New film inspires Muslim women and mothers to get active in nature

A new short film is released this week that chronicles the work of a mother who is breaking down the barriers that prevent Muslim women from getting active in nature. The latest episode in the Berghaus Ascension Series, the five-minute film features Zahrah Mahmood, 34, from Glasgow, also known as the Hillwalking Hijabi, who shares her experiences and adventures as a hillwalker and a mother, and showcases how she is creating a movement that fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the outdoors. The Ascension Series: Zahrah Mahmood will be available to view on YouTube from Friday 16 May.

Launched in 2023, the Berghaus Ascension Series features the stories of inspirational people who have overcome barriers, defied expectations, and changed the face of the outdoors. The previous three films in the series have focused on individuals with very different perspectives: Climber and photographer Adam Raja for whom the outdoors offered an escape from poverty and a background that was edging him towards crime; Morag Skelton, a deaf climber who is constantly pushing the limits of what is possible; and Hamish Frost, one of Europe’s leading adventure photographers, who has faced up to the challenge of working in an often traditionally masculine environment as a queer man. All four films in the series have been produced by Coldhouse and funded by Berghaus.

The fourth episode in the Berghaus Ascension Series tells the story of Berghaus ambassador Zahrah Mahmood’s personal experiences of hiking in the UK hills, and how these evolved into the creation of a movement that fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the outdoors. By sharing her own experiences and adventures as a hillwalker and a mother, Zahrah has become a beacon of inspiration for many who may feel hesitant or excluded from the traditional narratives of outdoor exploration. Her vision is not only about the physical act of walking, but also about nurturing a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the environment.

Zahrah established her online platform, ‘The Hillwalking Hijabi’, to unite people, celebrate shared experiences in the hills, and highlight the importance of connecting with nature, regardless of background or location. Zahrah has been honorary president of Ramblers Scotland since 2023 and also uses the platform that the role gives her to break down the many barriers that people face in accessing nature. Her work encourages people of all backgrounds to feel confident and empowered to enjoy the health and social benefits of the outdoors. Zahrah was instrumental in the development and launch of the first Berghaus Hijab in 2023, a project that continues in 2025, with an additional colour option in the range due to be available later in May.

Zahrah Mahmood comments: “I’m at a stage of my life where I’m trying to balance general life, family, and adventure, and I’m so proud to represent the idea that there’s no one set way to explore the outdoors. I feel so grateful to have the support of Berghaus in telling this story and sharing my personal journey through initiatives like the Ascension Series. I hope that the new film inspires more people to take their first step into the outdoors, no matter where it is that they are starting from.”

The latest Berghaus Asension Series film will be available to view for free from Friday 16 May at The Ascension Series – Episode 4 – Zahrah Mahmood – YouTube.

 

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