Anna Gill - Shining a light on 'Aberdeenshire Walks'

In this episode of 'Nurture with Nature,' host Iona Andean welcomes Anna Gill, the digital marketing consultant and outdoor enthusiast behind the popular Instagram account @aberdeenshirewalks. Anna shares her journey of fostering a love for the outdoors from childhood to adulthood, navigating motherhood, and building a supportive online community. The conversation delves into coping with self-esteem issues, the benefits of outdoor activities for mental and physical health, and practical tips for accessible walking routes. Sponsored by Out and About, this episode highlights the importance of integrating nature into family life and supporting local businesses through shared adventures.

This episode is sponsored by Out 'n' About

Stay connected with host Iona Andean on Instagram @iona.adventuring

00:00 Welcome to Nurture with Nature
00:23 Introducing Our Sponsor: Out and About
01:05 Meet Our Guest: Anna Gill from Aberdeenshire Walks
02:15 Anna's Outdoor Adventures and Family Life
02:58 Recording Challenges and Episode Setup
03:46 Anna's Childhood and Early Outdoor Experiences
05:39 University Life and Meeting Matthew
06:25 Exploring Aberdeenshire During Lockdown
07:08 Discovering New Walks and Local Gems
09:50 Supporting Local Businesses Through Social Media
14:02 Building a Community on Social Media
21:04 Hosting a Successful Singles Walk
22:03 Organizing a Singles Walk
22:52 Event Success and Social Media Impact
23:32 Future Plans and Family Life
24:34 Balancing Family and Outdoor Adventures
29:10 Support Systems and Social Media Choices
31:12 Encouraging Outdoor Activities
36:51 Confidence and Personal Growth
39:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Transcript

Iona: 0:01

Hello and Hello and welcome to Nurture with Nature with me, your host, Iona Andean. This is the show that aims to help encourage and inspire you to seek out the many physical and mental health benefits of time outdoors, truly nurturing yourself with nature This episode's sponsor is Out and About, an iconic British brand developed by frustrated parents faced with the challenge of finding a buggy that could keep up with an outdoorsy lifestyle. The brand's mission is to enable families who love spending time outside, journey anywhere, together, by providing all terrain buggies centred around practicality, easy maintenance and durability with a lightweight design. Out and About firmly believe that encouraging children to be active from a young age is essential for fostering healthy bodies and minds. Something that I'm sure we can all agree plays such an important part in raising little ones.

Speaker: 1:05

This week's guest is one half of the adventure seeking couple behind the Instagram account Aberdeenshire Walks. Anna Gill is a self employed digital marketing consultant specialising in SEO and social media strategy and she is deeply passionate about using her own social media to make the outdoors as accessible as possible for more people. She and husband Matthew are passionate about shining a light on what Aberdeenshire has to offer, especially its diverse outdoor landscape from dramatic mountains to the soothing sounds of the North Sea and everything in between. Anna has built up a community of over 50, 000 people over her social media platforms and strives to encourage people to get out in nature. Whether that's by encouraging a gentle introduction of easier paths and working up to more challenging hikes or recommending pram and wheelchair friendly paths, she's keen to show her community that you don't necessarily need expensive kit to get outdoors. Many of their Aberdeenshire walks come alongside tasty food stop recommendations so you can fuel up for an adventure or enjoy some cake and coffee afterwards. It's a bonus if you ask me. Despite Anna's bubbly, outgoing personality, in this conversation she chats to me about her experience of low self esteem and the struggle she's had with her appearance. She recalls that an early childhood spent outdoors and a love of performing live music helped her form the go for it attitude she's now so proud of herself for having. Anna regularly shares an insight into their family life and getting her little ones outside, but this conversation is a deeper dive into what it was like to become a mum much earlier than she anticipated and how she fits motherhood around their adventurous lifestyle. In fact you'll likely hear the occasional squeak and snuffle from Anna's six week old baby who was nestled up asleep in the sling during our conversation. We recorded this episode on a beautiful sunny day at the gorgeous, but busy, Pitmeden Gardens near Anna's home. We were really up against it with the wind and trying to avoid too many visitors passing by, so we had to seek a more sheltered spot a few times. As I've said before, I'm very much in the early stages of figuring out all the recording and editing so it may not sound perfect at times but I really hope you'll enjoy getting to know Anna a little more as I loved having the chance to finally meet her. Whether you're based in Aberdeenshire or you're planning a visit to the area, please do share this episode with someone you'll be going on your own Aberdeenshire walks with. Alright, here we go. Enjoy the show! I'm gonna

Iona: 3:46

Let's start with where the outdoors and adventure and being in nature started for you. Is that something that you grew up with? Is it something that you discovered later in life?

Anna Gill: 3:57

So when we were younger, my family loved going on adventures. It wasn't something that we did all the time, every weekend, but every summer holidays we would be going, we'd probably do at least one or two good hill walks. We would go out visiting different castles, loved sort of national trust places. So my life wasn't centered around the outdoors, it was certainly a big part of my life growing up. And I always loved walking. I loved cycling, hill walks. My sister hated them and she would moan all the way around them and usually her and my dad would end up finishing early to go and grab an ice cream. me and my mum would always make it to the top of a hill. So yeah, I guess was I guess it was just a big part of being healthy when we were younger and I hated sports. I hated team sports. I hate running, things like that. So I think. It was probably a good way as a family that we built in exercise and health and well being into our lives.

Iona: 4:59

Yeah, and was that because it was something that your parents enjoyed anyway and they just instilled that into family life?

Anna Gill: 5:07

Yeah, my parents also hate sports in general, like, and I think my mum, I reckon my mum could probably actually think of nothing worse than sitting at the side of, like, a football pitch for an hour in the cold, and she probably, yeah, we just, we just I think it was just that they enjoyed it as well. So we'd take us out and felt quite natural in that way.

Iona: 5:29

Hmm. And how has that evolved and developed over time into adulthood? You've always obviously continued to do that yourself.

Anna Gill: 5:39

Yeah. So when I came up to uni, that was when I met my husband Matthew and we met maybe freshers week of uni and he had a car. So it was quite cool because we got to like, Go out and explore places. That was one. That's probably what I liked about him was that he could, although everyone was stuck in Aberdeen and Hillhead student village, he could drive me out to Aberdeenshire. He lived in Ellen and he could drive me out and we would go different places. Um, so it was something that even when we started dating, we would maybe go for like nice walks, nothing major, but we'd go for nice walks or go and. you know, Excuse him for burping. We'd go nice places together and it was things that he enjoyed too.

Iona: 6:23

Okay.

Anna Gill: 6:25

I would say that even after I left home it was still things that I got to do fairly regularly but then we really properly got into the outdoors and walking when lockdown came. And And there was nothing else that we could do other than go for a walk within our county. And me and Matthew thought, well, we're stuck at home, we're bored, why don't we just see many places we can find on our doorstep that we've been before? And I think it's easy when you live somewhere to just same walk every, do the same walk day or every weekend. But actually it was amazing just to see many new places we could find that were that were real real gems just within a, a ten minute drive of our home. Mm

Iona: 7:08

How did you find all your new walks?

Anna Gill: 7:12

I found all trails really good. When we started walking I would say there was less on all trails than there is now as well. But was really good for finding different local paths maybe. For example in Old Meldrum there's a wood called Den Woods and I had never heard of it before but I found that through all trails and another one in Ellen called Plodhill Woods and just these ones that probably only locals would know about. But really lovely walks. Um, and I used walk highlands as well, but that would be more for your bigger walks that are more popular. And as well, there was some walks that we just found just drove past places and thought, Oh, no, that looks like a, somewhere that you could go walk there. And it was. And a bit of experimentation.

Iona: 7:53

That's so interesting because like you say, so often you don't really know what's on your doorstep because you to your comfort zone and you've got a little routine and you just go to the same places all the time. quite often, if you're looking for somewhere new, you can end up much further afield, feeling like there isn't much in your own area. And I love what you guys have created in really showcasing Aberdeenshire and your local area. Are you from Aberdeenshire?

Anna Gill: 8:23

No, I'm, I hate when people ask me where I'm from because I don't really know where I'm from. I, but I feel like Aberdeenshire is very much my home. So I've lived Dundee, Edinburgh, Kilmarnock. spent most of my childhood growing up in Kilmarnock, um, came up to Aberdeen for uni, but it's very much home now, and it's where I've actually lived the longest amount of time in my life. So I've been here ten years now, so, yeah, I think I was in Kilmarnock for ten years, and then here for ten years now, so, it does, it's definitely home for me.

Iona: 8:55

Yeah. Oh, that's amazing. What do you feel is so good about the outdoors and adventure in Aberdeenshire? in terms of variety and what's on offer.

Anna Gill: 9:07

Specifically with Aberdeenshire, I just love the fact that from our house, within a half hour drive, we can be at the beach, we can be at a hill walk, we can be in a forest. There's so much variety in such a close space. And I love that just however I'm feeling or whatever the weather's like, we can do that. I also really love that there are coffee shops around Aberdeenshire. One thing about me is that I will I genuinely will plan my walks around what looks like a good coffee shop or a good lunch stop. Um, for example, like, like the old, is it the old post office, tea room in Chapel of Garioch? Like, I'd wanted to do that for so but what better excuse to go than to plan a walk round about it. And that's quite often how I find walks.

Iona: 9:50

Do you know what though, there's nothing better than having somewhere nice to stop after a walk to get some cake or coffee or hot chocolate or whatever it is and also it's supporting local businesses as well which is something that I feel you guys do really well on your social media. I don't know if that's intentional or if that's just sort of a by product of what you're sharing with people but yeah it's really nice to see that you can showcase some really lovely little small businesses that probably do struggle to thrive on a daily basis in comparison to like big chain companies and things.

Anna Gill: 10:30

It's such a privilege and it's one thing that I am really passionate about and I hope that that comes through from my social media. I just think it's an amazing platform that we've got to support local businesses and for example one cafe that we went to, we literally posted it about it just because we'd gone anyway and they'd messaged and said our bank holiday Monday was crazy busy thanks to you guys. And then another one recently that I shared about a walk, I shared about a walk near the coffee apothecary that's just new it got, don't think it's had like 80, 000 views or something. Wow. But the Coffee Apothecary were absolutely mobbed on that Sunday. I do think it's so important to encourage people to shop local and support these businesses. It can make such a difference to them, their incomes, and

Iona: 11:16

Also,

Anna Gill: 11:17

the quality that you get from these places can be unmatched. That's the thing, like,

Iona: 11:21

a

Anna Gill: 11:21

lot of these local businesses are putting so much time

Iona: 11:23

and effort into their business, whereas if

Anna Gill: 11:25

you're just ordering things from. online shops. Yes, it might be cheaper but it's not got the same care put into it and there can be something really special about that.

Iona: 11:35

Oh, I love how passionate you are about that. And I do actually think that that really comes across on your social media.

Anna Gill: 11:41

I'm glad.

Iona: 11:41

Yeah, and it's obviously, it's genuine recommendations of places that you go that you just find while you're out and about anyway. And I think that's really important because sometimes it is hard to find recommendations and quite often it's a case of one or the other. You know, you'll find blogs or websites that recommend a good walk and similarly, you'll find ones that recommend good places for food or coffee stops and things, but not necessarily the two combined. And I think you've got a really, like a really easy harmony between that, which is, is very helpful.

Anna Gill: 12:16

And that's something that came naturally because although the page was around walks, actually now I think if I was to go back to the beginning and start again, I think I would call the page Aberdeenshire Life because I feel like naturally it's become much more about just general things going on in Aberdeen, whether that's walks, eating, things to do. And sometimes I'll share about events in Aberdeen. What I want make sure it's that people will be in. But when over percent of my audience are based in Aberdeen and Shire, it's just naturally come that people are interested in hearing about different coffee shops and cafes, and even like, things like that. There's a place, Farm Stop Farmstop, that I rave about. I don't know if you've seen that. Yeah. They do adults only nights for, like, you can go in the evening and go see their animals and so fun. But things like that, that people are actually just really in alongside the walks,

Iona: 13:09

Yeah, it's quite unique and unusual and, again, it's still based around, um, The outdoors and nature and connecting with nature, you know, you're connecting with these animals and I think that's, yeah, that's really nice to, to know about because otherwise you might, you might not know if you're in the area.

Anna Gill: 13:25

Yeah, definitely. And I suppose that's, while I'm I would call it Aberdeenshire life now, I guess that the I recommend, they all probably in quite with outdoors or things that that are interested in will also be interested in. And I guess that goes in hand with what our personalities are our are. Like for me, I don't think it would feel, it wouldn't feel natural for me like a makeup tutorial on my page, even if it was like with local business makeup. Well, that being I don't know. because then it's local businesses So it's interesting. to the audience. I I think what I just always want to make sure is that every piece of content that I post, I think, is going to be valuable to my And that's, I guess, what naturally these other elements. Yeah. Along with walking.

Iona: 14:17

And I love how, yeah, I love how authentic and genuine you guys come across on your page. And, I mean, we've been chatting for well over an hour before we've even started recording today. And this is the first time that we've met. So, you know, it's lovely to know that you are the person you seem on social media. I think that's quite often a consideration when people are, have a big following on social media. I mean, you've got over 30, 000 followers now on your Instagram, haven't you? And, yeah, sometimes people can question whether, Whether that's real, whether that's genuine and authentic, and yeah, you guys definitely do a really lovely job of that, which I really appreciate.

Anna Gill: 14:59

I do, I do believe that like to be my, I do really feel that I want be myself on social I don't want to come across as someone that I'm not, and I just, I feel just little things like, I'll, I've had really bad eczema pregnancy, and I just think actually, For a while I was scared to even like come on and show my face on social media my were all swollen and patchy and sore but actually just my and that's how it is for me and I shared that and so many other people came on and were saying oh for sharing it's nice to see someone speak about it and I think at the end of day we're all real all humans and I just hope that through my platform I don't across someone that I'm not and that's for me

Iona: 15:45

I wondered if you'd mention about your eczema because I saw you posting about that recently. And that's the kind of thing that I know, I've had it in the past around my eyes as well. And it's just an area that you cannot hide. You can't escape from. And that can be quite Quite isolating, quite upset at times. Not necessarily from an aesthetic vain point of view, but it's also, it, I know it can be quite painful, um, and uncomfortable. And, uh, yeah. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's lots of lots of things that people experience that can isolate them. Yeah. Make them want to hide inside. And how has getting outside helped with, with your skin condition?

Anna Gill: 16:32

So, I'm someone that to be honest, I actually haven't always had the best self esteem growing up, especially through teenage years. Um, I remember being at uni and I couldn't go lecture without without wearing makeup, Like, that simple, Like, I would feel so self conscious go chat to my friends I wasn't wearing makeup. And I have really blonde eyebrows and eyelashes and I always felt like I had none. But having eczema, I've not been able to wear makeup. and It's funny how having that stripped away

Iona: 17:06

from you

Anna Gill: 17:07

but still in the public eye really You've got to get on with it And I think actually being outdoors and having this platform, it's make me be less self conscious about how I am. I've just on no makeup at the end day, I'm passionate about Aberdeenshire Walks. I'm passionate about chatting to the community. And although, although it's a sort of one way conversation, I love it and I not doing it. And yeah, it's definitely, I would say getting outdoors, it's definitely helped with that self confidence and Just, well, do you know what? That's the way things are right now, but actually it's my priorities. It's shown me I don't need to be so self conscious that nobody else even cares. It's only me, but actually I can't let that stop

Iona: 17:52

from doing

Anna Gill: 17:52

doing things that I'm passionate

Iona: 17:53

about. Yeah, I think anytime you come on and kind of share vulnerabilities or what you might feel is a slight weakness actually ends up resonating with so many people who maybe feel the same and don't feel able to speak out about it. And um, yeah, like you, you said so many people replied to you saying, you know, thanks for, thanks for speaking about this. And I imagine having that sort of connection with other people can help, help how you feel about it all and your well being around it and, and how you feel about being exposed and, like you said, being in the public eye.

Anna Gill: 18:33

These stories that I've put on talking about my eczema a little bit, been the most replied to stories, which is crazy. Like on a walking page, the most replied to stories have been about But when I you there were hundreds of people saying that they were in the same position, how hard it is, giving and it really does make you actually, you're so in And although it's irrelevant to walking, I guess, it shows the community that we've built and actually, It's safe space that I've managed build. Although it's around the outdoors, people are all interested in the same things and I think people feel like, people feel like they're friends on the platform.

Iona: 19:09

This is something that I've spoken about with other guests on the podcast, is that you sometimes just need to make that connection with people where you have one thing in common and for you, most people I imagine who follow, follow your account, follow you for it. their love of the outdoors as well, but then you can find all these other connections and these other ways that you resonate with people. And I think that's, that's really important. And what you've built, we spoke about this before we were recording, you know, this word community does get banded about a lot, but I feel like what you've built really does, does have a community feel to it, you know, because you're sharing local, local walks and. local businesses and so a lot of people who do follow you probably do live in the area or Hope to visit the area and you know share that passion for Aberdeenshire And

Anna Gill: 20:03

I think it makes such a nice Part of Instagram on I know that you'll be the same. We were speaking about this a little bit like we've got Such nice fault like our followers are so lovely, but I think it is because they're genuine people, local to us, and like we were saying, it feels a community, and although we don't necessarily know of our followers by name like i kind of know who the that reply to me a lot or comment on things are i sort get to know their names at least, um, it just like

Iona: 20:32

got that,

Anna Gill: 20:32

it feels like you've almost got all

Iona: 20:34

people cheering you on,

Anna Gill: 20:35

and um Supporting you, which is which is such a nice part of part of Instagram to be on in the outdoors. We were saying that and and very fortunate that we don't get hate or trolling and I know I'd before about a privilege to be to share local businesses, but the whole thing I feel is such a privilege and I just love the platform to bits.

Iona: 20:55

That's so nice to hear. And obviously, you know, you've said there most of your followers are people who you've never met. You probably will never, never meet. But actually you have met some of these people in person and we were speaking about this a little bit earlier before recording as well that you hosted a singles walk earlier in the year which was an a massive success. Would you like to talk a little bit about that?

Anna Gill: 21:20

It was random, like in some ways I didn't expect it to, I didn't expect it to be quite the hit was but it was so funny. And I find it absolutely So, someone messaged One of my followers messaged me and said, Um, would you consider hosting a singles walk? I'd want someone but I think they were basically saying dating apps. just, everyone's been or a lot of people have been there and it's not worked and are fed up it. And I thought, absolutely, I, I'm like such a romantic, like I love matchmaking. I love just a little bit of gossip probably, which is terrible, I love a bit of drama. And I absolutely. I'd love to host a singles walk. So I got in touch actually with a brand that I've worked with before, And. I really get on well and like their products and so I asked if they would work with me to host a singles walk. They said yes and, which was amazing because that meant it was feasible for me to offer it as a free for everyone. Like, one thing is I'm so about making the outdoors accessible and I didn't want people to feel that they couldn't come because had to pay, um, which was brilliant. And I a walk from Stonehaven Beach to Dunnottar Castle and back. I put it on Eventbrite and I initially aimed to have 50 people come along for this singles walk And I think within like seven minutes, 40 of the tickets gone. It was all females, was slight problem. So I actually had to cap the amount of women that could come the singles walk. Okay. Um, but we had 96 tickets sold. Um, And the event was such success. It went really well. People loved it. And, but it really took off on social media. The post went a little bit viral. Yeah. People just don't know. are obsessed with the idea, I have to say. And funnily enough, I wasn't on TikTok before this, but I just, sometimes I'll post some videos on TikTok TikTok as well. And I put it on TikTok and it got like, I think 600, 000 views on TikTok. So, and since then I've actually loved TikTok, but, um, as well. Um, but yeah, people just went mad for the idea. So I need another one, but I'm hoping to do one maybe about end of summer, autumn time, once, um, I've recovered from, or once of got more into the swing of having two babies and maybe when the youngest baby's a little bit bigger and I have a bit more to plan things out.

Iona: 23:53

This episode's sponsor, Out n About, is not only passionate about supporting the well being of families through meaningful time spent outdoors, they're also dedicated to preserving and protecting our planet. Something that we all have a responsibility for when we enjoy the benefits of getting outside. As well as striving to minimise their environmental impact through sustainable, circular business practices, did you know that you can buy their pre loved and restored all terrain buggies on their website? What a fantastic initiative to make Out and About's products available to even more families while looking after our beautiful planet. Check out their website, outnabout. com Shall we talk a little bit about family life then? Because you've said there that you've got two little ones and Already, you know, you're, you're posting on social media, you guys getting out and about as a, as a family of four. How has that been, that transition from you and Matthew getting outdoors and discovering local walks to now having two little ones?

Anna Gill: 24:58

So I actually didn't plan to have babies this point in my life anyway. I'd just turned 26 when my oldest baby was born. I hadn't planned have babies until I was maybe 32, 33. And funnily enough, with family history, I thought it would be something that we might struggle I very aware that having babies doesn't always come easily. Um, but yeah, I actually got pregnant while I was still on the coil. And so it was such a shock to the system and I had also just started a business a year and a half before having her. So, it really wasn't how I planned for life to go, but honestly I wouldn't have it in any other way. I think because of that, my life, I still wanted to be my life. I felt very much I don't want change my lifestyle and what I do for babies at this stage. Like, I just love being outdoors and I love exploring and I don't want to change. my life become sitting at home with a baby because I just think that would be really sad for me. So really from the start, my whole, I guess, ethos, the right word was like, do you know what? She can just come me and enjoy the too. And it's worked really well. She now loves the outdoors. She potters around and, um, I wouldn't have it actually. I love having a family now. And then our second baby also an accident. So yeah, I really didn't expect have two babies by each. 27. But here we are and like, now I'm, now I love it. And, but yeah, I think having them young and not expecting it has just made me kind of get on with things and think, well, do you know what? I'm not stop doing what I love and actually they can fit in that lifestyle. But I think it's healthy lifestyle and think that it's not a bad to do that when it's regarding outdoors well being and I hope that they grow up loving hiking we're going our first camping trip this weekend and actually do you know what like it might be a disaster but let's give it a shot and that's, yeah so I think having a family's been a bit of a funny time and that it's obviously had challenges but I've just been laid back about it and just thought well That's how it is and I love it it's chaotic but it's fun.

Iona: 27:19

And like you say about your camping trip this weekend, you don't know until you try. And it could be a complete disaster. You could turn back and come home but you aren't going to know until you try it. Exactly. And I really admire you for being honest about that and being open about the fact that You know it's probably not going to be perfect and maybe a little bit of it is having realistic expectations as well because having a family means that your priorities change, your lifestyle changes, but you can adapt it around what works for you and you said there about, um, You didn't want to be sitting at home with your baby and for some people that's what works. Yeah. But for you, it's obvious how much you, you actually need to be outside for your own well being.

Anna Gill: 28:10

Yeah, I would just struggle so much. So me, right, as soon as I got pregnant, I was like, I to have to get an off road pram and get a good carrier. They were priorities right from the get go. And I think that's thing, like, Having a family, you still do the things that you love, and whether that's going outdoors, whether that's, I don't know, coffees, going shopping, you love, like, actually you don't need to stop. I know it's, it really difficult to get out of the house, and some people do find it probably more challenging than others, and there can be a lot of anxiety, or it's, be really hard if, post natal depression, like that, but I really want inspire people and show, like, do you know what, as you say, things aren't always going to be perfect, but. Give them a shot, how it goes, and you never know.

Iona: 28:57

You can only learn from doing as well, and make changes that you think will make it a little bit easier next time, or make things go a little bit smoother next time, but yeah, until you try, you just don't know.

Anna Gill: 29:10

And I will say, I am so fortunate that I've got a lot of support place. I think that that's, It's one thing that I've got so much family around me, I've got my sister along road, I've got family, like my parents an hour away, Matthew's parents 10 minutes away. So I do think I'm in a very fortunate position that I have support around me and that makes things easier. I'm not naive that fact.

Iona: 29:35

Yeah, I think that's really nice to, to, to touch on because it is important to me. To appreciate that not everybody does have that support. So it can feel a little bit more daunting or a little bit more difficult if you don't have that support network in place. And also, as a mother, a lot of the onus is on you, or you feel like a lot of the onus is on you, a lot of the responsibility. So to be able to try and share that burden a little bit with friends and family is really important. And I really appreciate and respect the fact that you don't share your little ones. Um, faces or their names on social media and that's, that's a personal choice and, and you know, that's what you have decided as a family and that's what works for you, but you're still able to show your adventures without sharing those details. So you can still show family life and the connection that you have with the outdoors and with nature without overstepping your own boundaries.

Anna Gill: 30:37

Well that's what I feel is and was was especially Matthew that was really set on like, not even their names. Which, actually I'm really glad because that was, I think, so time last year I had 10, 000 followers less. But as the platform's growing and growing, so when I first had my first baby, yeah the platform was a bit smaller. But actually it's to grow and I'm really glad that that was what was set in place right from the beginning. I guess that's just our choice. But I'm glad that I can still share what we're up without actually showing faces of kids.

Iona: 31:12

And I think it's really inspiring being able to see that actually you can still get outside and Okay, sometimes your adventures are adapted to be child friendly, but like you mentioned already, you knew you wanted to get an off road pram to make more of your walks more accessible with, with babies, and there are lots of things that you can do to. to adjust and adapt and today you've got your little one in the carrier so you're able to carry him with you, um, and still be able to sit and chat to me and you've just been feeding and it's so beautiful to see because you are able to just continue with life.

Anna Gill: 31:51

Yeah, so sorry if you've heard his little grunts.

Iona: 31:54

It's very sweet.

Anna Gill: 31:56

But, um, Yeah, I, it's definitely just funny. It's a different stage of life. And even things like feeding, I actually probably only now have felt more confident with like feeding in public, but do you know what he needs fed? um, I suppose he's a bit less on off, but again, I think like all these things can so hard as mom. you're like, I didn't breastfeed with my first but with one, like I have, if it feels quite scary. You're like, oh, you're getting like. It just feels so unnatural almost start. Although it is a natural thing, it feels, it feels hard, but Yeah, I as I've, as the weeks gone on and You just, yeah, just go with the flow and I guess that I'm getting more confident with two babies. It's all these things that I think just come with time.

Iona: 32:44

Yeah, absolutely. With your following on social media, and obviously the fact that you share so much advice and recommendations, do you get asked a lot about how to get outside, how to access the outdoors? Is that a question that you're answering a lot?

Anna Gill: 33:03

Yeah, I would that the most common questions that I get are, how do start getting into Munro, like Munro's? Okay. And I am not an expert on that by any means, there are people who are so much more focused on Munros than I am. But, for that question, no. think the biggest thing is we're actually really fortunate in Aberdeenshire that there are quite a few accessible Munros like Mount Keen and Lochnagar, they've got good paths and also think a big thing is like you can also build up to, if you're not confident about starting with something big, we've got hills like Bennachie, Clachnaben that you can start with, do a couple of smaller hills and then go for your Munro and also, don't need all the best kit, like, have good quality walking boots, for sure, and And I do think with outdoor wear, you get what you pay for in a lot of cases, but, yeah, like, is it Peter or something? Like, there cheap brands, brands, that are actually really good. You don't need to spend 300 on a jacket to go and start climbing Munros. hmm. So that's one thing that people ask me a lot. And another thing that people ask me about, like, getting into walking is just generally, like, good paths and where to go and that's, so that's why often on my page I'll share maybe, like, like, just last night I did eight flat walks or something, like, sort of make, like, a little list or a collection of walks that are, like, eight hill walks under 10 kilometers or five, walks near Inverurie, just almost like a collection that people can then pick and choose from. I think that that can be helpful.

Iona: 34:42

Absolutely. And then it means that if that suits somebody and you've got a few recommendations, then you know that people can work through that until they feel comfortable and confident, which is, is really

Anna Gill: 34:54

Yeah, that's my hope. I get a lot of people asking questions about specific walks that I post. And yeah, I'm always happy to answer questions. Funnily enough, I think a lot of things, a lot of things, like, to be honest, they'll ask me questions and I just Google it and give them the answer that Google, like, or like send them a link to the walk on Google. Um, Um, I'm by no means an expert in all areas, but I'm always happy to help out. And I guess, um, I know where to look for things, like if someone's asking me for a specific walk or a coffee shop near a specific walk, I guess, like, I quite often know the right places to look so I can find the information pretty quickly, which, yeah, I'm always happy to help out, um, when people ask things. I get such a mix, I get such a mix.

Iona: 35:41

I really appreciate what you've said there as well about you're not an expert so you don't necessarily know the answers that people ask you but that's so lovely that people feel that they can approach you and that they can ask you those questions because it's that way where Sometimes you want to try something new, or you really want to experience something and you're put off from doing it because it's the unknown, whereas somebody like you is so approachable and so easy to speak to that people feel they can ask you those questions and ask for advice and if that helps somebody on their journey to getting started or, you know, that's, that's really powerful.

Anna Gill: 36:20

got a much a go for it mindset and that's that I've I've had all through my life. Like, I just get stuck into things and give it a shot and I guess I'm very fortunate that I've got that confidence. So it's, I suppose like I'm always happy, like the camping tonight, I'm always happy to give things a go and actually, like, like if some people maybe need a bit more like, no you can do this, then hopefully if I've given it a go and I can show that like, oh you can do this too, you're

Iona: 36:50

all right. Where do you think that gopher attitude comes from? Because you mentioned earlier about kind of like having low self esteem and things. They seem a bit chalk and cheese.

Anna Gill: 37:00

Yeah, probably. I think I would say it's low self-esteem on appearance. Um, Which I think that's something that that I'm so much more confident now than I used to be. That was definitely very much my teenage years and yeah, like maybe even early twenties, like probably coming to Aberdeen and Uni and I don't know, just as I've grown up, that's something that I've got so much better with. Um. I think it's something a lot of people face in teenage years, but I've always been confident in terms of like, when it comes to doing things, whether that's been like, I would have done a lot of music growing up. Do you know what? I think it's music. I think I was playing saxophone and guitar and singing. And I honestly think just doing that and being up on a stage performing, I think that does wonders for your confidence in terms of. Like sort of putting yourself out there. And then I was involved in Young Enterprise when I school, which loved, that was probably what gave me a sort of business interest, an interest in business and running my own business. So I think that these things have built the foundations to that for it it attitude as grown up it's something that stuck me. I've also had parents that have really encouraged me to do what I want and said like, well, if you think that you want, if you want to do something,

Iona: 38:22

like why not

Anna Gill: 38:22

it a shot? And I think that that's a really fortunate thing to have had growing up and so supported and nurtured well. Yeah. And I hope that I be like that my own kids

Iona: 38:32

as well. Yeah, that's so lovely. I mean, taking them camping this weekend for the very first time is definitely stone stepping stone in that direction, isn't it?

Anna Gill: 38:41

know. And I think what's really lovely about these things is it's, you can do it without like, having to spend a fortune and like. We were fine growing up, but it wasn't like we were really rich and had, given like, loads of opportunities that cost money. But I think it was just that we were brought outdoors and supported and told, like, if you want to do something, give it a go. And that's why about again, like with camping, it's costing, well, it's 25 for the campsite. Obviously, you've got your tent and equipment, but that's a one off cost. And actually, you can build confidence in kids. like, even from such age, having to spend the earth. Which, that's one thing I love about it, and it it becomes more accessible for people.

Iona: 39:24

Yeah, absolutely. Anna, it's been so lovely hearing your experiences in the outdoors and about how you've grown this following on social media and the people that you connect with and the people that you're able to share your advice and recommendations with. And it's, yeah, I love following your page. I think somebody recommended it to me when I was moving back to Aberdeenshire. Yeah, it's been invaluable for me and finding new places that I didn't know about despite growing up in this area And I'm sure a lot of people are are really grateful for the the work that you do and how passionate you are about it

Anna Gill: 40:03

Oh, thank you. lovely you as as well feel like I followed for a couple years now But not really I suppose not engaged with, like we've not really met or engaged with each other loads but known who you are and of followed your adventures but really nice to actually meet you now and it's

Iona: 40:21

yeah. The podcast has been a really good excuse to either catch up with people I've not seen for a long time or to meet people that I, I follow and really admire so yeah thanks so much for your time. I always end the episodes asking what would you really like somebody to take away from listening to you?

Anna Gill: 40:40

For me I really feel that I want to know that not I've not been hiking all my life doing crazy big expeditions, but do you know what? I'm just like someone that just enjoys being outdoors actually you're if you're thinking like oh I would love to be doing all these walks, but I just don't have the confidence do you what like just go for it and get more confident spending time outdoors you go for it. And especially with kids like if it's something like you think like, Oh, I'd love to go outdoors more but it just feels difficult getting out with two babies Well, you know, it is difficult, and you're going to have things go wrong. You're to have times where forget they're snacks, forget a nappy that's with me and I had my littlest newborn baby in a size 5 because he exploded and like, you know there's always going to be things that just go wrong, but actually. like, make most of the time that you can outdoors and just enjoy them and go with it. I hope that yeah, I hope that no matter who you are or what your abilities are, just get outdoors, enjoy fresh air and be yourself. Even daunting, you'll feel so much better

Iona: 41:55

for it. Oh, I think that's a lovely takeaway, and I really hope that will resonate with a lot of people. I'm sure it will. I hope so. Yeah. Thank you so much. Thank you for inviting me on. Not at all. It's been an absolute pleasure to finally meet you. I really hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about Anna. Personally, I always find it interesting meeting the person behind Instagram accounts with big followings because it's a real reminder that they're just living everyday lives too. Give her a follow at Aberdeenshire Walks on Instagram for some fantastic recommendations. And if you're looking to meet someone through a shared love of the outdoors then who knows, maybe Anna will be organising a singles walk somewhere near you in the not so distant future. In the meantime though, Anna told me she's excited to see where her work takes her as it's so important to her, but for now she's taking time to be a mum and teaching her kids to love the outdoors. She plans to make the most of this precious time on maternity leave with them. Remember, if you're not already following the show, then go do it now and each brand new episode will arrive automatically on a Monday morning, ready for you to start your week with a dose of inspiration. Tag me on Instagram at Iona. Adventuring and let me know what you thought of this episode with Anna, especially if you managed to listen to it while spending time outdoors. Thank you as always for your feedback and for helping me reach as many people as possible so that we can all find ways of feeling a little more nurtured with nature. I'll see you next time.