Hi there!

I’m Katrina. I’m from New Zealand but I’ve lived in London, UK, for 10 years, and I spend most of my time as a freelance journalist, writing about health and adventure travel. You can find examples of my published work on the ‘Published Work’ page of this website.

But I also have a passion to challenge myself and find my full potential; I love nature and the call of the wild, and have a passion for long-distance walking. I’m a rock climber (albeit not very good at it) and have climbed in the UK and in Spain. I’ve walked the 50km Kepler Track in New Zealand’s deep south in two days, followed a day later by the Routeburn Track. I’ve climbed England and Wales’ highest mountain Mt Snowdon in terrible conditions and poor visibility, and I’ve walked the revamped and now safe Caminito del Rey, which was the world’s most dangerous walk.

I believe that in today’s consumerist, fast-paced world it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and end up with an identity crisis, questioning who we really are and what makes us happy. I am of the mind that to know yourself you must challenge yourself.

So I’ve set out to find out who I really am, testing myself and pushing myself outside my comfort zone, both mentally and physically.

With this in mind, I embarked on Kat’s Hot Peak Adventures; an ambitious quest to climb 40 volcanoes by the age of 40 (#40by40) – a feat that needs to be achieved within a timeframe of five and a half years. (You can check out my progress here).

The quest started out rosy enough, full of excitement and trepidation – and then it sort of stalled. I came up with excuses, I felt scared, but most of all I doubted myself and my ability.

This process, and the subsequent navel gazing, made me learn several things about myself and what it means to be challenged. But more than anything I was annoyed by this continual niggling – and essentially crippling – self doubt.

But I also realised I wasn’t alone when it came to self doubt. Most people, even if they don’t use the specific word, have experienced it at some point, say when they have been forced outside their comfort zone or when they struggle to achieve their dreams.

I don’t think that’s fair so I’m fighting back. This blog is about my physical and mental journey to prove that self doubt can be overcome and that it doesn’t have to hold you back.

I’ve written an ebook about my two-day walking adventure across England’s Cheviot Hills in Northumberland National Park: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Cheviot Hills – Things to know for walking newbies venturing into Northumberland National Park. 

The book provides insight into what walkers new to the Cheviots should expect and it also provides need-to-know pointers for those preparing their first-time adventures in the Cheviot Hills, including information on: route finding; terrain; degree of difficulty; kit required; and facilities.  

The ebook is available for purchase on Amazon for £1.99. 

Get your copy here.