We caught up with Grace @graces__adventures, to hear all about her journey exploring the outdoors, how she keeps motivated and prepares for hikes.
Tell us a little about yourself…
My name’s Grace Kelly, I’m 30 and I’m from Stratford upon Avon (so I rack the miles up each week being so far away from anywhere remotely mountainous!). I work as an Executive Assistant which gives me flexibility to work remotely now and then which is a massive bonus when you’re as adventurous as I am. I have a little toy poodle named Bertie who is the cuddliest doggo going and loves joining me on my adventures. He also has his own page @berties__adventures.
Where did your love of the outdoors come from?
I didn’t discover the outdoors until later in life, I was 27 when I climbed my first mountain which was Snowdon in the middle of December (not sure what I was thinking in hindsight) and as tough and painful and scary as it was, the feeling of reaching the summit completely took over the pain and fear and as soon as I got down, I wanted to do it all over again. I think it’s safe to say I got the bug from that point. But prior to that I did a lot of travelling, usually solo, and I would always google the most scenic/picturesque pictures in each country I visited, so I decided I should start doing the same thing when I was home too. Between the new-found love for mountains and the existing love for travel, my adventurous side was born.
If you could only ever do one walk / hike again, what would it be and why?
Wow – tough one. I think I would have to say Y Garn in Snowdonia because it holds a lot of happy memories for me. The first time I climbed it was a solo hike and it was the first hike that I plotted myself using OS Maps which I was really proud of and I completed it in 2 hours and 47 minutes. The 2nd time was a group wild camp (and my first wild camp) with some very good friends and an incredible sunrise, and then the 3rd time was my first ever solo wild camp which was such an incredible experience. The views from Y Garn never get old and I don’t think I’d ever get bored of it.
What do you find most challenging about long distance walking and running?
I’ve always struggled with deciding on kit and I’m often too hot or too cold. I start out a hike all layered up and end up stopping 10-minutes in to de-layer. Then not long after I cool down and layer back up. This basically continues throughout the entire hike and usually means I have a ton of layers packed in my bag (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) but I wish I could regulate my temperature a little better! Winter is the worst as my fingers and toes get freeeezing no matter how good my kit is.
How do you fuel your hikes?
I often take a banana, some kind of bagel or wrap and then energy bars. I always have my 2L water bladder and a Lucozade too and I keep nut rations and energy gels in my bag for emergencies. For longer hikes I take berocca and electrolyte tablets and I take jelly babies for quick sugar release.
Favourite hiking Snacks?
I pretty much always have a bounty or a snickers on a hike!
What are some of your favourite outdoor activities outside of hiking?
I’ve recently got my first paddleboard and so I’m really enjoying experiencing that! I run several times a week and enter into a few races each year and I also enjoy bouldering occasionally.
We love your Youtube videos, which has been your favourite to film so far and why?
I really enjoyed filming my Solo Wild Camp video. I was apprehensive doing this so it was nice to document it as it was such a big experience for me and nice to be able to share it with others and hopefully offer some advice or inspiration. It was also nice not being pressured by time or having anyone with me so I could take my time with filming and set up good shots etc.
Your ‘first solo camp’ video has to be our favourite, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to go solo wild camping?
I would suggest picking a location that you’ve been to before and that you feel comfortable/safe in. The higher I am, the safer I feel as it feels a little less accessible. Maybe even go and do a camp there with friends/family before going solo so that you’re familiar and feel more relaxed in the location. I’d recommend taking plenty of warm kit, food and water. Downloading a book, music or a movie to keep you entertained as it’s possible there wont be any signal if you’re up high! and my top tip – take yourself some wine.
What first springs to mind when you hear the words bucket list?
I think of sky diving and seeing exotic locations and doing hikes like Machu Picchu and those you’d find in New Zealand / Canada. Basically getting to travel to the incredible places that I haven’t yet visited. I have already done a skydive, but I’d like to do it again!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting your outdoor journey?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced would have to be pushing through discomfort and my mental barriers in terms of my ability and fitness. I’ve always found climbing mountains difficult, it’s never seemed to get any easier for me no matter how many I do. I used to have a real mental conflict when something was difficult and my mind immediately went to quitting and giving in, so pushing through that and reaching new limits and challenging myself has been transformative for me and for my self-confidence and self-belief.
What piece of kit could you absolutely not live without?
My power bank! For safety reasons and for navigation purposes (and of course for the photos) I couldn’t live without that.
What’s in your hiking bag for a full day of adventure?
For a day of adventures, I have: water, energy drink, food & snacks, power bank, blister plasters, lip balm, tissues, hat/gloves/waterproof in winter and cap, sunglasses and suncream in summer!
Advice for anyone looking to take on their first mountain?
I’d say ease yourself in with something like Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons or if you want more of a challenge, Snowdon via Pyg Track or Scafell Pike. They may be big mountains but the paths are fairly untechnical and there is usually a lot of people around so if you were lost of needed help, you’re not alone. I’d recommend ensuring you have navigation on your phone and a power bank, and ofcourse plenty of provisions. (I have a ‘tips for your first solo hike’ video up on youtube incase that helps).
Who are your heroes / sources of inspiration?
My main sources of inspiration are people who push themselves to the absolute limit and who I watched in documentaries when I was first starting out on my adventures: Kilian Jornet, Alex Honnold, Ant Middleton to name a few. I also love Yes Theory and love their adventures and their attitudes and outlook on life.
So you’ve smashed your goal of a ‘mountain a month’ and recently the Welsh 3 Peaks, what’s your next challenge going to be?
I’m considering taking on the Welsh 3000s and the National 3 Peaks soon as well as some of my first long distance hikes, possibly the South Downs Way and Offas Dyke. I’m looking forward to so many future adventures!
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