VALLEY + PEAK AMBASSADORS
Bio
Nicola Whitbread is an ultralight long-distance hiker, fast-packer, and bivvy bag enthusiast who thrives on exploring the U.K.'s stunning trails. She recently completed the Wales Coast Path, relishing the peaceful solitude of bivvy camping on remote beaches along this wild and beautiful route.
Balancing her 9-5 job with her love for adventure, Nicola eagerly shuts down her laptop on Fridays, grabs her gear, and heads out to the Peak District for a wild camping escape, to go trail running in Wales, or to the Lake District fells with her trusty campervan in tow. Looking ahead, she plans to take on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026!
Nicola has also contributed three awesome blog posts for us - one on walking the West Highland Way, another on the joys of bivvy camping, and the third exploring the debate between inner-first and outer-first tent pitching.
QUICKFIRE Q+A
Where did you grow up, and how did it shape you?
I grew up in Northamptonshire, about as far from the sea and mountains as you can get in the U.K. We were not an outdoorsy family, but I was encouraged to be creative, independent, and to play outside. I had fields to explore, canals to cycle along. I would talk to trees and draw the faeries. I think I was a happy, but strange child!
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced during your outdoor adventures, and how did you overcome it?
It was confidence - the outdoors didn't feel like a space I belonged in, everyone's adventures looked so big and badass, and I was just a lass who liked walking. But I learn lessons from every trip and confidence has grown with more time outdoors. One of the most empowering actions I've taken was to do a navigation course - it helped me change the narrative of what I'm capable of. Plus, the outdoors community on social media is so supportive - everyone is stoked about each other's adventures!
Are there any new outdoor challenges or adventures you're excited to tackle next?
My biggest dream is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, 2650ish miles from Mexico to Canada. It's iconic and has been on my bucket list for a decade, so it's amazing to start actually planning for it. But before then, there's a few U.K. long-distance trails I'd like to squeeze in, particularly the Beacons Way and the Cambrian Way.
How do you balance your love for outdoor adventures with other aspects of your life, such as work?
I break up bigger trails to fit around my 9-5. I'm currently section-hiking the 870 mile Wales Coast Path, making full use of bank holidays, weekends, and a weeks annual leave here and there. It ensures I have regular adventures throughout the year to look forward to and I like setting myself challenges that push me to get outside in all weathers - such as going on a wild camp each month.
What's one piece of outdoor gear you can’t live without, and why?
My bivvy bag! It's my favourite way to camp. Laying under the stars, completely at one with the world around me (we won't talk about the slugs).
