Helen Skelton knows how to get the most from a Life Outdoors. Growing up on a farm in Cumbria, she has crafted a work and play lifestyle which has seen her take on some awe-inspiring outdoor challenges as well as presenting and appearing in some of Britain’s most-loved outdoor TV programmes. We’re proud to announce that Helen is teaming up with North Ridge (available only at selected retailers including Blacks), to encourage everyone to get outside.
In this exclusive interview, we explore what motivates Helen to take on extreme challenges, examine her relationship with the outdoors, and learn more about where her connection with nature began.
Nature and adventure are great levellers. There’s no denying time spent outside is good for your mental health and that’s why I would encourage anyone to invest in yourself by being outdoors – Helen Skelton
Cumbrian born and bred
Helen has called a few places home during her action-packed life, from Yorkshire to France, but she spent her formative years growing up on a dairy farm in the village of Kirkby Thore, near Penrith. She says “I was brought up on a farm on the edge of The Lake District so life was always outdoors.” Her time spent with her Dad on the farm would come in useful when she later took centre stage, presenting Channel 5’s ‘This Week On The Farm’.
So does Helen think where you grow up has a direct impact on whether you’re ‘outdoorsy’ or not? She says “Adventures don’t have to be in the countryside. For me adventure is anything that puts you out of your comfort zone. You can be adventurous with food, dance classes etc. but equally don’t think if you grew up in the city that you should assume the countryside isn’t for you. Ask questions of walkers and climbers, book a guide, speak to people in a country pub and they will encourage you and advise you if you don’t have much outdoor experience.”
An adventurer in all but name
Although Helen doesn’t see herself as an adventurer, it’s clear that she enjoys tackling extreme challenges and pushing her mind and body to the max across the globe. Her presenting roles over the years, most notably her six years at Blue Peter, have seen her take on some truly awesome adventures. She’s the first woman to kayak the entire length of the Amazon, she’s completed the gruelling 78-mile Namibia Ultra Marathon, and she’s the first person to travel to the South Pole on a bicycle. So how does she get through these demanding expeditions? Helen says “Everything is doable one day at a time. bit by bit. Don’t think of the bigger picture or the entire challenge just one day at a time. Antarctica was tricky because of the cold, everything is hard work in minus 70! Putting up tents wearing oven gloves is not fun.”
Who inspires Helen?
Helen notes that there are people doing great adventures which inspire her. “I don’t think there is one person, but there’s an amazing list of inspiring people I look too… Ellen Mcarthur, Ben Fogle, Sarah Outen, Livia Simoka and Laura Bingham are all people I admire.” To anyone yet to discover the opportunities that outdoor adventure has to offer, Helen says “There are so many inspiring women and men who spend their time outdoors, if you want an outdoor family, follow Leo Houlding and his wife. Simply wow!”
Prioritising a life outdoors
It is clear that the outdoors holds great purpose for Helen and her family, and within her busy schedule she always makes time to enjoy those wild places. Even the practicalities of everyday life lead Helen to enjoy time outdoors as she recounts, “My dog needs walking every day. I am not as close to the mountains as I would like to be but when I get home I like to be up a fell. One of my best friends has just started doing fell yoga which I can’t wait to try sometime soon.”
So what does Helen think about the importance for all of us to enjoy a Life Outdoors? She says “Nature and adventure are great levellers. There’s no denying time spent outside is good for your mental health and that’s why I would encourage anyone to invest in yourself by being outdoors.”
About North Ridge
Whatever your mountain, make it an adventure with North Ridge. This iconic outdoor brand blurs the contour lines between trail and town. Blending style with substance, the designers at North Ridge have created a range of quality jackets, clothing, walking shoes and accessories which are all built for spending time outdoors.
North Ridge is a favourite with walkers, commuters and city explorers. Battle unpredictable weather in the collection of waterproofs and insulated jackets; plus, stay fast and light in the range of baselayers, shorts and women’s leggings. There’s also a fantastic selection of cool and casual graphic tees, and everyday loungewear to create a statement, even when resting between adventures.
The North Ridge x Helen Skelton collaboration will see Helen modelling the latest range of North Ridge women's clothing for Spring and Summer 2022. She will be using her favourite pieces from the collection on her many adventures this season, so keep an eye on her social media and shop the latest pieces below.
