Episode 7 - First Females Podcast
From the Scottish Hills to the Top of the World: Polly Murray’s Journey
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Polly Murray, who, in 2000, became the first Scottish woman to summit Mount Everest. Growing up in Scotland, Polly’s childhood was steeped in outdoor adventures that laid the foundation for her skiing and mountaineering achievements. Polly’s tales of ski touring, climbing, and exploring across the globe reveal a fearless spirit and a deep love for the outdoors that have propelled her forward.
Everest in the Year 2000
Polly was in the right place at the right time to seize the opportunity to climb Everest. She was 26 years old, she was fit and accustomed to cold, high-altitude environments. She considered herself ‘lucky lucky lucky’.
In recounting her Everest journey she talked of ferocious storms and tents being completely shredded by the wind but explained that “We made it fun, whatever the circumstances”.
She reflected on the camaraderie within her small team and recognised that the key ingredient for a brilliant adventure is the people with whom you go. Polly shared how she overcame altitude sickness and other unexpected hurdles, such as her adverse reaction to antibiotics to reach the summit. She called Everest “extraordinarily special,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Adventures Beyond the Summit
Polly’s adventurous spirit has taken her far beyond Everest. During our conversation, she painted vivid pictures of her Arctic expeditions, where she navigated vast glaciers and avoided polar bears. She also shared insights from her time presenting BBC’s Serious television series, where she guided children through survival challenges in wild and remote environments.
Polly’s life has been shaped by doing crazy things and she acknowledges that there have been numerous near misses and lucky escapes. Her attitude to risk has changed with time and is also influenced by the people she’s lost in along the way.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Polly is now passing her passion for the outdoors to her sons, nurturing their sense of adventure with activities like mountain biking, skiing, and kayaking. She offered simple but impactful advice to anyone looking to begin their own outdoor journey:
“Join a club, grab opportunities, and find a community that shares your passion.”
Polly’s words echo my own belief that the magic of the outdoors lies in connection - both with nature and with the people who share your journey.