Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 28 February 2008

PAGE 17 lead please with file action pix of Dervia Murphy, Jo Gambi and Justine Curgenven used in CN on Friday, page 14By Ross BrewsterTHREE trailblazing women will relive their amazing adventures at the Cumberland Ale Keswick Mountain Festival in May.

The event will feature talks from celebrated explorers, as well as an opportunity to get involved in adventure whether it’s walking, climbing, mountain biking or water sports.

Among the speakers at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake will be Dervla Murphy, Jo Gambi and Justine Curgenven. Each has conquered amazing heights and each has a fascinating story to tell.

Dervla Murphy is an Irish nurse turned travel writer, who has ventured to some of the most remote landscapes in the world on bicycle, pony and on foot.

She set off on her first solo trip from Dublin to Delhi in 1963 with only one change of clothes, a toothbrush and a .25 automatic pistol in her backpack.

Since then she has explored Madagascar, Nepal and Africa, often encountering life-threatening situations.

She will be interviewed on stage at the festival by the chairman of the Wainwright Society and presenter of Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Eric Robson.

Mr Robson said: “Dervla is a truly formidable woman; she’s nearing her 80s yet has lost none of her spirit for travel and adventure. She reminds us all that life is for living.”

Award-winning adventure film maker and expedition kayaker Justine Curgenven will premiere a documentary charting her toughest challenge to date of sea kayaking 1,700 miles around New Zealand’s South Island.

Justine started out only last month, with Barry Shaw, and hopes to complete the circumnavigation in April, just a month before her appearance at the festival. If successful she will be the first woman to complete the epic journey.

Also speaking will be Jo Gambi, who entered the Guinness World Records for the fastest female ascent of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. She is only the second British woman to have climbed Everest’s north-north east ridge.

She tackled the Seven Summits alongside her husband Rob while he was in remission from cancer for the second time. Jo will reveal their moving and romantic story of survival.

Martin Lankester, of the Mountain Festival, said: “We’re proud to have such a fantastic set of speakers who promise to thrill, move and entertain festival audiences. These three women sum up the essence of the festival. Their determination and grit is awe inspiring.”

Additions to this year’s event, May 14-18, include a bike village and an activity base on the shores of Derwentwater. Other activities will include canoeing, climbing and navigation courses.

Tickets for talks are on sale from the Theatre by the Lake by phoning 017687 74411.