We all have downtime when, if we’re honest, everyday life gets kinda boring – occasions when we’d rather be out exploring the great outdoors and pursuing our outdoor passions. But that time spent loading the dishwasher, sorting your laundry, stuck in a traffic jam, waiting for a bus or jostling for elbow room in a crowded commuter train doesn’t have to be wasted time. Because in fact, there are plenty of ways to get your daily dose of adventure, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. How? Just stick your earphones in and tune in to a podcast.
The outdoor community is a diverse and welcoming bunch of adventurous folks. Which, fortunately, means there are a whole host of awesome outdoor-focused podcasts out there, with something to grab the attention of adventurers of all breeds. So, whether you’re looking for tales of incredible journeys; practical tips on planning your next hiking, climbing, backpacking or wild camping trip; some nature-inspired escapism or something even weirder and wilder, we can pretty much guarantee there’s a podcast that’ll get you hooked.
And as the popularity of podcasting has boomed, so has the quality of what’s out there. There are endless hours of informed interviews, genuinely funny anecdotes and inspirational storytelling, presented by enthusiastic and knowledgeable hosts – all of which makes for captivating listening. Plus, podcasts are easy to find, and the vast majority are free to download too, especially if you already have an audio streaming subscription such as Spotify or Audible. Or just download an app like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Castbox, Pocket Casts or Overcasts.
To get you started on the trail to audio escapism, check out our carefully curated list of the top outdoor adventure podcasts. In no particular order, here are the WildBounds crew’s current favourites…
The brainchild of filmmaker Matt Pycroft, of Peak District-based content creators Coldhouse Collective, The Adventure Podcast introduces listeners to a wide range of truly extraordinary and inspiring individuals. Each episode is presented as a fascinating and immersive long-form conversation with an accomplished explorer or adventurer at the forefront of their specific field. Interviewees encompass everyone from mountaineers and wildlife cinematographers to environmental activists and polar photographers. If you’re looking for a vicarious adventure fix, this is where to go. theadventurepodcast.co.uk
First established way back in 2007 when podcasts were in their infancy, The Dirtbag Diaries has gone on to establish itself as one of the all-time most popular adventure podcasts out there. The secret of its success is great storytelling – which is a credit to narrator Fitz Cahall, co-founder of production company Duct Tape Then Beer. If you love tales of incredible journeys, romantic dreamers, elite athletes and restless wanderers, this one’s for you. Simultaneously captivating and inspiring, you’ll find accounts of wilderness treks, intrepid paddling voyages, epic road trips, remote backcountry skiing and much, much more. dirtbagdiaries.com
Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most incredible natural landscapes, while the country’s world-class access rights also make it the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers. Produced by BBC Radio Scotland, this podcast consists of weekly, bitesize 15-minute episodes that take a topical look at outdoor life across the Highlands, Islands, Central Belt and Lowlands. The eclectic subject matter might feature birdwatching, foraging, mountaineering, conservation and long-distance walking – but always with a focus on Scotland’s unique and precious natural environment. bbc.co.uk
Ordnance Survey is a British institution. Its maps are blueprints to adventure for millions of people – helping the nation to live active and healthy outdoor lifestyles. Get Outside is Ordnance Survey’s initiative to help everyone discover just what Britain has to offer and the benefits that outdoor activity can bring. This podcast is a great way to get inspiration for expeditions and adventures with family and friends, whether that’s discovering a local park or nature reserve, visiting a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty, or planning a big walk along a national trail. ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Outside magazine is one of our favourite outdoor publications. Luckily, its unique brand of engaging storytelling, hard-hitting investigative reportage and scientific analysis of aspects of adventure like survival and endurance lend itself just as well to the realm of audio. Which means the podcast is just as fascinating, insightful and stimulating as the pages of the print mag. Listen in if you’re looking for a new take on a host of eclectic subjects – previous episodes have covered topics such as the mental benefits of nature, the science behind snake venom and how to survive getting attacked by killer bees. outsideonline.com
This podcast is focused on women who live, work and play in the great outdoors. It was established back in 2014, when founder Gale Straub decided to try and amplify minority female voices in what is still a male-dominated arena. Incisive, thoughtful and unafraid to pose challenging questions, She Explores has become more than a podcast – it’s now an active and engaged community, network and invaluable resource for creative outdoors women. From some of the outdoors world’s biggest names to everyday adventurers across the globe, Gale is a pro at bringing together multiple voices, stories and contributions, creating a fascinating listen. she-explores.com
This is one for lovers of all things related to wilderness bushcraft, survival skills and outdoor life. Presenter Paul Kirtley is a professional wilderness bushcraft instructor and noted writer on the subjects of bushcraft, leave no trace, wilderness travel and survival. The founder and owner of Frontier Bushcraft, his own UK-based bushcraft school, he is also a former instructor at Ray Mears’ Woodlore academy. In this regular podcast, Paul interviews other bushcraft experts on their specialisms, while also offering gear reviews, practical advice, and a host of tips and tricks. Earnest and authoritative, this is a fantastic source of outdoor knowledge. paulkirtley.co.uk
If you want first-hand proof of the restorative power of time spent in the great outdoors, Wild Ideas Worth Living is where to find it. In partnership with US outdoor gear co-operative REI, journalist Shelby Stranger interviews a series of explorers, health experts, athletes and business entrepreneurs about how they’ve taken their own wild ideas and made them a reality. If you’ve always dreamed of turning your outdoor passion into a profession, this is an empowering podcast that might just inspire you to do something bold and life-changing. rei.com
Another podcast with a joyous and life-affirming attitude to outdoor adventure, Living Adventurously comes from all-round nice guy Alastair Humphreys, a man who advocates adventures great and small – and even on a micro scale too. Al got the idea for this particular podcast by cycling around Yorkshire, and throughout 2020 he tracked down different people who live adventurously but aren't necessarily professional explorers. It’s a great listen, with plenty of practical tips on how to add a dose of adventure to your daily life, no matter how busy or stressed you might be. alastairhumphreys.com
We’ll finish with something weird, wild and wonderful. This one’s for those who love nothing more than a spooky story told around the glowing embers of a campfire or by torchlight in a darkened tent. Supported by outdoor gear retail behemoth REI, the Camp Monsterspodcast is a series of tall tales and unsettling stories set in the US backcountry. Just what goes on ‘up in these here woods...’? Each episode reveals all, with gripping accounts of famous and not-so-famous monsters from American legend, most of which will be completely new to UK listeners. From the Jersey Devil to Batsquatch (yep, really), there’s plenty of mystery, intrigue and more. rei.com
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