I grew up in Lagos, which is a metropolitan city made up of concrete and tiled roads. In the city, I felt that I couldn’t really be free, but I remember returning to my father’s village and always feeling happy there, surrounded by green spaces.  

When I moved to Scotland just over a decade ago, I read an article about the Land Reform Act or ‘The Right To Roam’ as a lot of people know it. I was excited that I could discover so many amazing places freely – I jumped straight into it and am still exploring today.

Over the years, a lesson has shown up for me – time and time again – that it's not about racing to the summit, it’s about the journey along the way.

When I’m out on the hills, the best feeling doesn’t come at the top – it happens on the way up, when I’m chatting with friends and enjoying the view. The outdoors has shaped my sense of adventure and allowed me to explore more, as well as build a community.  

There was a deep sense of community where I grew up in Nigeria, and I think that shaped my approach to connecting with others.

With BSA, I was going on adventures and capturing videos, and the community naturally developed. We wanted to create a place where people felt welcomed – people who had only just arrived in the country or who had never felt that the outdoors was for them.

Under the umbrella of Black Scottish Adventurers, everyone can get the support that they need to help transform their outdoor experiences.

I have found that the outdoors is a place where my friends and I can go and be ourselves with no pressure.

Many people only hear about outdoor adventures when something bad has happened and in turn, it has become this place that people fear.

Education is key, because discovering the outdoors is not as hard as it appears to be – with the right tools and a supportive community, people can get outside and really benefit from it.

Ahead of every BSA adventure, I create a gear list for members. After sharing this list, I have often been asked, “What is an insulated jacket?” or “How do I choose the right socks?”. A lot of people don’t know what they need before venturing outside – or where to get it.

A greater understanding of how to choose the correct gear for a specific adventure helps remove fear and empowers us to be in an environment that's unfamiliar. 

I love immersing myself in nature, so I look for technical gear that can stand up to that, and probably because of my cultural background, I like to wear colourful things. The fit is very important too. 

I’ve been hiking for years, but when I went into Snow+Rock recently to get my feet checked, I realised that my walking boots were a size too small. I thought having sore feet after a big walk was normal, but the in-store specialists advised me to size up.

Having the right fitting shoe has changed my life, and I know others who've experienced the same. The in-store assistance was brilliant – most people don’t know that there are different shoes for different terrains, but having expert knowledge like that is great!

Thanks for sharing your story and gear expertise with us, Josh.

If you’ve been inspired to find your happy place or take on your own outdoor challenge, book an in-store appointment with one of our gear specialists, or stop by your nearest Snow+Rock store.