Having awarded almost 20 grants through our Public Access Fund so far this year, we’re delighted to see many of these projects now being delivered in the National Park. Becky Harrison, from Pathwinds Outdoors, approached us wanting to offer a free of charge weekend that would boost women’s confidence to backpack camp on Dartmoor. We were delighted to support this, as we believe it’s important to empower people to access nature in a sustainable way, both improving their own health and gaining an understanding of their responsibilities to the landscape.
Here’s a first hand insight into the immensely successful weekend from Becky herself:
From 26th to 28th June, I was given the opportunity, through the Dartmoor Preservation Association and a £500 grant, to organise and lead an Introduction to Wild Camping and Holistic Weekend for women. The aim of the event was to encourage women with little or no camping experience to gain confidence in the outdoors, learn practical skills, and experience the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. Fifteen women from a variety of backgrounds attended, each bringing their own reasons for wanting to experience wild camping for the first time. What unfolded over the weekend was far more than a camping trip; it became a powerful experience of connection, learning, empowerment, and personal growth.
The event was held at Beardown Farm, where we had sole access to the beautiful riverside camping area. One of my priorities was ensuring that the weekend was accessible to everyone. Some participants did not have their own transport, so I organised a car-sharing scheme which connected attendees who lived nearby. This worked exceptionally well and helped build connections before the weekend had even begun. In one instance, two women who lived in the same town arranged to meet beforehand to discuss camping equipment and prepare together, forming a friendship before arriving on site.
26th June: Arrival, Learning and Connection
As participants arrived on the afternoon of 26th June, I was on hand to help pitch tents and assist those who were borrowing equipment from me. For many of the women, this was their first experience of camping, and there were understandable nerves and uncertainties. Fortunately, we were blessed with warm sunshine and dry weather throughout the weekend, creating ideal conditions for beginners to gain confidence and enjoy their surroundings.
Once camp was established, we gathered around the campfire for an introductory discussion on backpacking and wild camping. Topics included safety considerations, essential equipment, weather awareness, food planning, responsible camping practices, and an overview of camping bylaws. I also provided a show-and-tell demonstration of a lightweight backpacking setup, explaining what would typically be carried on an overnight or multi-day hiking trip. This practical session helped demystify wild camping and gave participants the knowledge needed to start planning their own adventures.
The grant funding enabled me to provide each participant with an outdoor essentials goodie bag. These included useful items such as pee cloths, lanterns, tick removal tools, compressed towelettes, and other practical camping accessories. My hope was that these items would not only support them during the weekend but also encourage future outdoor adventures. We were also fortunate to receive donated items from Alpkit, including a tent, which added excitement to the weekend and provided prizes for activities and competitions.
The evening of 26th June was filled with fun and games around the campfire. These activities proved to be a fantastic icebreaker, helping everyone relax and get to know one another. Through laughter, friendly competition, and shared experiences, the women quickly bonded. Barriers disappeared, confidence grew, and a strong sense of community began to develop, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.
27th June: Mindfulness, Skills and Music
The following morning, 27th June, began with a guided Forest Chi session led by Kate Dixson of Forest Chi. This unique experience encouraged participants to slow down, reconnect with nature, and engage mindfully with the landscape around them. The impact of the session was profound. The women embraced the experience wholeheartedly, and the sense of connection, presence, and enthusiasm that emerged was truly magical. Many participants commented afterwards on how deeply calming and restorative they found the session. It became one of the defining moments of the weekend and perfectly complemented the holistic ethos of the event.
In the afternoon, participants took part in an introduction to navigation. Learning the basics of reading maps, recognising key features in the landscape, and understanding how to orient themselves outdoors provided practical skills that many had never previously explored. For women new to outdoor adventures, gaining these skills was an important step towards becoming more confident and independent in the outdoors.
As evening fell on 27th June, we gathered once again around the campfire, this time for an evening of acoustic music and singing. What began as a simple campfire gathering soon became one of the most memorable experiences of the entire weekend. Surrounded by nature, with acoustic music filling the air and voices joining together in song, there was a genuine feeling of belonging and togetherness. Conversations flowed easily, friendships deepened, and the atmosphere was one of warmth, joy, and mutual support. For many participants, this magical evening embodied everything the weekend had set out to achieve: connection, confidence, and community.
Lasting Impact
Beyond the practical skills taught throughout the weekend, the event delivered significant wellbeing benefits. Spending time outdoors encouraged participants to slow down, disconnect from the pressures of everyday life, and focus on the present moment. The supportive environment allowed women to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and discover new strengths. For many, it was not only their first camping experience but also an opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing and personal development.
Perhaps the greatest success of the weekend was witnessing the transformation in confidence among the participants. Women who arrived feeling uncertain about camping left with new knowledge, practical skills, and a belief in their own abilities. New friendships were formed, support networks were created, and many participants expressed enthusiasm about continuing their outdoor journey.
Overall, the Introduction to Wild Camping and Holistic Weekend exceeded all expectations. Thanks to the support of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, the grant funding, the generosity of Alpkit, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved, I was able to create an inclusive and empowering experience that introduced women to the joys of outdoor adventure. The weekend demonstrated how nature, learning, and community can come together to create lasting positive change. It was a truly memorable and inspiring experience, and one that I hope to build upon and expand in the future.
Images: Becky Harrison