- Work Hard
- 17th Apr 2026
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Meet the Geordie Hiker who’s championing women in the wild
Here at High Life North, we love shining a light on the local people doing good things and bringing a bit of positivity to the region. So, we caught up with Steph Robinson, better known as @GeordieHiker on Instagram.
A born-and-bred Geordie and outdoor enthusiast, Steph is using her online platform to help people rediscover the beauty right on their doorstep.
FINDING HER WAY OUTDOORS
With adults now spending more than six hours a day on their phones, reconnecting with nature has never felt more important. Getting outside and embracing that sense of adventure we had as kids can sometimes get lost as we get older, but for Newcastle-born Steph, it’s only grown stronger.
Having spent her childhood exploring the North East, Steph has always had a love for the outdoors. In recent years, she’s taken that passion online, sharing her adventures and encouraging others to do the same.
“I just absolutely love Northumberland, there’s no place like home,“ she says. “We’ve got everything here: the coast, the hills, and so much history as well.”
FROM PASSION PROJECT TO ONLINE COMMUNITY
Since recently moving to Northumberland, Steph’s taken a more local approach to her adventures, gaining a whole new appreciation for the North East landscape. With a creative background, it felt natural for her to start documenting her hikes – something that quickly evolved into the thriving ‘Geordie Hiker’ community she’s built today.
“I kind of just started cluttering up my personal Instagram with photos and videos from my adventures, and I thought people must think this is all I do,” Steph adds. “So, I set up Geordie Hiker, I just started posting, and it took off. I gained thousands of followers in the first couple of months.”
BREAKING BARRIERS FOR WOMEN OUTDOORS
Steph knows first-hand the benefits of getting outdoors, but for many women, knowing where to start can feel like a challenge. Concerns around safety, body image and stepping into what can feel like a male-dominated space can all be barriers.
That’s why creators like Steph, and the accessible, encouraging content she shares, are so important in helping more women feel confident enough to get outside.
FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH THE NORTH EAST
The North East is full of incredible beauty spots, and that’s exactly what Steph showcases through her content. After rediscovering her love for hiking while living in Lancaster, and even completing all of the Wainwrights in the Lake District, she returned home with a new perspective.
“I realised, why am I spending so much money travelling to the Lake District when I’ve got all this on my doorstep and haven’t even scratched the surface of Northumberland?”
MOTHERHOOD AND THE OUTDOORS
Since settling back in the North East and starting a family last year, Steph and her partner Scott (AKA @GeordieRamblers) have continued sharing their love for the outdoors – now showing how accessible it can be with little ones, too.
This year, Steph’s on a mission to encourage new mams to get outside and see just how beneficial it can be during early parenthood. Through her ‘Mama and Baby’ walks, she’s created a welcoming space for women to connect, get some fresh air, and feel part of a like-minded community.
“It’s so much easier to be a mam and a parent outside than stuck between four walls,” Steph says. “Kids are mesmerised by it – it’s like sensory overload for them, which is amazing.”
Creating supportive spaces where people feel encouraged to try something new is something Steph is really passionate about. Bringing her online community into real life through these walks has made that connection even stronger.
“Since becoming a mam, it’s even more important to get outside every day than it ever has been, she adds. “Hopefully, I can inspire other mams to do the same.”
BUILDING A COMMUNITY: TYNE TO SUMMIT
And she’s not stopping there. Alongside Scott, Steph has also co-founded Tyne to Summit, a walking community group designed to bring people together in a safe, welcoming environment. It’s all about connecting with others, exploring nature and making the outdoors feel accessible to everyone.
The pair host group walks across Northumberland National Park and have big plans to grow, with hopes of expanding into retreats and other outdoor experiences in the future.
But it’s not just about the walks. Tyne to Summit is set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning they also give back. They’ve supported local charities, including Newcastle Foodbank and Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter, helping raise funds and awareness for important causes.
Their impact hasn’t gone unnoticed either, picking up several awards along the way, including the Hero of Northumberland Award from Northumberland County Council last June.
INSPIRING OTHERS TO TAKE THAT FIRST STEP
For Steph, it’s never just been about growing a following. It’s about making a real difference and creating a space where people feel inspired and confident enough to get outside.
And she’s quick to remind us that adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains – it can start with something as simple as a short walk somewhere new.
So, if you’ve been thinking about getting out there but just needed a little push, here’s Steph’s advice…
GEORDIE HIKER’S TOP TIP: “Start small. Go somewhere you know will be busy, so there are people around if you need help. And always tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading out alone.”
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