Inspired by a conversation with adventurer and author Belinda Kirk

At Your Adventure Challenge, we believe that adventure has the power to change lives, not just through the challenges themselves, but through everything that leads up to them. That belief was echoed in a recent conversation between Steve Bollschweiler and Belinda Kirk, one of the UK’s most experienced expedition leaders and the author of Adventure Revolution. In their conversation, they explored why adventure matters, how it can impact mental wellbeing, and what it really means to live adventurously, even in small ways.

Adventure Isn’t Just for the Elite

Belinda Kirk has led expeditions around the world for over 30 years, but she’s on a mission to rebrand adventure. For many, the word conjures images of bearded men scaling mountains or racing to the poles. But Belinda believes adventure is something much broader and much more accessible.

“Adventure,” she says, “is a chosen challenge.” It doesn’t have to be big, expensive or dramatic. It can be as simple as wild swimming in a local river, camping in the back garden, going geocaching with your children or trying a new physical skill. What matters is that it’s a challenge you choose, and that you commit to stepping outside your comfort zone.

Adventure Is Good for You and There’s Science to Prove It

Belinda’s book, Adventure Revolution, is based not just on her years of experience but also on neuroscience, psychology and evolutionary theory. Humans evolved as hunter gatherers, physically active, risk aware, and connected to nature. But today’s society has removed much of that from daily life, leaving many of us mentally and physically unfulfilled.

Adventure, she argues, is not a luxury. It’s essential. The evidence shows that adventure helps us develop confidence, resilience, better mental health and deeper social connections. And while personal stories are powerful, it’s the science that often helps shift policy and challenge the idea that adventure is a frivolous pastime.

Start Small, Start Now

One of the biggest barriers to adventure is perception. People often believe they’re not adventurous, or that they’re not fit or skilled enough. But Belinda insists that anyone can begin, and the key is to start small. Book a challenge that excites you, find people who share your interests, and begin preparing. The act of booking a challenge, even months in advance, is itself a powerful step.

At Your Adventure Challenge, we support you through that journey. Our challenges are designed to be inclusive, safe, and achievable with the right preparation. Whether it’s a multi-day paddle, the National Three Peaks, or a bespoke team expedition, the adventure starts the moment you decide to do it.

Risk, Resilience and Raising Adventurous Children

A recurring theme in the conversation was the role of perceived risk. Adventure doesn’t mean unnecessary danger. It means giving people (including children) the space to assess, manage and grow from challenge. Belinda spoke about giving her son his first knife at five years old, not as an act of recklessness, but as a careful, guided introduction to responsibility and skill building.

When children are allowed to take calculated risks, they become more self-reliant and resilient. This mindset also applies to adults. Whether it’s learning to whittle or preparing for your first long-distance hike, the confidence built through adventure carries over into all areas of life, from work to relationships to self-belief.

Changing the Narrative

Belinda’s hope is that more people start talking about adventure as a tool for wellbeing, personal development and societal change. And the best way to make that happen? Go on your own adventure and bring someone with you. Talk about it. Celebrate it. Share the impact it had on you.

If you’re a professional working in education, health or wellbeing, you can also explore the Adventure Mind research project, which provides evidence summaries to support the benefits of adventure.

Final Thoughts

Adventure is not just something you do. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a catalyst for change. At Your Adventure Challenge, we see time and again how taking on a challenge, however big or small, can unlock something powerful in people. And as Belinda so perfectly puts it, the key is to start now, start small, and find people who will support you.

So what’s stopping you? The call to adventure is already in you. Say yes, prepare for the journey, and let the transformation begin.