Our Weekend Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham.
A Friendly Warning and an Early Start
I should probably begin with a friendly heads-up: brew yourself a good cup of tea or coffee before you dive in, as this turned into quite a long tale! Like all memorable adventures, my weekend at the National Outdoor Expo began with a flurry of last-minute packing the evening before and a dawn alarm. We hopped on the 6:45 a.m. train to Birmingham, full of excitement for the day ahead.
Thankfully, this year’s journey was hassle-free. No bus replacement services like last time. Instead, we scored a through train that avoided the usual shuffle at Birmingham New Street, and that small victory seemed to set a wonderfully positive tone for the weekend.
Queueing and Planning
Upon arriving, we joined the enthusiastic crowd at the Expo entrance, juggling schedules and deciding which talks and activities to prioritise. Our focus was on the main Outdoor Stage, but smaller stands, such as those in the Wellness Area and the BMC, offered plenty of fascinating presentations. In truth, some of the most rewarding moments at these events come from stumbling upon unexpected gems in the more intimate spots.
We passed by sponsor stands, some old favourites and a few that sparked new curiosity, including the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), a charity formed in 2022 to promote and support independent lifeboat organisations. We also tackled a mini orienteering course by BOF (always the British Orienteering Federation in my mind, no matter how many times they rebrand). It turned out to be a brilliant way to wander around the Expo, drawing our attention to stands we might otherwise have missed. Plus, my son had a blast with the indoor caving experience, crawling through tunnels and hidden corners.
Grabbing Seats for Steve Backshall
Our biggest Saturday morning mission was finding prime seats for Steve Backshall’s 9:30 a.m. talk. Judging by the swarm of eager families queuing up, we weren’t the only ones. Thankfully, we arrived in time to snag decent spots, and it was well worth the effort.
After an energetic welcome from hosts Danny Bent and Lucy Mills, Steve took the stage for a fireside chat. I’ll admit, I don’t watch much TV, so I wasn’t overly familiar with half the names on the Expo schedule. To prep, my family and I watched one of Steve’s shows the night before and loved it. Now we’re on a mission to catch up on more.
Steve’s talk was packed with insights. He shared a memorable piece of survival advice for wildlife encounters: “Prey gets scared. Don’t be prey.” In essence, stay calm and confident around animals that might interpret fear as a green light to strike. Another key theme was the importance of peer-reviewed science, particularly for young people navigating a sea of TikTok videos and unverified online sources. Steve firmly believes (as do I) that guiding the next generation toward credible information is vital. He also touched on technology, how we’re always “plugged in,” and what that might mean for our future relationship with nature. Many people I spoke with over the weekend echoed his concerns about losing the authentic, unplugged experience of the outdoors.
He mentioned an episode featuring whale communication, which instantly intrigued me. I’ll definitely be looking that up soon.
Kilimanjaro with Jack Fleckney
Shortly after Steve’s session, I caught Jack Fleckney’s talk on Kilimanjaro: What It Takes to Reach the Roof of Africa. Jack explored the unique allure of Africa’s highest peak and the intense preparation required for a successful summit. His deep connection with Tanzania’s culture and history was both informative and heartfelt.
Having travelled in East Africa myself, trekking on Mount Kenya, going on safari in the Masai Mara, and relaxing in Zanzibar, I could relate to his passion for the region.
An interesting point Jack made was the use of medical monitoring, specifically testing oxygen saturation (O2 stats) during climbs. This helps guides quickly address altitude-related issues. With technology making these tools more accessible, I wouldn’t be surprised if more trekking companies start including such monitoring to enhance both safety and the overall adventure experience.
Navigating the Expo
After Jack’s talk, my son and I embarked on the orienteering challenge, map in hand, determined to collect all the required stickers. The course took us to stands including the University of Central Lancashire, ALTAA, Canal & River Trust, Natural England, Cock-a-doodle-doo, Grangers, Mud Mate, Ramblers, BMC, Exposure Lights, Less Ego, and Blaze Trails.
It was a perfect excuse to wander the show floor, chat with exhibitors, and get hands-on with new gear and ideas.
Cold-Water Immersion with Gilly McArthur
At 13:15, we made our way to the Wellness Area for Gilly McArthur’s talk: Embrace the Chill: Using Cold Water to Improve Mental Health. She discussed research showing how even being near water, whether a stream, reservoir, or canal, can have a soothing, positive effect on our minds. That aligns with my own midday routine. I often recharge by the canal during my lunch break, so it was refreshing to hear the science backing up what I’ve already felt in my bones.
A few key takeaways from Gilly included:
- We continue cooling down for about 20 minutes after leaving cold water, so it’s crucial not to overstay your welcome in chilly conditions.
- Most people’s primary medical concern is high blood pressure, something to think about before plunging into frigid water.
- Overcoming fear often starts by learning more about the thing we’re afraid of, which applies equally to open-water swimming and new environments in general.
After Gilly’s talk, we handed in our completed orienteering map, stopping by the Mountain Training and BMC stands along the way. We also made a note to catch the BMC session on wild camping the following day. It’s these side conversations and spontaneous discoveries that create the real sense of community at the Expo.
Catching Danny Bent’s Great Norse Run Film
With perfect timing, we arrived back at the Outdoor Stage just in time to see the end of Danny Bent’s Great Norse Run film (he mentioned it’s available on YouTube if you want to watch it https://youtu.be/kNJzlxG77fc?si=4ew7XhpWiVMU1ZIu ). Danny is typically busy hosting other speakers at the Expo, so it was refreshing to see a project of his own showcased.
The film follows a group running across Iceland from north to south, braving volcanoes, glaciers, and ever-shifting weather. Each runner went in seeking a sense of escape, but they all found something deeper along the way. After the screening, there was a brief meet-and-greet with the runners, organisers, and filmmaker, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of this epic adventure.
Vitamin N(ature) with WildlifeKate
At 14:45, WildlifeKate took the Outdoor Stage to discuss how to incorporate “Vitamin N(ature)” into daily life. Her talk was a delightful mix of photos, videos, and personal anecdotes, illustrating simple ways to notice and nurture the wildlife around us. One of her quirky yet effective suggestions was a dog crate (on stilts) as a feeding station, perfect for enticing various critters.
https://www.wildlifekate.co.uk/livecameras
If you’re intrigued by her tips, she keeps her website updated with plenty of ideas and live wildlife camera feeds for real-time inspiration.
Wrapping Up Day One
As the afternoon gave way to early evening, we managed to try out the indoor caving experience (absolute fun for kids), chat with more exhibitors, and soak up the last bits of the show’s buzz.
By 5:00 p.m., hunger kicked in. Without a reservation, we took our chances wandering the area until we found a restaurant that could squeeze us in. After refuelling, we navigated the maze-like walkways of the NEC to find our hotel near the airport terminal, feeling a bit like intrepid explorers in some futuristic urban wilderness.
Evening Unwind
Once we finally reached the hotel, there was really only one thing left to do: fire up Danny Bent’s Great Norse Run on YouTube for a rewatch. The perfect end to an adventure-packed day. With so many more talks and demonstrations on tap for Sunday, we drifted off filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. If Day One was anything to go by, the rest of the Expo would be just as inspiring and action-packed.
Kate Humble
Sunday arrived crisp and bright. After a quick shower and breakfast, we hopped onto the NEC’s sky train, full of anticipation for another day of outdoor inspiration.
The first item on our agenda was a fireside chat with BBC presenter Kate Humble on the Outdoor Stage. She opened her talk by encouraging everyone to “look out of your window; there is a wonderful world out there.” It was a simple reminder that meaningful encounters with nature don’t always require grand expeditions. They can be found in everyday places like gardens, parks, or farmland.
She addressed the universal challenge of getting young children excited about the outdoors, emphasising that hands-on experiences and positive role models often spark the greatest sense of responsibility and wonder.
Switching gears, Kate touched on the future of farming. Few young people seem to be pursuing careers in agriculture, as long hours and modest pay can be a hard sell. Still, she spoke optimistically about the Young Farmers’ Clubs, where a new generation is finding community and keeping traditions alive.
I got a quick lesson in audience participation when Kate asked who had travelled to Borneo. I raised my hand and ended up recounting a journey I’d taken to Borneo. Suddenly, I was sharing my story with everyone. It was an unexpected thrill and a perfect example of how these talks can feel both personal and communal.
Afterward, I had a brief but lovely chat with Danny Bent (host extraordinaire) before continuing on to the day’s next highlight.
Fireside Chat with The Merthyr Mermaid
At 10:45, the Outdoor Stage welcomed Cath Pendleton, the Welsh ice swimmer known as The Merthyr Mermaid. Her achievements are legendary:
- First person ever to complete an Ice Mile inside the Antarctic Circle (water around -1.2°C)
- Active member of the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA)
- Advocate for body confidence, mental resilience, and setting meaningful goals
Cath spoke about discovering your “tribe”, the supportive community that stands beside you when you’re testing your limits. She shared the best piece of advice she’s ever received: “Surround yourself with positive people.”
Her talk radiated positivity and proved that ice swimming isn’t just about physical endurance. It’s a mindset, a commitment to growth, continuous learning, and lifting up others. I left feeling more motivated than ever to catch her BBC documentary, which delves deeper into her journey from Merthyr Tydfil’s chilly waters to Antarctica’s frozen landscapes.
Wild Camping Panel at the BMC
Stand Still buzzing from Cath’s talk, we headed to the BMC stand to learn about wild camping from Eben Myrddin Muse and Mark Hayhurst. Their session tackled everything from legality concerns in England (including recent challenges on Dartmoor) to practical “leave no trace” tips and community-driven solutions for protecting wild spaces.
The discussion made it clear that sleeping under the stars involves responsibility, both personal and collective. By the end, I felt even more inspired to safeguard our remote landscapes so they remain accessible to everyone. (For a deeper dive into the wild camping topic, I put together a separate piece here: https://richardcole.me/2025/03/wild-camping-bmc-panel-national-outdoor-expo )
Tajikistan Ahead: An Epic Film Preview
Immediately after, we hustled back to the Outdoor Stage to catch the tail end of Danny Bent’s latest film, Tajikistan Ahead: A Journey from Afghanistan to China. Fourteen runners tackled seven marathons in seven days across Tajikistan, from the Afghan border to the Chinese border. It was a route that traversed towering peaks, scorching heat, and sudden cold snaps.
Shot by Zoe Opal of Opal Video, the film captures breathtaking landscapes and the camaraderie among runners, who faced altitude challenges and shifting weather with grit and good humour. But what really stuck with me was the warmth of the local communities they encountered along the way.
Where to watch: https://youtu.be/ZAFFxPR9dxI?si=IasBvQ0gQxW8KjjZ
As with Danny’s other screenings, there was a brief Q&A afterward with Danny, Nick Carter, and some of the runners. Despite having led these epic excursions, Danny remains delightfully humble and is always quick to credit the group. His infectious spirit of togetherness truly inspired everyone in the audience, myself included.
Getting into Trail Running with Claire Maxted
Next up was Claire Maxted, known online as Wild Ginger Runner. She offered her favourite UK trail spots for beginners:
- Parkruns or woodland routes (Forestry Commission land)
- Waterside trails along canals, rivers, or lakes
- National trails with straightforward out-and-back sections
- Easier mountain routes with clear paths and signage, including:
- Catbells, Latrigg, Loughrigg Fell (Lake District)
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cnicht, Cadair Idris, Pen y Fan, Sugar Loaf (Wales)
- Pentland Hills, Ben Lomond, Schiehallion (Scotland)
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, Claire suggested guided mountain runs or navigation courses to boost confidence. She also mentioned the Lakeland Trails series as a great stepping stone into the world of trail running.
SUP Adventures with Caroline Dawson
Shortly after lunch, Caroline Dawson (known as @SUP_Lass on social media) took the stage to talk about stand-up paddleboarding. She’s no stranger to multi-day SUP trips and sprinkled her talk with helpful tips:
- Pay attention to local wildlife and follow “wise wildlife” guidelines
- Invest in a quality PFD (personal flotation device) and leash
- Monitor tides, weather forecasts, and local regulations
Caroline issued an irresistible challenge: “Find a micro-adventure on a paddleboard.”
She believes that SUP is the perfect gateway to discovering hidden pockets of calm and excitement on lakes, rivers, and coastal bays, even if you only have time for a quick weekend outing.
Fireside Chat with Tinuke Oyediran
The Outdoor Stage then welcomed Tinuke Oyediran, world record holder, TV survival star, pro roller skater, and all-around adventurer. Her stories were equal parts thrilling and empowering, highlighting how she has found her own boundaries and constantly pushes them. Tinuke’s zest for life made it feel like you could leap out of your chair and do something extraordinary right then and there.
Fireside Chat with Ray Mears
Finally, the main event for many: Ray Mears, the revered bushcraft expert. As expected, his talk was a masterclass in how to live harmoniously with nature. He shared stories of tracking animals, surviving in the wild with minimal gear, and truly understanding the land you’re in.
It felt like a quiet campfire gathering with an old friend, one who just happens to be a legend of modern wilderness skills. (Here’s a link to a deeper look at my front-row experience of Ray’s talk: https://richardcole.me/2025/03/front-row-with-ray-mears)
Closing Moments and Heading Home
As the Expo wound down, excitement mingled with a touch of wistfulness. The closing song on the Outdoor Stage, Detectorists by Johnny Flynn, brought a mellow, reflective note to the weekend. People gathered in clusters, sharing final chats and exchanging contact details.
On our way out, we strolled through the Cycling Expo next door, soaking up just a bit more outdoorsy enthusiasm before catching the train home. By the time we sank into our seats, we felt a satisfying tiredness, our minds buzzing with new ideas, friendships, and a deeper sense of awe for all the wild places yet to discover.
Final Takeaways
- Community Is Key More than the gear or the physical challenges, what truly shone through at the Expo was the spirit of camaraderie. Whether you’re into running, paddleboarding, camping, or bushcraft, that sense of connection was everywhere.
- Never Underestimate the Power of Film Danny Bent’s adventure documentaries (Tajikistan, Iceland, and beyond) prove how storytelling can transport us to corners of the world we might never otherwise see.
- Try Something New From “micro” SUP adventures to first-time trail running and discovering bushcraft, every speaker encouraged stepping boldly outside your comfort zone.
- We Don’t Watch Enough TV! Between Steve Backshall’s wildlife programmes, Kate Humble’s BBC shows, and the feats of the “Merthyr Mermaid,” there’s a wealth of adventure-themed viewing out there. A little armchair adventuring might just spark your next real-world escapade.
As the National Outdoor Expo drew to a close, a pleasant mix of fatigue and exhilaration set in. Our minds were buzzing with fresh ideas, and our hearts were uplifted by the reminder that there’s always a new experience waiting around the corner.
Until next year!