Spending time outside is important for our mental and physical wellbeing . No one should feel that their period prevents them from spending time in the outdoors.
Periods can feel like a bit of a 'taboo' conservation topic. However it is important that you can discuss your needs (medical or otherwise) with the people you're with in the outdoors. This can help you feel supported and able to ask questions which might otherwise cause discomfort or embarrassment.
The Cairngorms Connect Cohort has created this webpage and an information leaflet to answer some common questions and compile a list of useful resources to help demystify having a period in the outdoors.
We hope this information helps you feel more confident getting out in nature whilst on your period – go forth and menstruate in the mountains!
Any products are suitable if you can use and dispose of them safely. Pads and tampons are great options that are both easy to use and transport and should be stored in a waterproof bag to keep them dry.
Menstrual cups are also a great option for managing your period on a longer trip. They are reusable, meaning you have to take fewer products with you. Blood must be buried in a hole at least 50m away from water and at least 15cm deep like when you go for a poo outdoors.
It’s always best to use products that you are comfortable and familiar with, particularly on longer trips where you have less access to facilities.
Reusable products such as menstrual cups or underwear are good sustainable options as they limit single-use plastics and waste.
Used products should be carried out with you, and never buried. If you are using disposable products, it is a good idea to bring a dedicated bag with you, for example a sandwich or dog poo bag, which can hold your waste and be put in a bin later.
Preparing for the outdoors is always important – period health included. Make sure that you bring enough products with you to last the duration of the trip plus some spares (just in case). You may also want to bring extra sanitary wipes, high calorie food and painkillers.
Menstruating in the Mountains Poster
Click here to download our Menstruating in the Mountains Poster.
British Mountaineering Council: Outdoor Her
Online Guide: "If you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here's what to do."
Wilderness Scotland
Online Guide: "An outdoor women's guide to handling everyone's favourite time of the month: your period."
The British Mountaineering Council
Video: Dealing with Periods in the Hills
We are Cohort, a group of young people based in and around the Cairngorms National Park. Working with the Cairngorms Connect Partnership, we've created this resource to support people with periods in accessing the outdoors.
Cohort is a pilot project designed to connect a small group of motivated young people, facilitate a deeper understanding of landscape-scale restoration, and provide the opportunity to be part of the next generation working towards Cairngorms Connect's 200-year vision.
Facilitated by Cairngorms Connect, the Cohort worked together to develop and deliver a project focusing on supporting other young people to access nature. The group decided to focus on period health as a potential barrier to the outdoors and wanted to help.
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