BEYOND THE ITINERARY

The King Charles III England Coast Path is actually England's newest National Trail, and the name itself dates only to 2023. But the stretch our Sole Sisters will be walking through Northumberland follows a coastline where people have been travelling on foot for centuries.

We hiked every day, exploring landscapes unlike anything I'd experienced before. Waterfalls tumbled over enormous cliffs, steaming geothermal areas reminded us that the earth beneath our feet was very much alive, and vast stretches of moss-covered lava seemed to extend forever.

There is a Japanese idea often associated with the blossoms called mono no aware. There isn't a perfect English translation, but it speaks to an awareness that things are temporary, and to the feeling that comes with knowing a beautiful moment won't last forever.

We'll follow an ancient pilgrimage through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, walking through forests and rural communities and experiencing a side of Japan that is best discovered slowly.

We'll have the rolling countryside, beautiful villages, gardens, history, old churches, and plenty of time spent walking between them. There will almost certainly be sheep, and I'm reasonably confident we'll find a pub or two.

I want to protect the friendships that have carried me through the earlier chapters of my life, but I also want to leave an empty chair at the table. I have no idea who might sit down next.

Almost 2,000 years ago, two women made plans to spend time together along Hadrian’s Wall. This past May, 16 Sole Sisters did much the same—walking, talking, laughing and discovering that sometimes the most memorable parts of a journey are the ones you’ll never find on the itinerary.

How is it that 15 women can arrive as strangers and leave feeling like family?

Maybe it was the laughter, the adventures, the shared challenges, and the freedom to be ourselves. Or maybe it was something simpler:

When women come together with open hearts and a spirit of adventure, friendships form—and a little bit of magic happens.

Hadrian's Wall gave us history, beautiful landscapes, fascinating stories, and a remarkable walking experience. Most of all, it reminded me that we are often far more capable than we think—and that sharing the journey with others makes every step more meaningful.

From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the mountains, deserts, and coast of Morocco, the Sole Sisters who joined this adventure experienced a rich blend of culture, connection, and unforgettable moments.

From the moment we gathered in Hanoi for our welcome dinner, it was clear this would not be a “tick-the-box” kind of trip. It would be a laughter-filled, story-rich, deeply human adventure — one where curiosity mattered as much as comfort, and connection mattered more than the schedule.

From Porto to Santiago, soaked socks and soul-deep conversations, this Camino was never just about the kilometres. It was about women from around the world arriving as strangers and leaving as Sole Sisters.