Bee Leask

Meet Bee Leask – Shetlander, Adventurer, Athlete, Scotland obsessed, island and Munro bagger.

What drives you to spend time outside?

Growing up on in Shetland means I spent my youth outdoors. Whether it was on the beach or exploring derelict Croft’s, island hopping or on my bike means that the outdoors really is in my blood.

As a result I love exploring Scotland and I want to see as much of it as possible. I love encouraging people to explore what’s on their doorstep. Being active and participating in various events means that I get to explore Scotland and use it as my training ground.

Where are your favourite places to go?

I’ll keep my specific favourite place to go a wee secret, but I love being on any of the islands, especially Shetland. It’s so diverse, with stunning scenery, landscapes, food and history.

Any of the islands in Scotland are up there for me though. The northwest, Torridon, Assynt and Durness are up there too. Basically anywhere really in Scotland!

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

I love being up the mountains. It’s where my passion for the outdoors came from. The feeling of achievement at the summits is worth it, plus you get to see breathtaking views. I especially love winter hills and I’ve recently starting running some of the ridges as well.

​Who inspires you and how?

Audrey Sutherland is such an inspiration. Doing solo travel when it wasn’t really the done thing for women. Her book Paddling North is fascinating.

Her motto of ‘Go simple, go solo, go now’ really resonates with me and reminds me to not wait about and let things pass me by. Everyone should read her book.

What are your focusses this year to help people get outside more often?

I’m training for the Cape Wrath Ultra next year and also a couple of triathlons, as well as doing my Mountain Leader Training. So I’ll be using my Instagram and Facebook to show people my journey and encourage them to try something new and challenge themselves as well.

I love making videos stories and I hope to show people the realities of getting outside and being active! It can be difficult and challenging, but the rewards are worth it. I also hope to give people confidence to try solo adventures and not be afraid to go it alone.

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

Learning to swim! I’ve always had a bit of a fear of water, so just over a year ago I finally bit the bullet and got some lessons. I had to as I’d signed up for a triathlon.

Completing an Ironman Mallorca 70.3, which was such a big deal to me. I wouldn’t say I’m a massively fit person but I trained hard and it paid off.

Trekking to EBC and summiting Island Peak at 6189m in Nepal as well. I’ve never been to any kind of altitude before so I had no idea what to expect, it was one of the hardest things I’ve done, and I still can’t quite believe I managed it.

3 words you live by…

Everyone starts somewhere!

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Cake, cake and more cake!