PANEL TALK: Tales from inspiring adventurers

Join Helen Rennard, Rob Matheson and Lorraine McCall at BMC Basecamp Festival for an inspiring panel talk exploring the people, experiences and adventures that have shaped their journeys in the outdoors.

From the moments that have stayed with them, to the challenges they’ve overcome and the support they’ve received along the way, Helen, Rob and Lorraine will share the stories behind their adventures and what has inspired them to keep exploring.

The panel will cover:

• The adventures that brought them here

• Who and what inspired them to get into the outdoors

• The moments they’ll never forget

• The people and communities who supported them

• Advice for anyone setting out on their own adventures

• An open audience Q&A

This is your chance to hear directly from three inspiring adventurers, discover what motivates them and take away some inspiration for your own adventures.

Time: 7pm

Place: YHA Castleton, Losehill Hall

Tickets: £20 BMC Members (Basecamp Saturday Day Ticket)

£30 BMC Non-members (Basecamp Saturday Day Ticket)

BMC Basecamp Festival

Your Saturday ticket also gives you full access to the rest of the Basecamp programme and activities taking place throughout the day. Come for the stories, stay for the adventure.

Meet the legendary panel

Lorraine McCall has become one of Scotland's most accomplished long-distance mountain walkers through a series of extraordinary self-powered mountain rounds. She is the first woman to complete a continuous round of all 231 Grahams and, most recently, became the first known woman to complete a continuous round of the Donalds and Donald Tops, covering 141 summits in just 28 days.

What makes Lorraine's achievements particularly inspiring is that many have been completed while undergoing treatment for cancer. Her determination, resilience and positive outlook have touched countless people she has met along the way. Through her adventures, Lorraine demonstrates that even in the face of significant personal challenges, it is possible to continue pursuing ambitious goals and finding joy in the mountains.

At the age of 74, Rob Matheson reminded the climbing world that ambition and adventure have no age limit. His ascent of The Bells! The Bells! (E7/8) stands as one of the most remarkable British climbing achievements of recent years, combining technical skill, commitment and decades of experience on challenging traditional routes.

Known for his thoughtful approach to climbing and his lifelong passion for the mountains, Rob's achievement has inspired climbers of all generations. More than simply demonstrating exceptional performance, his ascent shows that personal goals, determination and a love of adventure can continue to drive us throughout our lives. His achievement embodies the spirit of the award by encouraging others to pursue their own ambitions regardless of age or expectation.

Helen Rennard achieved a remarkable mountaineering feat by completing all 282 Munros in winter in a record time of 80 days and 9.5 hours. She completed the second half of the round with an unhealed leg wound after falling on a spiky rock on a few days before reaching the 141 Munro mark. Despite this painful injury, she became only the second woman ever to complete a continuous winter Munro round and set a new overall winter record.

Undertaken during Scotland's harshest season, the challenge demanded exceptional endurance, planning, navigation and resilience across some of Britain's most demanding mountain terrain. Helen's achievement combines athletic performance with a deep commitment to mountain travel and exploration, providing an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through determination, preparation and a passion for the outdoors.