns and low vegetation. Overhanging branches with bright green leaves create a canopy above the water. The scene is shaded and peaceful, with soft natural light filtering through the forest, highlighting the flowing water

Britain’s Best Walks – Wales

From epic mountain walks, beautiful coastal strolls and a much treasured National Trail, check out some of the routes in Wales featured in ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100.

A weathered wooden gate stands in the centre of a dense, overgrown hedgerow. The gate is made of rough horizontal planks, faded and covered in patches of moss. It is set within a wire fence that is also partially obscured by thick vegetation. Green leaves, brambles, and ferns grow around and through the structure, giving the appearance that the gate has not been used for a long time. The overall scene suggests an old path or entrance that has become completely blocked by nature.

Our vision for accessible paths across Wales

With half of Wales’s rights of way blocked or poorly maintained, access to nature is being unfairly restricted. Ramblers Cymru is urging the next government to increase path maintenance funding, remove barriers such as stiles, and adopt a cross‑sector strategy to make walking central to health, climate, and community wellbeing. A four‑year, £24 million Access Improvement Grant would ensure long‑lasting improvements for paths and green spaces across Wales.

An overhead view of three walkers looking at maps

Threat to paths officially abolished in Wales

After years of campaigning by the Ramblers, royal assent has been given to the Senedd Legislation Bill, which removes the spectre of a deadline for recording paths in Wales.