Explore every episode of the podcast Notes from Big Trails
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Let Fear Win: Kit Birks' 5,000-Mile Walk Down Europe | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:51:57 | |
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.
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.
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 | |||
| Coast to Coast in Seven Days: Running Across England | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:34:45 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 400 Miles for Love | Elsey Davis and the Cornwall FKT | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:22:06 | |
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. | |||
| Overnight at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:28:12 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 380km Across the Swiss Alps | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:26:22 | |
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:
Scott is also the author of Swimming Through Rocks.
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. | |||
| How to Walk The Pembrokeshire Coast Path in 7 Days | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:26:21 | |
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 Trail fact file: The trail Distance Start / Finish How long does it take? Terrain Wild camping 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. | |||
| The Alpamayo Circuit and the Most Beautiful Mountain in the World | 29 May 2026 | 00:39:30 | |
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:
Route Facts
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 on the Ridgeway: Britain's Oldest Road, in Three Days | 22 May 2026 | 00:23:08 | |
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
If listening to this has got you thinking about your own adventure, head to bigtrailadventures.com. | |||
| Chris Townsend on the GR5: No Huts and No Plan | 15 May 2026 | 00:40:52 | |
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
Links
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. | |||
| 31 Days on the Cape Wrath Trail | 08 May 2026 | 00:33:29 | |
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:
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 Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com. | |||
| Is The Dales Way Britain’s Best First Long-Distance Walk? | 01 May 2026 | 00:26:53 | |
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
About the trail Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com. | |||
| I Ran Around Britain With £1,000, a Tent... and the Kindness of Strangers | 24 Apr 2026 | 01:01:00 | |
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:
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. | |||
| I Needed a Reason to Quit - So I Ate All My Chocolate | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:42:47 | |
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:
Enjoy! Follow Jess Jess shares more of her adventures, reflections, and journey into long-distance hiking here: Get out on your own adventure - find out more at bigtrailadventures.com. | |||
| The GR5 — Walking It With My Kids, Year After Year | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:23:34 | |
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
About the trail GR5 (Grande Randonnée 5)
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 — A New Trail on the Devon Coast | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:12:15 | |
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
About the trail South Hams Way
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/. | |||
| Walking the Western Front Way: 500 Miles Through History | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:28:34 | |
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
About the trail Western Front Way
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. | |||
| Running the Rob Roy Way - What You See, What You Miss | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:20:20 | |
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
About the trail
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. | |||
| Walking the Anglesey Coast Path Solo - Is It Really Magical? | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:30:16 | |
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.
Distance: ~130 miles / 210 km 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. | |||
| Solo on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: 15 Days by the Sea | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:27:38 | |
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
About the trail
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. | |||
| Going Alone: The Reality of Solo Hiking | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Finding Space on the South West Coast Path | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:24:50 | |
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:
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. | |||
| What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:24:43 | |
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:
They also discuss practical considerations — kit familiarity, pacing, and whether the Pennine Way should be your first long-distance trail. | |||
| Walking the Edge of England | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:37:53 | |
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:
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: More trail Inspiration at Big Trail Adventures | |||
| Exploring the Peak District by Its Summits with Anna Paxton | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:19:24 | |
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.
Get Peak Bagging Peak District at Vertebrate Publishing. Find inspiration for your next adventure at Big Trail Adventures. | |||
| Running Across the Canary Islands: Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:37:27 | |
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:
This is a conversation about curiosity, contrast, and the quiet satisfaction of linking places together under your own power. Enjoy! | |||
| The Alta Via 1: Does this trail deserve its popularity? | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:26:01 | |
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:
This is an honest conversation about walking in the Dolomites — what surprised them, what worked, and what they’d do differently next time. | |||
| The Cotswold Way: A 100-Mile Step Back in Time with Jennifer Stevens | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
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:
Links Mentioned:
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| Snow, Huts and 30km Days: A Solo Run Across the Alps and Dolomites | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:39:25 | |
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. | |||
| Running the Pennine Way in Winter: Mel Sykes on the Spine Race | 26 Dec 2025 | 00:29:35 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Inside the Bothies of the West Highland Way | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:21:43 | |
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:
Mentioned:
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| Germany to Italy on Foot: The E5 with Andy & Scott | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:24:46 | |
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:
Trail: | |||
| Le Tour des Fizz : Elise Downing and her dad, Dave’s escape the Alpine crowds | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:35:01 | |
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 We Cover | |||
| Inside the Bothy: Stories from a 104-Shelter Adventure | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:39:37 | |
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.
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| Glimpse of Everest: Hiking from Kathmandu | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:21:39 | |
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.
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| Sara’s West Highland Way: Heat, Loch Lomond, and a Big Surprise | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:22:57 | |
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.
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| How to have a holiday on Mallorca's GR221 | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:27:19 | |
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. | |||
| Tour of the Matterhorn: Hiking the Haute Route’s Secret Sister Trail | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
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:
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| Six Days on the Cumbria Way with Jennifer Stevens | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:26:01 | |
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:
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.
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| Permits, Bears and Cat Holes: Ally Beaven’s John Muir Trail | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:24:55 | |
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:
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| The Cape Wrath Trail: Into the Wild with Magnus Ross | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:38:20 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites: Big Views, Tough Climbs, and Shared Joy | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:17:53 | |
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. | |||
| Bothies and Big Lessons on the West Highland Way | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:24:16 | |
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:
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
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| Blisters, Joy, and a Three-Legged Dog: Martyn Howe on Britain’s National Trails | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:29:59 | |
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:
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
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| Following Roman Footsteps through Albania | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:24:22 | |
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:
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! | |||
| The Path to Tour Du Mont Blanc Joy | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:29:15 | |
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. | |||
| The Toughest Trail in America? | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:28:52 | |
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. | |||
| A Mouse, a Storm and the Great Glen Way | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:24:32 | |
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. | |||
| 60 Laps of the Tour Du Mont Blanc | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:18:58 | |
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/ | |||
| Testing Times in the Lake District | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:16:03 | |
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. | |||
| Pure Joy on the South Downs Way | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:22:11 | |
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! | |||