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Female adventurers on centre stage at 2020 Peebles Outdoor Film Festival

Written by Fiona

January 06 2020

A host of fantastic female adventurers will offer inspiration to people of all ages at the 2020 Peebles Outdoor Film Festival. The line-up includes hand-cycling Paralympic gold medallist Karen Darke, natural history presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff and world record breaking cyclist Jenny Graham.

The event, from January 24 to 26, also hopes to build on the record audiences of 2019.

What to expect at Peebles Outdoor Film Festival

Slacklining across the US-Mexican border in the short film, The Imaginary Line.

The festival features a range of big name and “local hero” speakers, award-winning adventure films, and an exciting programme of outdoor sessions led by local activity providers. 

In addition to screenings featuring more than 30 short films from around the world, the event also includes two critically acclaimed feature films: Home – the story of British adventurer Sarah Outen’s self-powered journey around the world by bike, kayak and rowing boat – and Final Ascent: the Legend of Hamish MacInnes, an intimate portrait of a Scottish mountaineering icon. 

More about the speakers

The irrepressible Karen Darke on expedition in Ethiopia.

Karen Darke was paralysed from the chest down following a climbing accident aged 21. Her current Quest79 project – nine rides on seven continents to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association – has already seen her claim a hand cycling gold medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio; shatter the women’s hand cycle land speed record in Nevada; and ride along the Ganges from its source in the Himalayas. Karen will reveal more about these and other remarkable adventures. 

Read more about Karen Darke.

TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff. Credit: Jim Lennon

Miranda Krestovnikoff is an author and diving and natural history presenter. Taking a tour of the UK and Irish coastlines, including some of the best stories she has filmed for the BBC’s COAST and The One Show, Miranda will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the items are filmed and what happens when it all goes a bit wrong. 

The amazing Jenny Graham.

Jenny Graham, of The Adventure Syndicate, recently became the fastest woman to circumnavigate the world by bike. She completed her ride solo and unsupported she covered 18,000 miles in just 124 days, knocking almost three weeks off the previous (supported) record. From dodging tornados and negotiating bear country to dealing with Russian traffic and more, Jenny will offer a humorous take on the highs and lows of one very big adventure. 

Read more about Jenny Graham.

Rich and Tom Seipp on the Tour Divide.

Other inspirational figures include:

Anna Neubert-Wood will talk about how WanderWomen Scotland encourages women of all ages to enjoy adventures in wild places. Credit: Jo Tennant
A still from The High Road, one of more than 30 films being screened at the festival. Credit: Brett Lowell

Outdoor sessions

Outdoor sessions at this year’s Peebles Outdoor Film Festival include:

Ride outs with the Seipps and Jenny Graham

Mini sunrise WanderWomen experience

Rustic overnight camp at the John Muir Trust’s Glenlude property near Traquair. 

Great start to 2020

Programme director Rich Rowe said: “We are particularly pleased that this year’s festival features not just a fantastic line-up of female presenters, but also a really strong mix of films either directed by or featuring women.

“It’s all set to be another exhilarating weekend – and a perfect way to kick start the New Year.” 

Sponsors include the John Muir Trust, Tontine Hotel, Marine Conservation Society, Peebles Physiotherapy, FINDRA, Endura, Go Ape, The Hub on the High Street, , Wild Tree Adventures, Pocket Mountains, Bspoke Cycles, Pirn Road Holiday Apartment, Cleikum Mill Lodge, Biggar Adventure, Ridelines, No 1 Peebles Road and Out & About. 

See full festival programme. The festival is held at the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles.

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