Rhiane Fatinikun MBE is an author, adventurer and the visionary force behind the charitable organisation, Black Girls Hike (BGH), which she established in Manchester in 2019. With an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation, Rhiane has emerged as a trailblazer challenging the status quo of the outdoor and adventure community.
Driven by her passion for breaking down barriers and following a near-death experience which led her to re-evaluate her life, Rhiane founded BGH to create a safe and empowering space for Black women to connect, explore and thrive in nature. Her journey began as a response to the lack of diverse representation in outdoor activities and has evolved into a movement that not only promotes physical wellness, but also nurtures mental well-being and immersive travel.
Beyond organizing breathtaking hikes and other outdoor pursuits, both at home and overseas, Rhiane's impact resonates online, where she has built an engaged community that shares uplifting, encouraging and insightful stories. Her work has garnered national recognition, including various broadcast appearances on BBC1’s Countryfile, ITV and C4 News, BBC2’s Great British Railway Journeys and Caroline Quentin’s National Parks on More4. She has also participated in high-profile brand partnerships with the likes of Sekonda, Uber, Berghaus, Beats by Dr Dre, Adidas and Barclays.
Rhiane has received a number of prestigious awards, including the Royal Geographical Society’s Geographical Award, Campaigner of the Year at the Great Outdoors Awards 2020 and most recently, an MBE in the New Year Honours list 2024. Rhiane has also received accolades such as Positive Role Model at the National Diversity Awards, Forestry England’s 10 Powerful Women in Nature and she was also honoured as one of 70 people making a significant contribution to the British outdoors in the Peak District National Park’s 70th year celebrations.
Rhiane’s debut book Finding Your Feet: The How-To Guide To Hiking & Adventuring, which is part memoir, part mission statement and an invaluable ‘how to’ guide to the countryside, is a testament to her inspiring work. It will be published by Conway (an imprint of Bloomsbury) on July 4th 2024.
