Anna Humphries is an adventurer, expedition leader, and founder of The Mountain Girl, whose life is dedicated to getting people outdoors and showing them what's possible when you push past your comfort zone.

A trained Mountain Leader, Scout Leader, and key member of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team, Anna has designed and led survival programmes across the UK and around the world. Her work spans everything from logistics and programme development to standing on the frontlines with groups of young people, teaching them resilience and grit in the wild.

Adventure runs through her veins. She has hiked to Everest Base Camp, raced through the National Three Peaks Challenge multiple times — her fastest in under 20 hours — and was part of the first female team to Stand Up Paddle Board across the English Channel. Whether it's trail running, paddle boarding, or exploring high peaks, Anna thrives on testing her own limits while inspiring others to do the same.

Through The Mountain Girl, Anna champions accessibility in the outdoors, especially for women and young people. She believes in the power of nature to build confidence, connection, and courage.

Her mission is simple: to encourage more people to experience the wild, to discover their inner strength, and to prove to themselves that they are tougher than they think.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

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Show notes

Who is Anna
Founder of Mountain Girl
Growing up close to the Malven Hills
Being the role model that she needed when she was growing up
Her early years
Having an older sister and a twin sister
Why the Malvens were an adventure playground for her
Why her teenage years were tough
Not being in love with herself
Never feeling as though she fitted in
Losing her way
Role models
Trying 27 jobs….
Dealing with the doubt in her brain
The stories she was telling herself
Describing yourself in different adjectives
Wanting to be strong and adventurous
Starting to follow people who inspired her on instagram
Needing to lose weight and feeling unhealthy
Tapping into her inner child
Taking 2 years to lose weight, and getting rid of the hate in her head
Adventure - Love - Happiness
I am - I am - I am
Developing Mountain Girl
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Receiving her gold award
Volunteering in Scouts
Badge motivation!
Starting to head off on her own adventures
Getting her qualifications and upping her skills
Becoming a Mountain Leader and how it opened up future opportunities
Future events happening in 2026
Visiting Mt. Everest Base Camp
Setting herself big challenges
Wanting to share her adventures
Being adventure driven and not ego driven
Paddle Boarding across the English Channel
Becoming a SUP coach
Overcoming her fear of heights
Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge
The importance of rewards
How you can connect with Anna
Final words of advice
Be the person you needed when you were growing up
Start to explore social media see what it going on
Find the inspiration and follow it
BE IT!!!

Social Media

Website www.themountaingirl.co.uk

Instagram @themountaingirluk

Facebook: @themountaingirluk

X: Mountaingirl_UK

Bear Grylls Survival Academy - beargryllssurvivalacademy.com/team/anna-humphries

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