Venturing through the Himalayas in a yak coat, traversing Iran in a 1930s Burberry mac alongside a mule, and braving the Scottish Highlands in a 1940s cotton skirt and hobnail boots—this is the extraordinary journey of Elise Wortley. Her mission? To recover the lost stories of history’s female explorers.
Elise’s adventures are meticulously authentic, down to the wooden backpack and battered linen tent she carries. As a self-proclaimed “accidental adventurer,” she was inspired by Alexandra David-Néel, an incredible female explorer who made history in the early 1900s.
Despite the dominance of men in the adventure industry, Elise is part of an inspiring group of female adventurers who are challenging the status quo. They share their experiences and the transformative power of travel at Moosey Gallery in London.
For Elise, overcoming severe anxiety was a catalyst for adventure. Alexandra David-Néel’s journeys became a beacon of hope, and at 27, Elise embarked on her own global expeditions. Today, she’s an avid outdoor enthusiast and has even participated in Channel 4’s “Alone,” where she thrived in the Canadian wilderness for weeks.
Elise’s passion extends beyond her own adventures. She’s determined to bring the stories of forgotten female explorers to life. “Everyone knows Shackleton and Mallory, but we rarely hear about the women who did just as amazing journeys as the men did,” she explains. “A lot of them died in the shadows.”
Dr. Adele Doran, an academic at Sheffield Hallam University, highlights the barriers women have faced in adventure and the opportunities still to be explored. She emphasizes that men continue to dominate the industry and that there’s more work to be done to create a more inclusive space.
Despite the challenges, research from Intrepid Travel reveals that over two-thirds of women consider themselves adventurous. They’re seeking out female guides to lead them on off-the-beaten-path expeditions worldwide. However, safety concerns, family commitments, and cost remain hurdles for many aspiring adventurers.
Hafida Hdoubane, another trailblazing adventurer, became Morocco’s first female mountain guide three decades ago. Despite facing backlash, she’s summitted Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, countless times and explored remote corners of Morocco to connect with marginalized communities. Her unwavering spirit and resilience serve as an inspiration to challenge stereotypes.
Hafida’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance. Growing up in a working-class family with six sisters, she overcame societal expectations and pursued her passion for adventure. Through training and determination, she became the only woman to pass a rigorous three-day test to become a certified guide.
Television presenter Louise Minchin, who has embraced various adventures, including a triathlon in Chile and a freezing swim to Alcatraz, believes that adventure is not limited to “gnarly men with beards.” She advocates for diversity in representation and the celebration of female stories of courage and bravery.
To amplify these “hidden” voices, Louise wrote “Fearless Adventures with Extraordinary Women,” a book featuring 18 inspiring stories. Intrepid Travel’s research highlights the lack of visibility of female adventurers in the media, with only 26 of 101 travel shows featuring a female presenter on two leading TV channels.
Dr. Adele Doran emphasizes that adventure can take many forms and doesn’t require conquering treacherous mountains or embarking on dangerous expeditions. It’s about embracing new experiences, reconnecting with nature, and enhancing personal well-being.
From Elise Wortley’s historical reenactments to Hafida Hdoubane’s pioneering spirit and Louise Minchin’s advocacy for diversity, these female adventurers are inspiring a new generation to break free from traditional boundaries and embrace the boundless possibilities of adventure.
