Who is Scott Woolley?

I am a photographer, former substance misuse worker, and the founder of Arclett. After being sober curious in my early twenties I took on a one year no alcohol challenge which gathered momentum. I will be 9 years alcohol-free in May this year.

How did you become inspired by sober living?

I remember watching Jack Osbourne’s Adrenaline Junkie when I was in my teenage years and being inspired by Jack’s journey from abstinence to adventure. Jack had transformed his life and was travelling around the world, taking part in adrenaline-fuelled adventures like training to climb El Capitan, and running an ultra-marathon through the Sahara Desert. Jack was the first person I saw who was proof you could have fun sober. This was the first time I’d considered a life without alcohol.

In my early twenties my relationship with alcohol made me feel trapped and I struggled with hangxiety. I needed to improve my mental health so I started going to the gym. I fell in love with bodybuilding which improved my confidence, discipline and self-belief. My fitness journey led to the removal of alcohol from my life.

What is your favourite sober experience?

I look back at my first year of sobriety as I wanted to prove you could have fun without alcohol. This year coincided with travel, and whilst in Australia I Scuba dived, Sky dived and took an aviation lesson over Sydney harbour, inspired by Jack all those years ago. I also visited Bermuda, New Zealand, US and Dubai. With the money I saved from alcohol I was able to see more of the world and be fully present for these experiences.

More recently, the birth of my daughter was an experience I will never forget. Parenthood has brought me on a new adventure, and I now see the world through my daughter’s eyes.

How do you connect with the outdoors?

Having been born and raised on a small peninsula I’ve always gravitated towards coastal locations. Growing up our family holidays were usually spent in Wales, so I feel a deep connection to places like Snowdonia, Anglesey and Llyn Peninsula.

In my early twenties I also discovered photography which led me to swap bars for the outdoors. Since becoming sober I’ve slowed down and created a lifestyle where my free time is spent exploring natural environments. Family time is precious, and I find solitude most when I’m outdoors. Connecting with nature is my reset and exploring with my family is when I’m most present and feel at ease. Life’s problems always feel insignificant when I’m surrounded by natural beauty, and having a camera in my hand allows me to document trips, share moments with others, and relive these experiences in later life. I can’t wait to show my daughter some of our adventures when she is older, and teach her photography.

Where are you heading next?

I always keep an eye on the forecast so trips are often booked last minute, but I’ve just booked a short stay offgrid at a new location in England. This will be special and different, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

You can follow Scott’s adventures here.