#SupportedBySaturdayEmma Norton

Our Supported By Tiso network collaborates with leading adventure photographers and film makers, outdoor advocates, change makers and everyday explorers. We are proud to support and collaborate with this diverse network of inspirational outdoor leaders. This week we are chatting to Emma Norton, who is an avid skier, mountain biker, climber, munro bagger, outdoor adventurer and go getter!

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, what do you do?

I live in Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. My "real" job involves running our family quad bike trekking business based at Rothiemurchus Estate. I love taking visitors out quad trekking, introducing them to the surrounding landscape and telling them all about the history and wildlife of this very special place.

What sparked your interest in the outdoors?

Being born on the doorstep of the Cairngorms, my life from an early age has revolved around the mountains and snowsports. The chance to be free, adventure and the sense of creativity is yours to enjoy this came from my parents encouragement.

Where is your favourite place in Scotland to enjoy the outdoors?

There are so many favourites for so many differing activities! But also I haven't adventured every where, I haven't minded the travel restrictions and if I had to chop up my passport for the next few years I would as I feel Scotland has SO much to offer us and to appreciate! I'm so passionate about the versitility that this small country has.

Are there any outdoor activities you would love to try

I never say no to the chance to do other activities. I feel like as soon as someone suggests something I will give it a go. I enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself. I have only just got into wild swimming at can't wait for warmer weather to full submerge myself into the challenge and go dip in remote places. I used to hate being cold and especially wet, but took on a challenge this winter for 30 days to dip in minus degrees so I have built up the mindset to accomplish this next challenge.

What is on your adventure bucket list

I feel like time, money are the only things hold me back from alot of my bucket list. I also have worked and am still working really hard in appreciating and being contempt with what I already do which is so much anyway! So a bucket list is there but it's not the be all and end all. FOMO is a thing but we can't do everything! Skiing in Alaska is a bucket list moment mainly for the expense than anything.

What is your “motivation” and why do you share it?

Motivation comes daily and I almost don't wait for it! If I look to be motivated I won't do anything. I love to take everyday as it comes, make a plan the day before plan a & b maybe even c, take simple steps to make everything more achievable.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting out doing anything active?

Take small steps, not even the pros are "pro" keep being open to learning and take someone with you they might need it more than you. Sharing experiences is so memorable but also helps to make the right decisions.

How do you find the time to fit adventuring into a busy life and routine?

Adventuring is a fine juggling act. There are times when you just have to sacrifice that tempting spa day, clothes shopping or time which might easily have been spent with family or friends. In some respects you have to be selfish but that's OK and it is just finding that balance between adventuring and sharing your time with others.

What's been your most challenging moment whilst running/skiing/hiking/climbing etc?

I have had many challenging adventure moments over the years but probably one of the most difficult involves running. On the face of it, running seems such a simple activity but it is so much more complex. I started out not even being able to run 1km before having to walk. I just ran until I was out of breath, then walked until I was ready to run again. I suppose you could class this as interval training. I just carried on till I was doing more of the running bits than the walking bits. Now I'm running up and down hills But I would never class myself as an elite runner. I just love running because it means I can go further in a shorter time than I would if I was walking.