Why I started POC

Hi, I’m Emily, founder of POC and I wanted to kick off this blog with my WHY for starting Peak Outdoor Community.

The answer begins long before I ever became a Mountain Leader.

I've loved being outdoors since I was a child, but in 2009 my world changed forever when my dad died by suicide. The last time I saw him, just a week before he died, we spent the day walking together along The Great Ridge in the Peak District.

Then, ten years later, during one of the most difficult periods of my own life, I found myself needing the outdoors more than ever. I was off work with my mental health and one day, when I was really battling with my own thoughts, I returned to the very place I'd last walked with my dad.

That became my first solo hike.

It was emotional, overwhelming and incredibly healing all at once. I didn't realise it at the time, but that walk changed the direction of my life.

I started exploring more of the countryside, teaching myself to navigate with a map and compass (with plenty of help from YouTube and a few wrong turns along the way!). Wanting to learn properly, I booked onto a navigation course before joining Mountain Training to work towards my Hill and Moorland Leader Award. Since then, I've gone on to qualify as a Mountain Leader and now spend my time helping others discover the confidence and freedom that the outdoors has given me.

But Peak Outdoor Community isn't really about hills and mountains. It's about people.

It's about creating a place where women feel welcome, supported and encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. A place where friendships are formed, confidence grows and every adventure reminds us just how capable we really are.

The outdoors didn't take away my grief, but it taught me how to carry it.

If Peak Outdoor Community can help even one woman find a little more confidence, joy or peace in the outdoors, then every mile we've walked together has been worthwhile.

I'm so glad you're here, and I hope you'll join us on an adventure soon.