Finding Your Feet

LoveReading Says

Finding Your Feet is the Why? How? And Where? of Rhiane Fatinikun’s journey to fulfilment, and her gift to people like her who have been marginalised and othered by the world of adventure. As a middle-aged white man quite active in this space I qualify for what Rhiane at one point termed the ‘Beige Pants Brigade’ and here I am sat in them reading her book. It’s an inspiring story. What started out as a shout out to other Black women to meet for a walk, became a movement which drew thousands of followers, mainstream media coverage and led to the creation of a Community Interest Company, Black Girls Hike.

Like so many, Rhiane struggled with studies and her early career, bouncing from thing to thing whilst trying to find her place in the world. And as a Black woman, challenged with the additional burden of the search for belonging, which continuously hits barriers in the workplace, nights out and even, criminally, the countryside. Barriers that many people don’t even see.

Yet it was her love for the countryside that gave Rhiane the strength to build a base. Here, with friends, she has explored, laughed, grown and healed. She has created a new reality for herself and other women who want to enjoy the countless benefits of hiking and adventuring through the natural world but don’t feel they have the skills, knowledge or even ‘permission’ to do so.

Finding Your Feet is a blueprint for adventure. The first section shares the encouraging stories of Rhiane and her friends, brave women who have trampled all over established norms on their way up the mountain. Women just like you. Section two is the how-to bit, which lays out the essentials such as kit, navigation, fitness and safety. And the final part of the book is a wonderful collection of hiking and adventure destinations curated from Rhiane’s considerable mileage!

But the hardest step is without doubt the first one. For women thinking of following in Rhiane’s footsteps this book is the perfect companion to get you started - and who knows where it might take you!

Greg Hackett

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