Girlguiding Ambassador Anna McNuff launches new book

Launched 6 December 2022, Barefoot Britain tells the story of Anna McNuff’s incredible 90 marathons (2,352 miles) barefoot adventure to show girls and young women that they can do anything they set their mind to. From Shetland to London, Girlguiding Ambassador Anna met and ran with hundreds of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers during her five-month challenge in 2019.  

Anna’s Barefoot Britain challenge saw her run along rugged coastlines, through small villages, across moors, over wind-swept mountains, along beaches, farmland and even down the odd picturesque A-road, all of course, bare foot. The warm-hearted, funny and painfully honest read, reveals the reality of taking on a an epic challenge, and above all, shows how one person’s will to dig deep and carry on can encourage others to know they can do the same.

Meeting with Girlguiding members along the way Anna has helped inspire them to have the confidence to seek out new challenges and believe they can do anything. Anna met with over 70 units along her journey and many of these heart-warming moments are featured in her book.

Anna McNuff, Girlguiding Ambassador says:

“The aim of my Barefoot Britain adventure was to show girls and young women that they can do anything they set their mind to. Girls are strong and resilient, and I’m a big believer that sometimes the best way to uncover that resilience is to take on a big adventure.

“As a proud ambassador for Girlguiding, I wanted to visit as many Girlguiding units during my run as I could. I spoke to girls of all ages about the joys of adventure to encourage them to have the confidence to seek out new challenges, even when it might seem scary at first. I know that if these girls can take those first adventurous steps, then they will find the space to grow, and soon see what they’re truly capable of. I want to inspire the girls of the UK to be their brilliant selves.

“Having the support of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and all the incredible Girlguiding leaders, hosting me and cheering me on along the way was fantastic. When the going got tough and I wanted to give up, the reason why I had set out on this adventure in the first place kept me determined to reach the end.”

Megan Lewis, a member of Girlguiding’s Advocate Panel, said:

"Anna’s new book all about her Barefoot Britain Challenge is inspirational to girls because it shows us that anything is possible if we put our minds to it. Adventure is so important and Anna’s new book means that girls can be inspired from home as well as out and about. Girlguiding is all about inspiring girls and encouraging adventure.”

Having adventures is a key theme of the charity’s programme which spans its four sections of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers from girls aged four to 18. Girls are able to learn new skills, and have fun trying new things to earn badges like Agility, Aviation, Navigator, Bushcraft, Whittling and Backwoods Cooking. In meetings, they can learn about camping and exploring with activities created to inspire all girls of all ages, from cooking over a tealight to navigating using the stars.