A piece exploring the barriers facing plus size people in the outdoors and practical ways to support them.
‘“Bodies, like mountains, come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, but plus size and larger bodied people face a multitude of barriers when getting outdoors. From not being able to get the clothing and kit we need to access these activities comfortably and safely, to being made to feel unwelcome in a lot of groups because of being ‘slow’, these barriers stop a lot of people from walking, climbing, cycling and more.
Put aside any preconceptions and judgements that plus size people ‘need’ to lose weight, or indeed are even trying to lose weight - that’s a different and deeply personal conversation, and not relevant when considering how to support someone to get outdoors and do a walk or activity right now. Within the plus size community, there’s a vast range of different experience and fitness levels; demonstrating that you can’t judge someones ability on how they look.”
Excerpt from the Professional Mountaineer, August 2023, words and photos.