Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Notes from Big Trails

What would happen if you set off alone to walk the entire length of Europe?

Kit Birks found out.

She spent 343 days walking from Nordkapp in northern Norway to Gavdos, the southernmost point of Greece, covering more than 5,000 miles. She spent 308 days walking completely alone, often carrying around 20–23kg and sometimes going for days without seeing another person.

But the walk wasn't simply an attempt to complete an enormous endurance challenge. Kit was using it to raise awareness of suicide prevention, drawing on her own experiences of mental illness, addiction and recovery. She wanted to turn advocacy into activism and use an adventure big enough to get people talking.

In this episode, Kit talks about the reality of life on the trail: waking up alone in the Arctic, walking 20 miles a day, dealing with swollen rivers and knee-deep snow, and carrying a pack that could weigh 23kg.

She also talks openly about loneliness and solitude, the terrifying moments when being alone became genuinely dangerous, and the point in Austria when her mental health deteriorated so badly that she stopped for three weeks and realised she needed help. Asking for that help, she says, was one of the bravest things she has ever done.

And then there are the people she met along the way — strangers who offered food, water, shelter and companionship, including a German couple who drove to meet her and walked with her through Slovenia and Croatia with their four dogs.

Kit also explains why she believes getting outside can help when you're struggling with your mental health. For her, walking doesn't magically cure anything. It gives the brain space to slow down and notice something beyond the negative thoughts — a bird, leaves moving in the wind, or simply the beauty of the world around you.

It's an extraordinary story about walking across a continent. But ultimately, it's a conversation about fear, recovery, loneliness, resilience, kindness and what happens when an adventure becomes bigger than the person who set out to do it.

See more from Kit at https://www.instagram.com/kitbirks/ and support Stride Beyond Silence here.

To find out how to do your own solo adventure, head to https://bigtrailadventures.com/solo-friendly

Lisa Herbert took on Wainwright's Coast to Coast as a seven-day trail run.

In this conversation we talk about why solo adventures can become life-changing, how grief reshaped Lisa's relationship with running, and why spending several days on a trail helped her find a sense of peace she'd struggled to find elsewhere.

We also discuss:

• Why she chose the Coast to Coast as training for a 100-mile ultra.
• Running almost 200 miles in seven days.
• The brutal weather crossing the Lake District.
• Losing a trekking pole in a mountain stream.
• Why she never once wished she was back at work.
• The unexpected conversations with strangers along the trail.
• Why fitness isn't the biggest factor in completing a long-distance trail.
• What it really feels like to take on a big adventure alone.

If you're considering walking or running the Coast to Coast yourself, Big Trail Adventures creates personalised self-guided itineraries, organises accommodation, luggage transfers and navigation, and helps you build a trip that matches the pace you want to travel.

Find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

What makes someone decide to run 400 miles around the Cornish coast?

For Elsey Davis, the answer wasn't simply to chase a Fastest Known Time.

After her mum was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's, she found herself looking for a way to channel grief into something positive. The result was an extraordinary six-day journey around the entire Cornish coastline, raising money, raising awareness, and discovering that some adventures change far more than your fitness.

In this episode we talk about the planning behind the challenge, how her body coped with six consecutive days of huge mileage, why the inland section proved tougher than the coast, and the emotional finish alongside her mum at Land's End.

It's a conversation about resilience, purpose and the remarkable things people can achieve when they have a powerful reason to keep moving.

The overnight camp at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon must be one of the best places in the world.  The shared stories from the day bring everyone together in a way that you don’t really experience in other areas of your life - getting lost in the cloud, the various degrees of ankle pain from contouring around hills and doing battle with tussocks, the happy realisation that there’s life beyond footpaths. 

It all adds up to the joy of spending time outside.

We talk about:

• The best food to eat between Saunders days
• The difference that route choice can make on the hill
• The joy found in partners on the trail
• How the Saunders has become a family tradition that spans entire generations and ages.
• Love and loss and how people find connection on the hills.

Follow & Support

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Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

What happens when a race stops feeling like competition and starts feeling like exploration?

In this episode, Rob talks to trail runner and author Scott Williams about taking on the Swiss Peaks 360 — a multi-day ultra across the Swiss Alps involving huge climbs, sleep deprivation, technical mountain terrain and six days on the move.

But this conversation goes well beyond racing.

Scott shares why he keeps returning to difficult places, the surprising role of kindness and support, what happens when normal life falls away for a few days, and why adventure doesn’t need to be extreme to change us.

We talk about:

• What the Swiss Peaks 360 actually involves
• Why Scott attempted it twice
• The extraordinary mountain landscapes that stayed with him
• Racing without rushing
• The people who carried him through difficult moments
• Unexpected challenges on the route (including one memorable bog)
• The “day five effect” and how time outdoors changes perception
• Bringing lessons from the trail back into everyday life
• Why you don’t need a 380km race to experience adventure

Scott is also the author of Swimming Through Rocks.

Follow & Support

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a rating or review on your podcast platform of choice.

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

This week’s guest is Rick Clark.

Rick joins me to talk about walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path — a week-long journey covering around 186 miles of coastline from Amroth to St Dogmaels.

Walking south to north, Rick covered big days carrying a full pack and wild camped for much of the route, balancing the practical challenges of water, recovery and finding camp spots with the simplicity that long-distance walking brings.

We talk about:

• Why the Pembrokeshire Coast Path feels different to other long-distance trails
• Walking 25–30 mile days with a loaded pack
• Sharing the opening days of the journey with his son
• Companionable silence and conversations that only seem to happen on trails
• First experiences of wild camping and learning systems as you go
• Finding places you would otherwise never stop in
• Water, feet and the surprisingly important role of foot cream
• How fitness doesn’t automatically translate into long-distance walking
• Wildlife, sunsets and sleeping beside the sea
• Why the end of a trail isn’t always the best part

Trail fact file:

The trail
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Distance
Around 186 miles / 300km

Start / Finish
Amroth → St Dogmaels (or reverse)

How long does it take?
Many walkers take around 10–15 days. Rick completed it in 7.

Terrain
Coastal trail with frequent climbs and descents, grassy cliff paths, beaches, occasional road sections and excellent waymarking.

Wild camping
Not officially permitted in most places — always check current guidance and follow leave-no-trace principles.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow Notes From Big Trails and leave a review — it really helps other listeners find the show.

Find more at bigtrailadventures.com.

In this episode, Rob speaks with Bodil Oudshoorn and Ross Brannigan about their seven-day journey on Peru’s Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca.

Carrying around 16kg each — including a full week of food — they crossed multiple high passes above 4,500 metres, wild camped throughout the route and spent days without seeing another hiker.

The conversation explores the realities of trekking at altitude, the logistics of self-supported travel, the impact of isolation, and the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Along the way they talk about:

• Seeing Alpamayo emerge through cloud for the first time
• Why the first three days nearly ended the trip
• Sleeping above 4,000 metres
• Meeting Quechua farming communities in the mountains
• Condors, hummingbirds and collapsing glaciers
• Carrying seven days of food through the Andes
• What adventure teaches you about resilience and partnership

Route Facts

• Route: Alpamayo Circuit, Peru
• Region: Cordillera Blanca, Andes
• Distance: Approx. 120km
• Duration: 7 days
• Highest passes: Over 4,500 metres
• Style: Self-supported wild camping
• Resupply points: None
• Direction walked: Anti-clockwise

Follow & Support

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a rating or review on your podcast platform of choice.

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

Elise Downing ran 87 miles of the Ridgeway in three days in 2020, between lockdowns, with her friend Sophie. Their two friends, Ange and Oscar, walked the same daily distances - the same format the four had tried on the West Highland Way two years earlier, when Ange and Oscar bailed after day two.

We talk about why running suits the less-scenic sections, the feeling of walking an ancient road, a chance meeting on a footpath, finishing at an empty Avebury Stone Circle, and whether the running-and-walking format worked any better the second time round.

About Elise Downing

Elise is part of our team at Big Trail Adventures, where she runs our social media. She's also one of Britain's best-known long-distance runners. A few years before this trip she ran 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain on her own with her kit on her back. She's written about it in a book and a newsletter.

What we talk about

• The Ridgeway as a "gateway" first trail
• Walking and running on Britain's oldest road
• 29 and 33 mile days, and how miles reframe themselves
• The running-and-walking format, tried for the second time
• The day-two overtake and the frosty reception
• The empty Avebury Stone Circle at the end
• A chance meeting on the trail

If listening to this has got you thinking about your own adventure, head to bigtrailadventures.com.

Show notes

Chris Townsend walked the Alpine section of the GR5 in autumn, as the mountain huts and village shops were closing for the season. He took about a month, slept under a tarp, and bought the food for his first week at a supermarket in Geneva train station before he started.

We talk about the rhythm of a month-long walk, finding water in unfamiliar mountains, the surprise of the southern forests, and the strange business of walking out of the mountains and onto the beach at Nice. There's also a story about singing Italian waiters in a near-empty hotel and a tangent into Death Valley, which last we checked is nowhere near the GR5.

About Chris Townsend

Chris is one of Britain's most experienced long-distance walkers. He's been writing about backpacking and the outdoors for decades, including books on his walks across the USA, Scandinavia and the UK, and regular work for outdoor magazines and his blog.

What we cover

• The two halves of the GR5: high alps in the north, rocky forested mountains in the south
• 1200 metres of ascent every day, and how to pace it
• Sleeping under a tarp rather than a tent
• Water and food planning when the season has ended
• The thunderstorm decision and the snow the next morning
• The sweet chestnut forests of the southern half
• The Italian-run hotel and the casual shopkeeper
• Walking into Nice with a rucksack and hill clothes
• Why a long walk feels different from a short one

Links

• Chris's blog: https://www.christownsendoutdoors.com
• Chris's books: https://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/p/publications.html

If listening to this has got you thinking about your own adventure, head to bigtrailadventures.com.

Subscribe to Notes From Big Trails wherever you get your podcasts.

Most people tackle the Cape Wrath Trail as a challenge of endurance — covering big miles through some of the wildest terrain in the UK.

Stephen Passmore took a different approach.

In spring 2023, Stephen spent 31 days walking north from Fort William to Cape Wrath. Along the way he wild camped, stayed in bothies, carried painting supplies in his pack, and created a watercolour painting almost every day of the journey.

In this episode we talk about:

• Walking the Cape Wrath Trail slowly
• Carrying a heavy pack for 31 days
• Bothy life in the Scottish Highlands
• River crossings and navigation
• Following spring north through Scotland
• What changes when you stop rushing through landscapes

Stephen also shares stories from Torridon, Sandwood Bay, Knoydart and some of the quieter moments that stayed with him long after the trail ended.

Links

Stephen Passmore
Book: Painting the Trail – Cape Wrath
https://www.artpassmore.art/product/painting-the-trail-cape-wrath/3

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

The Dales Way is often recommended as one of the best first long-distance walks in the UK — but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenge.

In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Jessica Mather, who completed the trail in four days last summer — covering roughly 20 miles a day while camping along the route.

Starting in Ilkley and finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere, Jess shares what it’s actually like to move quickly across the trail — from the open landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales to the familiar feeling of walking back towards home in the Lake District.

Along the way they talk about planning a multi-day trip, choosing campsites, dealing with swollen feet and finding unexpected moments of trail magic.

They also talk about why multi-day walks feel so different to day hikes — and why confidence matters more than experience when you're starting out.

In this episode

• What the Dales Way is and why it’s so accessible
• Walking 80 miles in four days
• Camping along the route
• Following seven rivers through the Yorkshire Dales
• Swollen feet in the summer heat
• Trail magic honesty boxes
• The people you meet on long-distance trails
• Why finishing can feel strangely overwhelming
• Advice for first-time multi-day walkers

About the trail
Dales Way
Distance: 80 miles / 129km
Location: Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, England
Terrain: riverside trails, farmland paths, rolling hills and villages
Difficulty: moderate
Best for: first-time multi-day walkers, experienced hikers wanting a shorter challenge, and anyone who likes pub stops with their adventure

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

Wayne Russell set out to run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain with little more than a tent, £1,000, and a huge idea.

What followed was ten months of sleeping in church porches, bus shelters, caves, strangers’ gardens and fire stations as he circled the entire British coastline.

He began the run to raise money after losing his sister to a rare heart condition—but as he explains in this conversation, the journey became about far more than fundraising.

We talk about:

• why he decided to do it
• shattering his ankle just before departure
• crying in a cave in Cornwall
• the strangers who helped him survive
• how Britain’s fire services became his accidental support crew
• the beauty of the Scottish Highlands
• why finishing felt strangely anticlimactic
• and why adventure is far more accessible than most people think

This is a funny, moving and deeply honest conversation about grief, resilience, kindness and what happens when you decide to do something wildly ambitious before you feel fully ready.

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

Jess Day joins Notes From Big Trails to talk about walking the Te Araroa Trail — a 3,000km route stretching the full length of New Zealand.

Walking solo over four and a half months, Jess shares what the experience actually felt like — from early nerves and self-doubt, through to trail family, unexpected kindness, and yes, the importance of chocolate.

This isn’t just a story about distance. It’s about what happens to your mind when you’re out there for that long — and the small moments that end up meaning the most.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Jess went from shorter UK trails to taking on Te Araroa
• The reality of walking 3,000km solo
• The mental challenge of long-distance hiking — including dealing with anxiety and PMDD on trail
• The contrast between the North and South Islands
• Extreme weather — from relentless sun to snow and freezing fog
• Trail family, shared hardship, and why people bond so quickly
• Trail angels and the kindness of strangers
• Why she ate all her chocolate — and why it was the right decision
• What finishing actually feels like (and why it’s not what you expect)
• Why you don’t need to do something huge to have a meaningful adventure

Enjoy!

Follow Jess

Jess shares more of her adventures, reflections, and journey into long-distance hiking here:
Instagram: @shoes_full_of_feet_

Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com.

The GR5 is one of Europe’s great long-distance trails — stretching nearly 1,500 miles from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Ryel Kestano about walking the trail not in one go — but in stages, over several years, with his children.

Starting when they were still young, Ryel introduced his kids to long-distance walking through shorter trips before committing to the GR5 — returning each summer to pick up where they left off.

So far, they’ve covered nearly 1,000 miles — crossing the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and into France — moving gradually from flat northern landscapes into more remote and mountainous terrain.

Along the way, the experience has become about far more than the trail itself.

There are moments of challenge — getting lost, injuries, long days on tired legs — but also moments of connection: quiet miles in conversation, shared meals, small rituals, and the satisfaction of reaching the end of each stage together.

It’s also a story about parenting — about giving children something difficult to take on, and watching their confidence grow as they realise they can do more than they thought.

And perhaps most of all, it’s about time — the rare chance to spend long, uninterrupted days together, away from the distractions of everyday life.

In this episode

• What the GR5 is and how it spans Europe
• Walking a long-distance trail in stages over multiple years
• Introducing children to multi-day hiking
• The rhythm of returning to a trail year after year
• How time on the trail changes family relationships
• Why doing hard things early in life matters

About the trail

GR5 (Grande Randonnée 5)

• Distance: ~1,500 miles / 2,500 km
• Location: Netherlands to France (North Sea to Mediterranean)
• Terrain: flat lowlands, forests, farmland, mountains and alpine terrain
• Difficulty: highly variable — increases significantly towards the Alps

The GR5 is one of Europe’s classic long-distance routes — offering huge variety, from quiet northern landscapes to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Alps.

See more from Ryel and his family at https://www.youtube.com/@ryel-kestano.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

The South Hams Way is a newly launched 100-mile circular trail through South Devon — linking the South West Coast Path, Dartmoor, and a network of towns and countryside routes across the region.

In this short episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Claire, who lives right on the trail and has been walking it in sections — often returning to familiar places and seeing them in a new way.

Because the route is divided into ten manageable sections, it works just as well for short local walks as it does for a longer multi-day trip.

Along the way, Claire talks about the rhythm of picking up a trail again and again, the small discoveries you make even close to home, and how the same stretch of path can feel completely different depending on the weather, the season, or simply the time of day.

There’s no single standout moment — and that’s kind of the point.

This is a trail made up of many small moments: a quiet beach, a stretch of moorland, a change in the light, or just the simple act of getting outside for a few hours.

It’s also a reminder that you don’t always need to travel far to find something that feels like an adventure.

In this episode

• What the South Hams Way is and how the route is structured
• Walking the trail in sections rather than all in one go
• Discovering new places close to home
• Coastal vs moorland sections — and personal favourites
• Practicalities: terrain, navigation, and accommodation
• The mental and physical benefits of simply getting outside

About the trail

South Hams Way

• Distance: ~100 miles / 160 km
• Location: South Devon, England
• Terrain: coastal paths, moorland, countryside tracks and small towns
• Difficulty: moderate — some steep coastal sections, but manageable in stages

The South Hams Way is a new addition to the UK’s long-distance trails — designed to be flexible, accessible, and easy to break into sections, making it ideal for both visitors and locals.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

Find out more about Claire and her Woman On A Mission coaching at https://womanonamissioncoaching.com or follow Claire at https://www.instagram.com/claire_womanonamission/.

The Western Front Way is a 500-mile route tracing the line of the First World War — running from the Swiss border to the North Sea through France and Belgium.

In this episode we talk to Briana Gervat, who has published a book about her experience on this trail - ⁠There Will Come Soft Rains⁠. This conversation is about her solo journey along the entire route — a 36-day walk through one of the most historically charged landscapes in Europe.

Camping along the way and carrying everything she needed, Briana experienced the full rhythm of life on the trail — from mountain paths in the Vosges to the vast battlefields of Verdun, the Somme, and beyond.

But this is not a typical long-distance walk.

Along the route, history is ever-present — in the form of trenches, bunkers, cemeteries, and villages that were never rebuilt. Briana describes these as “architectural ghosts” — reminders of lives lost, and stories that still linger in the landscape.

There are moments of heaviness — walking through fog in Verdun, camping under the same skies soldiers once slept beneath, passing through quiet towns marked by memorials.

But there are also moments of connection and light: sharing food with strangers, conversations in passing, standing in front of the cathedral at Amiens, and the simple rhythm of walking day after day.

Beyond the practicalities of the walk, this episode explores something deeper — how we process history, how we find peace (or don’t), and what it means to walk through a place shaped by both destruction and renewal.

In this episode

• What the Western Front Way is — and how it traces the line of WWI
• Walking 500 miles solo over 36 days
• The experience of solitude over a long-distance journey
• What it feels like to walk through landscapes shaped by war
• “Architectural ghosts” — and seeing what others might miss
• The emotional weight of places like Verdun
• Camping, daily rhythm, and managing the physical toll
• Encounters with people along the way
• The contrast between destruction and beauty
• Reflections on peace, history, and human nature

About the trail

Western Front Way

• Distance: ~500 miles / 800 km
• Location: France & Belgium (Swiss border to the North Sea)
• Terrain: mountains, forests, farmland, canals and lowland plains
• Difficulty: moderate physically, but significant due to length and emotional weight

The Western Front Way is less a traditional hiking trail and more a journey through history — offering a unique way to experience the landscapes of the First World War and reflect on their lasting impact.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

The Rob Roy Way cuts across the heart of Scotland — a quieter long-distance trail linking Drymen to Pitlochry through forests, glens, old railway lines, and the edges of big Highland lochs.

In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Pawel Cymbalista — or Pav — who set a fastest known time on the route, covering the entire trail in a single push.

Moving fast through a landscape most people take a week or more to walk, Pav experienced a very different version of the trail — one shaped by rhythm, focus, and constant forward motion.

Along the way there are moments that still stand out: climbing through forest above Aberfeldy, the sound of water rushing through narrow gorges, the long stretch beside Loch Tay with Ben Lawers rising through the cloud… and one very human moment outside a bakery in Callander that nearly derailed the whole effort.

Beyond the pace and the performance, this is a conversation about mindset — about stubbornness, self-reliance, and the quiet internal negotiation that happens when things start to hurt.

And it’s also a reminder that this trail — like all of them — isn’t just for records. It’s a route to be walked slowly, taken in properly, and experienced in your own way.

In this episode

• What the Rob Roy Way is really like underfoot — from forest tracks to old railway lines
• Why Pav chose the route and how the FKT idea took hold
• Preparing for a solo, unsupported effort
• Managing discomfort, fatigue, and doubt during the run
• The mental strategies that keep you moving when things get hard
• A navigational wobble, a stunning gorge, and a near-miss with a bakery
• How the trail changes as you move south towards Drymen
• Why this is a route worth doing at a slower pace
• What FKTs mean — and why they don’t always matter

About the trail

• Distance: ~79 miles / 127 km
• Location: Central Scotland (Drymen to Pitlochry)
• Terrain: forest tracks, estate paths, quiet roads, old railway lines, lochside paths
• Difficulty: moderate — non-technical, but with steady climbing throughout

The Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s lesser-known long-distance trails, offering a quieter alternative to routes like the West Highland Way — with fewer crowds, easier terrain, and a strong sense of journey through the landscape.

Find out more about long-distance walking and running adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

The Anglesey Coast Path circles the entire Isle of Anglesey — a 130-mile trail that traces one of the most varied and quietly beautiful coastlines in Wales.

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks with Nicola about her solo walk around the island — completed over two long weekends and mostly spent sleeping under the stars in a bivvy bag.

Travelling light with a 4.3-kilogram base weight and no fixed itinerary, Nicola followed the rhythm of the trail: walking long days, camping wherever the landscape allowed, and letting the coastline dictate the pace.

Along the way she discovered empty beaches, dramatic cliffs, ancient history, and unexpected wildlife encounters — from dolphins crossing a quiet bay to a weasel pausing in the road to stare her down.

The Anglesey Coast Path proved to be one of the most peaceful sections of the Wales Coast Path Nicola has walked so far — a place where solitude, curiosity and the simple act of moving through the landscape combine into something quietly magical.

Beyond the miles themselves, the conversation explores the deeper appeal of solo walking: the clarity it can bring to busy lives, the confidence that comes from solving small problems along the way, and the sense that wild places allow us to reconnect with a more natural way of thinking.

• What the Anglesey Coast Path is really like underfoot
• Walking the entire island solo over two long weekends
• Bivvy camping and travelling with an ultralight pack
• Wildlife encounters — from dolphins and seals to an inquisitive weasel
• Discovering hidden campsites along wild stretches of coastline
• Why long-distance solo walking can bring clarity and confidence
• The quiet magic that makes Anglesey feel different from other coastal trails

Distance: ~130 miles / 210 km
Location: Isle of Anglesey, North Wales
Terrain: coastal paths, grassy cliffs, beaches and quiet country lanes
Difficulty: moderate, with frequent short climbs along the coast

The Anglesey Coast Path forms part of the Wales Coast Path, a continuous trail that follows the entire Welsh coastline.

Because the route circles the island, it’s easy to start and finish in the same place — making it a popular choice for walkers looking for a self-contained coastal adventure.

Anglesey is known for its wild beaches, historic sites and peaceful atmosphere, with highlights including South Stack cliffs, Newborough Forest, and countless quiet coves scattered along the coastline.

For more information visit bigtrailadventures.com.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s most dramatic long-distance walks, stretching along the wild Atlantic edge of West Wales.

In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Sophie McCarthy about her fifteen-day solo walk along the entire route.

Carrying everything she needed on her back and camping along the way, Sophie experienced the full rhythm of life on the trail — from remote wild camps and windswept cliffs to small harbour towns and the occasional well-earned pub meal.

Along the way she encountered wildflowers in full summer bloom, dramatic coastal scenery, seals in the sea… and one rather inquisitive badger that paid her tent a late-night visit.

Beyond the practicalities of the walk, Sophie reflects on why she enjoys putting herself into challenging environments and how experiences like this can remind us that we’re capable of more than we think.

In this episode

• What the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is really like underfoot
• Walking the entire trail solo over 15 days
• Campsites, wild camping and carrying a heavy pack
• Wildlife encounters along the Welsh coast
• The joys of small trail luxuries — from ice cream to harbour-side pubs
• Why long walks can change how you see your own capabilities

About the trail

• Distance: ~186 miles / 300 km
• Location: West Wales
• Terrain: cliff paths, coastal grassland, beaches and rugged headlands
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging due to constant ascent and descent

The trail forms part of the Wales Coast Path and is widely regarded as one of the finest coastal walks in Europe.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

What does “solo adventure” really look like?

In this episode, Rob speaks with Elise Downing and Kirsty Reade about hiking and running alone — not in remote wilderness for months on end, but in the more familiar, human space of big days out, multi-day trails, and personal challenges.

Together they explore:

• What first pushed them to go alone
• The fears that show up before you set off (yes, including axe murderers)
• The difference between real risk and mental noise
• How running versus walking changes the experience
• Unexpected encounters on the trail — from sea shanties in Scotland to chance friendships in the Lakes
• The small practical steps that make solo trips safer and more enjoyable

And perhaps most importantly, the feeling at the end of a long day — when you realise you did it yourself.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

In this episode, Morgan shares his experience walking sections of the South West Coast Path — a 630-mile route tracing the coastline of south-west England.

We cover:

• Why he chose the Coast Path during a difficult period in his life
• The accessibility of the route and how easy it is to join by train
• The Jurassic Coast and its dramatic geology
• Why the South West Coast Path can feel surprisingly remote
• What a typical day on the trail looks like
• Conversations that stuck with him, including:
• Two soaked bivvy-baggers caught in a storm
• A solo woman walking the entire route using all her annual leave
• Food highlights — including a cream tea cooked on a stove in the middle of nowhere
• The River Erme crossing near Mothecombe
• What to leave out of your pack
• The importance of knowing your experience level

Morgan also talks about documenting his journeys on social media — and the tension between capturing the moment and simply living it.

See more from Morgan on Instagram.

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks to Jon Barton, founder of Vertebrate Publishing, about walking — and running — the Pennine Way.

They explore why the Pennine Way divides opinion, what the early sections across Kinder and Bleaklow are really like, and why places such as High Cup Nick, Upper Teesdale, Cross Fell and the Cheviots leave such a strong impression.

Jon reflects on:

• Growing up visiting Swaledale and Upper Teesdale
• How childhood landscapes shaped his wanderlust
• Experiencing the Pennine Way through the Spine events
• The reality of “boggy” sections and bleak reputations
• Wildlife encounters — curlews, golden plover, roe deer
• Limestone country around Malham
• The strange surreal feeling of walking through busy places after days on the moor
• Why motivation matters more than raw fitness

They also discuss practical considerations — kit familiarity, pacing, and whether the Pennine Way should be your first long-distance trail.

Martyn Howe talks to us about how he walked the coast of England - following what has become the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Martyn shares:

• How the walk began with a single acorn waymarker in Cromer
• What it’s like to stitch together a coastal path that was still being completed
• Unexpectedly wild places like The Wash, where land and sea seem to dissolve
• Industrial coastlines in the North East — and the surprising signs of recovery there
• Memorable encounters with birdlife, including kestrels, peregrines, and wintering geese
• Why public art along the coast — from Time and Tide bells to community projects — became central to the journey
• The idea of an “experience map” rather than a route map, and how that changes how you plan and walk
• How carrying less — physically and mentally — altered his relationship with long-distance walking
• Whether walking can still act as a form of protest or environmental witness
• The kinds of conversations that only seem to happen when two people are walking side by side

We also talk about Martyn’s book The Coast is Our Compass, and how writing became a way of processing the journey — not just recording where he went, but what it meant.

Links:

The Coast is Our Compass

Experience Map

More trail Inspiration at Big Trail Adventures

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob is joined by Peak District local and author Anna Paxton for a walk-and-talk on the Eastern Moors.

Anna’s book, Peak Bagging Peak District, brings together 121 of the region’s most rewarding hills — including the Ethels — into 32 carefully designed routes for walkers, fastpackers, and trail runners.

Rather than treating summits as boxes to tick, the book focuses on routes that feel satisfying in their own right: journeys with variety, character, good access, and (where possible) a pub or café at the end.

• What people miss when they only visit Peak District classics
• Who Ethel Haythornthwaite was — and why the Ethels matter
• Designing routes that work on the ground, not just on the map
• Walking, running, slowing down — and choosing the right pace for the day

Janie Oates joins Notes from Big Trails to talk about a self-designed running adventure across the Canary Islands.

Starting with a race trip to Gran Canaria, Janie and three friends came up with the idea of running across multiple islands — Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera — using ferries to link them together. Over the course of a week, they crossed volcanic landscapes, climbed ridgelines above the clouds, stayed in unmanned mountain refuges, and carried everything they needed between towns.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Designing your own route rather than following a known trail

• Running across three islands in one week — and what that really involved

• The contrast between Tenerife’s heat and tourism, La Palma’s high ridges, and La Gomera’s cloud forests

• Managing water, food and pack weight in hot, exposed terrain

• Fell running skills and long days of climbing and descent

• Why La Palma left such a lasting impression

• Travelling and running as a group of women — and the reactions they met along the way

This is a conversation about curiosity, contrast, and the quiet satisfaction of linking places together under your own power. Enjoy!

Stephen and Richard Ross from Big Trail Adventures walked the Alta Via 1 in mid-September, one of Europe’s most celebrated high routes across the Dolomites.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Alta Via 1 actually is — and why it’s known as a “high route”

• How hard it really is, day to day

• Planning late versus booking far in advance

• What it’s like staying in Italian mountain refuges (food, showers, dorms, sleep)

• How busy the trail felt — and when it suddenly didn’t

• Carrying light: why 5kg made the experience better

• Managing long, hot days with big climbs

• Swimming in lakes and rivers to reset mid-route

• Who you meet on the trail — from first-timers to seasoned alpinists

• How the Alta Via compares to more familiar Alpine routes

• Whether this trip changed how they think about future European trails

This is an honest conversation about walking in the Dolomites — what surprised them, what worked, and what they’d do differently next time.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Jennifer Stevens (Tiny Pine Outdoors) to discuss her solo journey across the Cotswold Way in the summer of 2024. Stretching 102 miles from Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath , the trail offers a unique blend of "picture-postcard" scenery and deep, ancient history.

Key Discussion Points:

• 
  

  The Reality of the Terrain: Why the "gentle rolling hills" can be more physically demanding than you think.

  
  

• Historical Immersion: Engaging with Neolithic long barrows, 17th-century market halls, and even the local tradition of "shin-kicking".

  
  

  Solo Hiking & Safety: Jennifer’s experience navigating the trail solo and using public transport to reach the start.

• Accommodation: Why Jennifer opted for Shepherd’s huts and camping pods over wild camping on this specific route.

  
  

• Trail Magic: A magical sunset in a field of friendly sheep and the "otherworldly" silence of Stanton.

  
  

• Advice for Beginners: Why the Cotswold Way is the perfect entry point for multi-day hiking.

  
  

Links Mentioned:

• Watch Jennifer’s journey on the Tiny Pine Outdoors YouTube channel.

  
  

  Do this trip for yourself at Big Trail Adventures

Hannah Campbell set out to run a long section of the Munich-to-Venice trail — known as Der Traumpfad, or The Dreamway — travelling solo from the Bavarian Alps, through Austria, and into the Italian Dolomites.

Over 15 days, Hannah covered around 450km, averaging roughly 30km per day, staying almost exclusively in mountain huts and carrying everything she needed in a 20-litre pack.

What she expected to be a late-summer journey turned into something very different, with early snow, freezing temperatures, and days spent navigating deep alpine conditions.

In this episode, we talk about:

* Why Hannah chose the Munich-to-Dolomites route* What the first few kilometres felt like — and how quickly conditions changed* How the landscape, culture and hut life shifted as she moved east* Life in mountain huts: shared meals, late arrivals* Dealing with snow and weather delays* Carrying minimal kit — and the one non-outdoor item she wouldn’t be without* Being told repeatedly that what she was doing was “irresponsible” — and trusting her own judgement* The strange sensory overload of finishing the run and stepping straight into Venice* Why this journey mattered to her personally, without defining her by it

This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation about long solo journeys — not as endurance spectacles, but as lived experiences shaped by weather, people, rhythm and perspective.

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks with Mel Sykes about completing the winter Spine Race — a 268-mile, non-stop race along the Pennine Way in January.

Mel talks about:

• What makes the winter Spine fundamentally different from long summer ultras

• Moving for days in darkness and learning to manage sleep deprivation

• Hallucinations, emotional swings, and the strange logic of extreme fatigue

• The Pennine Way as a place — hostile, boring, beautiful, and absorbing

• Small acts of kindness that land differently when you’re exhausted

• Why reaching Hadrian’s Wall and Cross Fell mattered so much

• The reality of finishing: relief, exhaustion, and delayed pride

• What events like this teach you — and what they’re often misunderstood to be about

This is a conversation about endurance, attention, and keeping going.

Read more about Mel's Spine Race here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gz2e12387o

https://www.baldhiker.com/the-spine-race-adventures/

Plan your own recce with Big Trail Adventures.

In this episode we talk to Richard Newsome — Mountain Bothies Association volunteer, responsible for Rohoish Bothy and involved in wider MBA work across the West Highland Way.

What we cover:

• Why bothies create such a strong emotional pull for walkers

• What actually happens on a maintenance visit

• The strangest things Richard has found behind a bothy door

• Vandalism, rubbish, winter conditions — and why none of it has put him off

• Memorable nights: Burns Night in a bothy and strangers who become friends

• The story of how the West Highland Way led Richard to move to Scotland and meet his wife

• The one thing every first-time bothy visitor should know

Mentioned:

• Rowchoish Bothy

• Strathcailleach (Cape Wrath)

• Greg’s Hut (Cross Fell, Pennine Way)

• Mountain Bothies Association (MBA)

A father and son take on the Alpine Crossing of the E5 — the section that starts in Germany, crosses Austria, and finishes in Italy. It’s six days of demanding terrain, high passes, long descents and huge scenery. In this conversation, Andy and Scott talk through:

• What the E5 actually is (and why most people only walk the Alpine bit) 

• Their tough but brilliant first two days: steep climbs, vast snowfields, and the famous Zams Gorge

• Staying in the Bella Vista refuge and crossing into Italy on foot

• Their favourite moment on the whole route – a narrow ridge on day two with a 360° view of the Alps

Trail:
The E5 Alpine Crossing — a 120–200 km (depending how many cable cars/buses you dodge) high-level route from Oberstdorf in Germany to Vernagt/Vernago in Italy, crossing deep valleys, snowfields, exposed gorges and Tyrolean villages.

Rob chats with adventurer and writer Elise Downing and her dad Dave about their five-day trip around the Tour des Fiz, a quiet alpine loop near Chamonix. They talk about choosing this as Dave’s first big outing after hip surgery, the joy of slower days, navigating tiny French huts, run-ins with sheepdogs, gear they always carry, and why this lesser-known trail is such a good entry point for hut-to-hut hiking. 

• What and where the Tour des Fiz actually is
• Why they chose this as a comeback adventure
• Slow, short days and why they loved the change of pace
• The difference between this trail and the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Hut life: tiny dorms, friendly hosts, and endless cheese
• Wildlife highlights (marmots, ibex, the world’s angriest sheepdog)
• Walking as a father and daughter — silence, pace, and faff etiquette
• What they carried and the kit they swear by
• Elise’s wider philosophy on accessible adventure
• Why this route is ideal for beginners to hut-to-hut hiking
• Their standout moments — and the one they never want to relive

What We Cover

In this episode Rob talks to Juls Stodel, a trustee for the Mountain Bothies Association.

It's a rich conversation. Here's what we cover.

• How finishing the Wales Coast Path led to giving up her flat and starting a 15-month journey through Britain’s bothies 

• Why she avoided a “pure foot” approach and mixed walking with hitchhiking and buses to prioritise experience over mileage 

• The postcard system she invented — and the unexpected friendship it sparked with a stranger from Skye 

• A chaotic three-day slog to Greg’s Hut involving a £9 children’s sled, deep snow, fog and type-two fun at its finest 

• What a typical bothy night actually feels like, from quiet evenings to 2am arrivals 

• The emotional comfort of seeing a gable end after a brutal day in the weather 

• How bothies preserve the history of ordinary people — crofters, workers, families — and why that matters 

• The role of the Mountain Bothies Association and the unseen work involved in keeping the doors open for everyone 

• The Bothy Code, and why litter is currently the biggest threat to the system 

• Small kindnesses and unforgettable encounters: stew-carrying ex-army lads, shared candles, and strangers becoming lifelong friends 

• The thin line between adventure and exhaustion — and how to tell whether you're being brave or being stupid 

• Living out of a backpack for years, and how it changes your sense of what “stuff” really matters 

• Schizophrenia, survival, and the deeper emotional journey behind choosing a life of simplicity and meaning outdoors 

• Advice for your first bothy: where to go, what to bring, and how to ease into it with confidence 

• Juls’ favourite bothy of all — the magical Guìrdil on the Isle of Rùm 

  
  

  Find out more at https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk

In this episode of the podcast, Rob talks to Andy Dickson about his Glimpse of Everest trek in Nepal – a condensed Everest Base Camp route that stops at Tengboche Monastery, giving you that first clear view of Everest without pushing further into the highest, most committing part of the trail.

Andy talks about juggling a demanding career in financial services with a deep pull towards the mountains, and what it meant to finally scratch the Everest itch with his wife and youngest son.

We cover everything from the sensory overload of Kathmandu to the slow, careful climb through tea houses, an altitude scare, and a freezing night at almost 4,500 metres. And then there’s the moment it all comes together: standing in fresh snow at dawn, prayer flags crossing the foreground, watching the very first light touch the summit of Everest.

It’s an honest look at high-altitude trekking, family adventure, and why you probably shouldn’t wait until you’re retired to do the big trips.

• What the Glimpse of Everest trek actually is, and why Andy chose it over the full Everest Base Camp route
• First impressions of Kathmandu – chaos, queues, culture shock and kindness
• Life in the tea houses – tin roofs, plywood walls, hot water bottles, and very thin insulation
• An altitude scare: Janice’s symptoms, the reality of high-altitude medicine, and seeing someone evacuated by helicopter
• Temperature swings: trekking in a t-shirt by day, wearing seven layers and a Tibetan “tea-cosy” hat by night
• The sunrise moment at Tengboche – standing in fresh snow, watching the first light hit Everest
• The small details that stick: suspension bridges packed with loaded animals, Tibetan flags, bells, and the taste of dal bhat and Tibetan bread
• How different places around the world approach adventure – and the particular feel of Nepal
• Andy’s honest advice to anyone dreaming of the Himalaya but hesitating to go

In this Episode we talk to Sara — travel designer, long-distance walker, and creator of the Instagram account The Last Invaders - about her West Highland Way adventure.

• What drew her from Italy to the West Highland Way

• Planning mistakes, last-minute fixes, and the realities of walking 20km a day

• How the weather turned out nothing like she hoped

• The proposal on the edge of Loch Lomond

• What it’s like to walk a big trail with your partner

• Baggage transfer vs carrying everything yourself

• Food, midges, favourite sections, and unexpected quietness on the trail

• Scottish hospitality and the joy of tiny bed-and-breakfast conversations

• What she’d do differently — and why she’d walk it again tomorrow

In this episode Al and Richard talk about their adventure on the GR221 in Mallorca. They definitely wanted this trail to feel like holiday so they gave themselves time each day to finish in time for an unhurried cold drink in the evening.

Hear about what they packed, what they saw and how they changed their approach to walking after seeing how the locals took on the trails.

Today’s guest is Craig Dickson, a keen hiker who’s completed long-distance routes all over Europe — from the West Highland Way and Alta Via 1 to the Tour du Mont Blanc. But in this episode, he takes us to Switzerland and Italy for something a little different: the Tour of the Matterhorn, often mistaken for the Haute Route.

In this episode:

• Craig explains how the Tour of the Matterhorn compares to the better-known Haute Route.

• Why the first day felt like walking through a movie — wildflower meadows, glaciers, and perfect weather.

• The terrifying second day when a thunderstorm forced them to take refuge under a boulder.

• What life’s really like in Alpine huts — from shared dorms to cheese sandwiches.

• The moment they turned a corner and saw the Matterhorn reappear at the end of their loop.

• Why Craig calls this route “Europe’s hidden gem” and who it’s best suited for.

ennifer Stevens joins Rob to talk about her six-day walk along the Cumbria Way, one of England’s most scenic and accessible long-distance trails. She first walked it in 2021 and couldn’t resist returning — this time swapping wild camping for cosy farm stays and shepherd’s huts.

They discuss:

• Why the Cumbria Way keeps calling her back

• The mix of remote valleys and quiet villages

• Her favourite overnight stays (including one that smelled of rhubarb)

• How the Big Trail Adventures app made planning effortless

• What she packs for a six-day trail

• Whether she misses wild camping

• And what makes the Lake District feel so uniquely “Cumbrian”

Jennifer’s warmth and attention to the small details — from sheepdogs to shepherd’s huts — make this an inspiring listen for anyone planning their first long-distance trail.

• 🎥 Jennifer Stevens / Tiny Pine Outdoors: YouTube

• 🗺️ Plan your own Cumbria Way adventure: bigtrailadventures.com

• 📱 Follow Big Trail Adventures on Instagram: @bigtrailadventures

Author and ultra-runner Ally Beaven swaps mountain races for mountain passes, walking the legendary John Muir Trail with his partner Karen. Over 340 kilometres and two weeks, they cross high passes, navigate wilderness logistics, and rediscover the joy of moving slowly.

We cover:

• What makes the John Muir Trail so special

• Why permits and planning shaped their whole adventure

• How two people share life on the trail (including pre-dug cat holes)

• Bears, altitude, and the art of keeping things light

• Effort vs enjoyment — and why the JMT reminded Ally that “less effort can mean more joy”

• What’s next on his adventure list

The Cape Wrath Trail is a name that makes seasoned hikers raise an eyebrow. It’s 350km of wild terrain from Fort William to the far northwest tip of Scotland — much of it without a clear path.

In this episode, Magnus Ross joins us just five days after completing it. He talks about:

• What it’s really like to walk the UK’s hardest trail

• The long days of solitude and how they changed how he thinks about adventure

• Why bothies are magical (but why camping is Magnus's favourite way to spend a night)

• How to plan, pack, and prepare for a remote multi-day hike

  
  

Whether you’re dreaming of Cape Wrath or just love hearing about big adventures in wild places, this one’s full of inspiration and hard-earned insight.

🎧 Listen now — and don’t forget, get 20% off your own adventure at bigtrailadventures.com with the code TRAILS20.

The Alta Via 1 in Italy’s Dolomites is one of Europe’s classic long-distance trails — about 120km of steep climbs, rocky passes, and unforgettable mountain huts.

In this episode, I talk with Marijke, who travelled from Montana to hike the trail with her best friend. Over long days and big climbs they shared laughter, grappa, and the sheer awe of the Dolomites.

Marijke also brings a deeper perspective. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer, and now well into her recovery she reflects on how adventures like this aren’t just about the miles — they’re about taking opportunities, sharing them with people you love, and feeling privileged to be out there at all.

The audio is more phone call than studio, but her story shines through: practical tips for anyone planning the Alta Via 1, and an honest reminder of why we go to the mountains in the first place.

In this episode, Rob talks with Jennifer Stevens, creator of the Tiny Pine Outdoors YouTube channel, about her very first long-distance hike: the West Highland Way in Scotland.

Jennifer hiked the 96-mile route in 2020, taking ten days to walk from Milngavie to Fort William. Along the way she:

• Faced the infamous Devil’s Staircase with a heavy pack

• Wild camped in stunning spots and stayed in bothies by the lochs

• Discovered the warmth and community of fellow hikers

• Filmed her journey and learned how carrying a camera changes the experience

• Found joy in small details — from the scent of pine woods to the sound of rivers at camp

She also shares what she would do differently if she walked it again, and her advice for anyone planning their own West Highland Way adventure.

Links and resources

• Jennifer’s channel: Tiny Pine Outdoors on YouTube

• More about the West Highland Way: westhighlandway.org

• Plan your own adventure with Big Trail Adventures: bigtrailadventures.com

In this episode I talk with Martyn Howe, author of Tales from the Big Trails. Martyn set out to walk every one of the UK’s national trails — a journey that took him from the wild coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the vast openness of the Pennine Way and the remoteness of the Southern Upland Way.

We talk about:

• The rhythm of trail life and why its simplicity is so powerful

• The moments of awe (and the soggy sandwiches) that come with long days on the path

• Homesickness, resilience, and what to do when you hit a low point

• The surprising role of stiff hips in causing blisters — and how Martyn fixed it

• How technology has changed the way we plan and record adventures

• The people, characters, and even a three-legged dog that brought joy along the way

• His upcoming book The Coast is Our Compass, about walking the English Coast Path

Martyn’s reflections on walking, writing, and the way landscape changes us are inspiring and thought-provoking — whether you’re planning your first trail or your fiftieth.

Links and resources

• Tales from the Big Trails by Martyn Howe

• Martyn’s digital maps: trailplanner.co.uk

• Follow Big Trail Adventures: bigtrailadventures.com

In this episode, I talk with Bodil Outshoorn — Product Manager at On Running for the Elite Footwear Programme, PhD in shoe grip, and passionate long-distance adventurer.

Bodil and a friend ran the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road running 500km from Albania to Greece. They covered it in just 12 days, averaging a marathon a day through mud, mountains, and border towns.

Along the way they discovered remarkable hospitality, historic cobblestones, semi-feral dogs, and a surprising amount of 7-Eleven croissants.

We dive into:

• What it’s like to run a Roman road across three countries

• Coping with food, logistics and winter weather

• How Haribo (and friendship) can get you through injury

• The moments of history and hospitality that made the trail unforgettable

And as someone who has cycled across Albania myself, I can vouch for those croissants — they do keep you going when nothing else is on offer!

Join us as we discuss the Alps and the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc — the 170km loop around the Mont Blanc massif and one of the most popular trails in the world.

I’m joined by Ian and Emily from TMBtrailguide.com, who’ve been helping hikers for over eight years with their camping guides and consultations. Based in Boulder, Colorado, they first hiked the route in 2017 and have returned many times since.

We talk about the sounds and smells that stay with you on the trail, what it’s really like moving from hut to hut, and the unexpected items they recommend packing for your trip.

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc — or just want a taste of life on Europe’s most iconic trail — this episode is for you.

Simon Oxley spent 23 days on the Sierra High Route — a 195-mile trek through California’s Sierra Nevada that’s as demanding as it is spectacular.

Known as one of the toughest trails in North America, the route weaves across Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia–Kings Canyon, with over half of it completely off-trail.

Simon shares what it’s like to travel through such remote wilderness, how off-trail hiking changes everything from where you sleep to what you carry, and what the experience feels like day after day.

Whether you’re curious about the Sierra High Route or just love stories of wilderness adventure, this episode has plenty of insight and inspiration.

In this conversation, Jennifer Stevens shares her experiences hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland, discussing the trail's accessibility, the beauty of nature, and the challenges faced along the way.

She reflects on her happiest moments, the difficulties of wild camping, and the interesting people she met during her journey.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of solitude and independence in wild camping, while also highlighting the kindness of strangers and the stunning views that make the trail special. She offers practical tips for first-time hikers and wild campers, encouraging others to embrace the adventure with an open mind.

Watch Jennifer on her YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TinyPineOutdoors

Or find Jennifer on Facebook. "Just search for Jennifer Stevens and you'll find me", says Jennifer.

What does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc 60 times? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author and International Mountain Guide Kingley Jones, who knows this iconic trail better than almost anyone.

We talk about what makes the TMB so special, Kingley’s favourite huts, the people he’s met along the way, and his tips for anyone planning to take it on themselves. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the TMB — or you’re already counting down the days to your trip — this conversation will inspire and prepare you.

Here's a link to Kingley's Tour Du Mont Blanc guidebook — a great read whether you’re in planning mode or just love a good mountain story: https://kingsleyjones.com/tour-du-mont-blanc/

Stephen Ross, founder of Big Trail Adventures spent a week in the Lakes testing four things:

1. A new route that connects 35 Wainwrights in the Eastern Fells in a continuous loop.

2. A new version of the Big Trail Adventures App

3. Some new tech - how to keep his devices charged

4. His fitness!

In this episode, Stephen tells us how all that testing went. It's not just an insight into walking the Wainwrights, it's an honest take on what it takes to build a serious app for the outdoors.

A story from Sarah and Ros who walked the South Downs Way in summer, 2025.

We hear about what makes the trail so popular, where to stay and Sarah and Ros's favourite kit from their week of walking.

A huge bonus from this episode is advice on how to pack for this trip without having to spend weeks in the gym lifting weights to prepare for hauling a heavy bag around!