The deuter Bothy Stage

The deuter Bothy Stage hosts athletes, ambassadors, and adventurers – exclusive conversations with superstars hosted by our presenters Becki Vale, Rachael Crewesmith, Lauren Munro-Bennett, and George Lonsdale! <br/><br/><i>Free to attend, no ticket required. Times and talks subject to change, updates available at the Info Desk.<i>

FRIDAY 21st

9.45 Running into the GapNikki LoveAdventurer and sports psychology student Nikki Love has run 63 marathons in 63 days in UK, and across Australia from Perth to Sydney. Now exploring the links between mindset, motivation, and midlife, she challenges how society views ageing and encourages us to see it as a stage of power and potential.*

10.30 Master the Slopes: A Ski Technique WorkshopWarren SmithJoin renowned ski expert Warren Smith for an immersive masterclass designed to elevate your skiing technique, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast. Gain insights on body positioning, balance, and precision, and learn how to adapt to various terrains and conditions. This workshop will empower you to ski with confidence, control, and style, guided by one of the industry's most respected coaches.Presented by Helly Hansen*

11.15 Want to Catch a Fish? Plant a Tree.Lou Astbury, Sam Manning, & Ted SimpsonForest ecologist Lou Astbury, environmental writer Sam Manning and filmmaker Ted Simpson discuss the hidden flow of energy between our forests and oceans, a vital link that is under threat – and how storytelling might hold the key to restoring that connection.Presented by Blundstone UK*

12.00 Fall Smarter: The Slaphappy Story & Blueprint for Better BoulderingFlinn McInerneyProtection, durability, iteration: Slaphappy’s blueprint for better bouldering. Discover how the brand is building safer, longer-lasting crash pads through data-led design, premium materials, and relentless iteration—manufactured in the Lake District and refined by the community that uses them.Presented by SlapHappy Climbing*

12.45 How Adventure Leads to Activism, and Activism to Adventure.Dan Yates, Tom Carrick, Dom FerrisEOCA, The BMC and Trash Free Trails discuss how their adventures in the mountains laid bare the impact of human activity on wild places and how they have been driven to push back through activism.Presented by deuter*

13.45 Meet the Women of Colour Cycling CollectiveAde OlaAde, the Chair of the Women of Colour Cycling Collective (WCCC) joins to share the network’s mission as a supportive community of global-majority women+ cyclists across the UK. Their goal is to inspire, empower and motivate their members, while breaking down barriers to participation in our sport.*

14.30 Conquering “Luce e Tenebre” on Switzerland’s Punta PiodaFillipo Sala & Sam SykesFilippo Sala recounts the bold first ascent of “Luce e Tenebre” on Punta Pioda’s remote North Face. Over four intense days, the trio battled loose rock, freezing cold, and technical extremes. Each pitch felt earned. Two bivouacs on the wall sealed this unforgettable alpine adventure.Presented by Mammut*

15.15 Backcountry SmarterHenry Schniewind & Mark JonesOff-piste and backcountry ski enthusiasts Henry Schniewind (Henry's Avalanche Talk) and Mark Jones (All Mountain Pro) present their new ground-breaking programme. A complete off-piste toolkit providing you with the knowledge, ski technique, and decision-making skills you need for greater autonomy, safety, and fun in the backcountry.Presented by Ortovox*

16.00 Journey to the TopTom LivingstoneThrough adventurous stories and vivid images, climber Tom Livingstone will describe his realisation of a multi-year idea: to climb a new route on one of the world’s highest mountains.Presented by Mountain Equipment*

16.45 Behind the Scenes: The Bride of Mont BlancLise Wortley, Grace T.S.P, & Amy WarrenJoin Passenger ambassador and adventurer Lise Wortley for a special behind-the-scenes discussion from The Bride of Mont Blanc, a documentary film that follows Lise as she retraces Henriette d’Angeville’s pioneering journey to climb Mont Blanc, bloomers ‘n’ all. Lise will be joined on stage by the film’s Director and DOP Grace T.S.P, and Producer Amy Warren, to share the joys and challenges of filming in such an unpredictable location, and the significance of keeping the whole expedition and film team female-identifying in a male-dominated industry.Presented by Passenger*

17.30 Outdoor Writing and PhotographyDavid Taylor, Vivienne Crow, & Peter HowarthDavid, Vivienne, and Peter turned their hobbies into successful careers in the outdoors.These three award-winning photographers provide an insight into how their careers developed, and what editors and publishers want from professional contributors.Presented by the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild (OWPG)*

18.15 Ocean Talks – Tides of Change: Reimagining Diversity in Ocean Activism & StorytellingYvette Cave & Cal Major, hosted by Rob HutchinsYvette Cave, founder of Wave Wahines and DEI lead at Surfers Against Sewage joins veterinary surgeon, ocean advocate, and world-record adventurer, Cal Major for an enlightening and engaging discussion about the importance of accessibility in ocean adventuring and why engaging younger generations to become the ocean stewards of tomorrow is more important than ever.Presented by Finisterre & Oceanographic Magazine

SATURDAY 22nd

9.45 King Charles III England Coast Path: North WestAnge HarkerThe KCIIIECP will be the longest managed coastal footpath in the world once complete. Join Ange Harker, author of a new Cicerone guidebook to the north west section from Cumbria to Cheshire, to hear more about this spectacular and fascinating coastline and the joys and complexities of its creation.*

10.30 The Polar Academy Stories with RabCraig Mathieson & Holly CarrollFounder Craig Mathieson and Graduate Holly Carroll will talk about the work of The Polar Academy and how it transforms young lives by participating in Europe's toughest training programme, culminating in a Polar Expedition. Learn how this initiative transforms the participants from broken and invisible kids through to unstoppable young adults.Presented by Rab*

11.15 Saving WindermereMatt StaniekHear the latest updates from the Save Windermere campaign about how they have taken on the multi-billion-pound water company, United Utilities, which is illegally dumping sewage into England’s largest lake. Learn more about the problems Windermere is facing, and how we can make the lake a shining light for freshwater conservation in the UK.Presented by Patagonia*

12.00 The Cotopaxi ‘Do Good’ PanelSallyann Hardwick, Sian Phillips, Caroline Nieuwenhuis, & Sarah-Jane BrownCotopaxi believes in using adventure to inspire us to see the world and make it better. This panel talk will see us celebrate two UK-based organisations, GoodGym and Trash Free Trails, who are positively impacting local communities and championing the Cotopaxi ‘Do Good’ brand ethos.Presented by Cotopaxi*

13.00 The Beginner's Ascent: The Years of Learning and Practice That Made the Mont Blanc Summit PossibleKathryn RobertsJoin Kathryn Roberts as she shares her inspiring journey to the Mont Blanc summit. Discover the years of practice, setbacks, and crucial learnings that transformed an aspiration into a reality. This talk offers hope and practical insights for anyone facing their own 'impossible' goalPresented by deuter*

13.45 CPT2LNDDeo KatoDeo has done the impossible, running from Cape Town to London. His journey started as telling the story of human migration, but over the over 516 days became so much more.Presented by adidas TERREX*

14.30 Berghaus Adapts – Continuing to Break the BoundariesAlice Sainsbury & Ed JacksonOver 16 million people in the UK live with a disability, and access to the right outdoor kit remains a challenge. In 2025, Berghaus continues its mission to remove barriers and make the outdoors more accessible. Alice Sainsbury and Ed Jackson share the latest steps in breaking boundaries, building trust, and driving inclusion in adventure.Presented by Berghaus*

15.30 Prize-giving for The North Face Kendal Skyline Ultrawith The North Face Trail Running Athlete TeamJoin us for the prize giving ceremony, when trophies and prizes will be presented by elite ultrarunners from The North Face athlete team. Supporters, families and friends are all welcome to celebrate the triumph of the top three male and female runners and the top male and female runner of each veteran age category in this 50km event.Presented by The North Face*

16.15 Ocean Talks – Guardians of the Wild: Inspiring the Next Generation of Nature StewardsKatie Macfarlane & Rob HutchinsKatie Macfarlane, youth engagement officer from the Marine Conservation Society will join Oceanographic Magazine editor, Rob Hutchins for a discussion on educating and empowering the younger generation to become stewards, ambassadors, and protectors of the UK’s wildest spaces… including the beauty found along its shorelines.Presented by Finisterre & Oceanographic Magazine

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17.00 Learning the Ropes: Our First 4000erDan Wroe, Kate Mulliner & Sam SykesDan and Kate, keen hill walkers, spent the summer learning alpine rope skills and putting them to the test. Their journey led them to summit their first 4000m peak together unguided. Come and hear about their adventures, from ropework to hut life, and what they discovered along the way.Presented by Mammut*

17.45 Connected Confidence: Powered by Garmin inReach TechnologyThe Garmin TeamWhilst the outdoors presents us with an unrivaled opportunity to escape the rigours and pressure of everyday life, it is important that we feel safe and connected when exploring. Whether it's running in the dark, discovering new places off the grid, or navigating fresh terrain, Garmin invites special guests and product experts to join them in sharing their opinions and knowledge on the subtle safety measures they use and recommend, which can ultimately save lives.Presented by Garmin

SUNDAY 23rd

9.45 Beyond the Summit: Lessons from a Life of AdventureRenata ChlumskaRenata is one of Scandinavia’s most renowned adventurers. In 1999, she became the first Swedish woman to summit Mount Everest, and later completed the Seven Summits – climbing the highest peak on every continent. Her expeditions have taken her from the Himalayas to Antarctica and beyond, always driven by curiosity, courage, and the desire to explore both the outer world and the inner journey that every challenge represents.Presented by Helly Hansen*

10.30 The Inner Summit — Fear, Flow & the Stories That Carry UsHazel Findlay & Sandra MastropietroIn Kendal’s backdrop, Hazel and Sandra dive into the inner peaks we all face — doubt, expectation, identity. Through discussion and personal narrative, they reveal how mindfulness, self-awareness and storytelling can turn fear into fuel, and help us move forward with clarity.Presented by Volkswagen R*

11.15 Climbing Back in TimeThe Turner TwinsIn 1924, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine set out on their fateful attempt to summit Everest. This October, 100 years on, the identical twins are retracing the expedition, comparing the past and present – one equipped in Mallory’s 1924 replica kit, the other in cutting edge gear by Montane.Presented by Montane*

12.00 Black Trail Runners: Making Waves at UTMBGrace Natoli & Angela TomusangeThis year, seven women of colour stepped onto the start line at the world famous UTMB in Chamonix. All different races, one shared goal – to drive representation of people of colour in a traditionally white-dominated event.Presented by adidas TERREX*

12.45 Trust, Healing, and Humour in Tajikistan’s MountainsHannah Mitchell & Samantha JaggerIt feels like sometimes, to be taken seriously as a woman mountaineer, you have to act serious all the time. Two women exploring themes of trust, healing and humour on a self-guided expedition to the mountains of Tajikistan, and the things they learnt along the way.Presented by deuter*

13.30 Landscape PhotographyGuido Van De WaterJoin Guido, a dedicated professional nature and landscape photographer passionate about capturing the essence, emotion and narrative in each of his images, eager to inspire photographers at any skill level to explore the beauty of nature through their lenses.Presented by OM System*

14.15 Adventures With Purpose: Giving, Taking & ProtectingTom Allen, Beki Henderson, & special guestsDescription: The golden age of simply loving the mountains and wild spaces is over; the age of active protection and advocacy is here. How do we transition from sustainable travel, which aims to take less, to purposeful exploration, which aims to give back more? The RGS convenes a panel of thinkers, conservationists, and adventurers to discuss the practical and philosophical shifts required. We'll examine what 'doing good' really looks like on the ground, explore models for truly beneficial forms of participation, and ask challenging questions: are you simply an admirer of the great outdoors, or are you a custodian?Presented by the Royal Geographical Society 

*15.15 Amy’s Cycling Adventures – Powered by GarminAmy HudsonAfter leaving her job as a mental health nurse, cycling started off as a way to cope and quickly became a big part of Amy’s life. Amy recently cycled the Tour de France plus the transfers, over 4000 miles in a month. Amy uses determination to take on her fears.Presented by Garmin*

16.00 Opening Up The Outdoors: Finding CommunityToni-Ann Murphy & Aneela McKennaThe outdoors is for everyone. In this panel discussion, Toni-Ann Murphy from Touch Grass, Aneela McKenna from Opening Up The Outdoors, and outdoor brand Passenger will share their mission and vision for making the outdoors inclusive and representative for all.Presented by Passenger

© Kendal Mountain Festival 2025
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