Taboo busting: periods and the outdoors
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Reading The Salt Path on a whim after pinching it from my mum’s book collection, I didn’t expect to be stepping onto the South West Coast Path just a few months later. I’d never done a multi-day backpack before, only day hikes, but Raynor Winn described trail life in such a way that I couldn’t wait to walk, eat and sleep with the sea in view and nothing to think about but the journey itself.
After a hopeful message to my group chat, my friend Ari agreed to come with me. With multiple trips under her backpacking belt (including a different section of the coast path), Ari guided me on what to expect and how best to approach it. Although I was reluctant to take on board her minimalist packing style (I learnt the hard way that glass toiletry bottles are non-essential), her advice to be flexible with our daily distances and to listen to our bodies struck a chord. It helped me approach the walk as a mindful experience rather than a physical challenge, which was a big one given we were both due to come on our periods.
We’re firm believers that being on your period should never be an obstacle to being in the outdoors, but we were both a little apprehensive about how it could affect our trip. Practical challenges like where to change sanitary products, how to manage pain and the mental effects of PMS were things to consider. We spoke about it openly, laughing about whether we would be mardy with each other on our PMS days and what products were best to take. There are lots of great articles out there about how to manage these things, covering topics like how to clean your menstrual cup and how to dispose of sanitary waste without a trace. I found that period pants were a game changer as they’re longer lasting than tampons or pads, can be rinsed and reused to reduce pack weight and are eco-friendly — a big bonus!
Lethargy, cramps and general achiness were all PMS symptoms that cropped up for us, and this is where Ari’s advice to listen to our bodies was invaluable. At first, I found it difficult to swallow that we might not hit the full distance we’d planned. But slowing down ultimately meant we didn’t exhaust ourselves before the week was up. Plenty of stops for food and water gave us time to chat with others on the path, but most importantly, it gave us time to admire the views. A well-stocked first aid kit full of ibuprofen was enough for us, but constructing a makeshift hot water bottle out of a plastic bottle, a jumper and almost-boiled water could also work if you suffer from pain at night — making sure you still get that much-needed rest.
While managing the physical symptoms of PMS was tricky at points, the harder battle was often with the mental side of things. I felt feelings of self-doubt creep in when faced with tasks like scaling a cliff first thing in the morning, topped off with guilt for having Ari along for the ride. As someone who meditates, I knew that acceptance was the best way to deal with these negative emotions, so I let the sea and cliffs become my focal point and practised letting negative thoughts ebb and flow without fixating on them. I realised that I couldn’t solve how Ari was feeling, just like she couldn’t solve how I was feeling, and simply focusing on nature in those moments was enough.
Our first taste of Cornish ice cream in Boscastle, reading poetry in Ronald Duncan’s writing hut and a gorgeously hot campsite shower after a very rainy day were just a few moments that made all the difficult ones worth it. Walking together gave Ari and me time to talk openly about how we were feeling and put the world to rights on how paths like this could be made more accessible (hand soap and running water in all public toilets, please!). With studies showing that 64% of school-age girls will stop playing sports by their mid-teens because of period pain and shame, it’s as important as ever to keep this conversation going. Changing your tampon while crouched behind a rock can happen (trust me), but it doesn’t have to be an inconvenience or something to be ashamed of. Educating everyone on practical, helpful ways to handle periods means it becomes less of a barrier, so more and more people can enjoy the outdoors.
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Hill Walking Events
Join us on November 4th for a peer-led walk organized by BMC Peak Area volunteers, in the beautiful Peak District.
Mountaineering Learn Skills
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Rock Climbing Skills
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Access News
Proposals to make ordinary trespass a criminal offence have alarmed outdoor groups, including the BMC. Ahead of a debate in Parliament on the issue and the possibility of Government publishing the Police Powers and Protections Bill, Ed Douglas calls for the Government to think again.
Access News
There are concerns that government are considering moves to turn trespass from a civil offence to a criminal one. In a public consultation that is currently out for comment, it has been suggested that police powers could be strengthened to force people to move on from unauthorised encampments. The BMC is concerned however, that there could be unintentional consequences of the proposals around issues such as wild camping.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Hillwalking Skills
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Hillwalking Skills
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Hillwalking Skills
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Hillwalking Skills
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Hillwalking Skills
Camping ‘wild’ is a different way of spending the night outdoors but it isn't allowed everywhere - with a responsible approach however, there are many remote areas where you can still rest your weary head under a star-filled sky.
Hillwalking Skills
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Hillwalking Gear
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Hill Walking
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mountaineering Learn Gear
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Hill Walking News
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Hill Walking
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Access & Conservation
In the week that sees the Dartmoor wild camping case return to the Court of Appeal, the BMC clearly sets out its position on wild camping.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Hillwalking Skills
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Hillwalking Gear
This article helps inform whether you need crampons or micro spikes when walking in winter, and how crampons are fitted with walking boots.
Hillwalking Skills
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Hillwalking Gear
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Hillwalking Gear
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Hillwalking Skills
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Hillwalking Gear
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Hillwalking Skills
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.
Hillwalking Gear
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs:
Hillwalking Gear
In this article we’ve listed the ideal range of hill walking items so you can head out with everything you might need.
Article
What’s better than a day in the hills? Easy – several days! Here are our tips for walkers looking to take their first steps into walking far and sleeping enroute.
Hillwalking Gear
We take a look at what clothing to wear when hill walking, and how to layer it to stay warm, dry and comfortable in cold and wet conditions.
Hillwalking Skills
This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour in poor visibility and severe weather.
Hillwalking Skills
Pinpointing your exact location is one of the most basic and important skills when hill walking. This article outlines a number of ways to do just that: