Boots & Beards

Boots & Beards was founded in 2016 and has spent the past six years making sure under-represented communities get access to the outdoors, aiming to better their lives and that of future generations. The initiative was originally started to bring men together, to explore the hills and improve their physical and mental health. But it has now expanded to provide activities for women, children and whole families.

The popular Bonnie Boots section provides women-only hillwalking and sporting activities to address the cultural and social needs of women from ethnic backgrounds. Boot & Beards are also the first BME organisation in Scotland to be a licensed partner of the highly respected Duke of Edinburgh Awards, ensuring younger members can access the outdoors.

Nav Bakhsh, Co-Founder of Boots & Beards, says: “Having been born and bred in Scotland, I had never ventured out of the city to see what beauty lies on our doorstep. Since making that first step, I wanted to give others the same experience through various health related activities. We want to make sure that everyone and anyone, no matter your race, religion or ability, feels comfortable in accessing and venturing out onto the hills.

“Our forefathers came to this country around 70 years ago, and yet they and generations after have never explored the real Scotland. As nature comes in many colours, it truly doesn't recognise or alienates any race or religions. Our job at Boots & Beards is to change the narrative and bring more colour to the hills."