Outward Bound and Me

Step back in time with guest host Nat Jackson, for a profoundly nostalgic and historic episode of Outward Bound and Me.
 
2026 celebrates a monumental milestone: 75 years since the first Outward Bound course exclusively for girls took place. To mark this special occasion, Nat sits down with Biddy Brown and Joan Clark, two extraordinary nonagenarian icons who were there in Eskdale in 1951, when history was made. Their pioneering month in the mountains paved the way, and altered the trajectory, for many other young woman who followed in their footsteps.
 
At a time of rationing, where strict gender stereotypes were deep rooted, two intrepid teenagers were packing up home-knitted gloves and borrowed boots to face the rugged Lake District. Biddy recalls a sheltered farm life where she had never even seen a mountain, and Joan shares vivid memories of growing up during the London Blitz, watching doodlebugs from her playground. Together with Nat, they re-live the sheer magic of that four-week course, the legendary mountain breakfasts, the freezing nights (and frozen boots) in doorless bivvies, and the lifelong confidence, resilience, careers, families, fun and adventure that followed. The ladies of Eskdale share stories of scaling Napes Needle, carrying fragile logbooks through life, and staying in touch with fellow pioneers for decades.
 
Joan reflected on the seminal course: “It's a competition against yourself at Outward Bound. It was up to you whether you improved or not. It's a good foundation for life”. This special episode is a beautiful reminder that the wilderness doesn't care about gender; it only asks you to discover who you are.

Creators and Guests

Host
Nat Jackson
Nat Jackson is a Development Manager in the fundraising team at The Outward Bound Trust, leading the charge to build partnerships that help more young people access life-changing outdoor learning experiences, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a wider sense of what’s possible. Nat is passionate about equity and opportunity having spent a large part of her career creating and leading initiatives that support individuals to realise their potential, particularly those who face barriers to access. Nat has worked in the social impact space for over a decade, following 8 years as a lawyer. Nat pivoted her career to move into youth development, sport and outdoor learning and community opportunity, creating her own businesses and CIC, alongside her work at Outward Bound and as a board member with the Outdoor Industries Association. Nat is especially interested in how challenge can unlock confidence and shift perspectives, and is always keen to champion more inclusive opportunities for young people today.
Guest
Biddy Brown
Unknowingly now living less than an hour apart in the South of England, two incredible woman in their 90s sit down with guest host Nat Jackson, to reflect on their participation in a seminal Outward Bound course that not only changed their lives, but paved the way for hundreds of thousands of young woman to follow in their footsteps. ‘The ladies of Eskdale’: Biddy Brown and Joan Clark, attended the first ever Outward Bound course exclusively for girls in Eskdale in 1951. In this special episode, the ladies reflect on how they came to Outward Bound, the lifechanging month in the rugged West Lakes, and what this moment in time then spurred them on to do. From sheltered lives, to careers, family, and further adventure, 1951 created enduring experiences, and a lasting legacy.
Guest
Joan Clark
Unknowingly now living less than an hour apart in the South of England, two incredible woman in their 90s sit down with guest host Nat Jackson, to reflect on their participation in a seminal Outward Bound course that not only changed their lives, but paved the way for hundreds of thousands of young woman to follow in their footsteps. ‘The ladies of Eskdale’: Biddy Brown and Joan Clark, attended the first ever Outward Bound course exclusively for girls in Eskdale in 1951. In this special episode, the ladies reflect on how they came to Outward Bound, the lifechanging month in the rugged West Lakes, and what this moment in time then spurred them on to do. From sheltered lives, to careers, family, and further adventure, 1951 created enduring experiences, and a lasting legacy.

What is Outward Bound and Me?

Outward Bound & Me is a fortnightly podcast where host Dylan Carroll speaks with Outward Bound alumni from across the decades. Each episode delves into powerful stories of life before, during, and after their time on course—from personal breakthroughs to hilarious moments in the wild. Whether you’re a former participant, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about how adventure shapes lives, this podcast offers inspiration, reflection, and a deeper look into the legacy of Outward Bound since 1941.