OS GetOutside champion Philly Byrde is preparing to hike from Mexico to Canada

Philly and her fellow OS GetOutside champions were unveiled at an event in the New Forest where they were joined by TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle and endurance adventurer Sean Conway. The champions, chosen for their ability to communicate their love for being outside, include journalists, bloggers and authors who all write about their adventures in Britain.

Philly, who this summer plans to walk from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail, said: “Sometimes PE at school made me think the only way to get outside was through formal sports, on neat playing fields and perfect pitches. That’s great for some, but it just wasn’t for me. It was only when I began hiking and wild camping that I felt at home with exercise, with the outdoors, with my own physical and mental wellbeing.

“I’m completely honoured to be a GetOutside champion – I’m excited to help more people see that, with a bit of kit and a nudge in the right direction, everyone can create adventure on their own terms. Our wild places belong to everyone – they’re yours to explore.”

OS has selected its Champions to promote the many benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle. Nick Giles, Ordnance Survey, said: “The GetOutside initiative is core to OS’s aims to help more people to GetOutside more often, it is about inspiring adventures, enabling experiences and helping make memories."

At the moment, Philly can often be found hiking up and down the South West Coast path in training for the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile journey. She caught the long distance hiking bug in 2011, when she “somehow ended up agreeing” to walk across Spain through the Pyrenees, along the GR11 route.

She also enjoys exploring the River Fal and Carrick Roads, rowing a traditional Falmouth oyster punt and her current work as a writer for the RNLI means she is always keen to promote safer ways to enjoy our unique coastline.

You can follow Philly on Instagram or Twitter at /PhillyByrde.