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I began this trip with a group of women I had never met. That felt almost as intimidating as the walk itself. Spending a week hiking, eating, and traveling with strangers requires a certain leap of faith. Somewhere between the miles, the weather battles, the shared meals, and the tired legs, those strangers became friends.

The more I talked with women in the Edmonton Sole Circle, the more I realized that many of us were experiencing similar challenges. I thought it might be helpful to dedicate an evening to the topic—an opportunity to share some of what I've learned and, just as importantly, hear about the experiences of other women.

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.

That’s when Lisa told me about the Glimmer Theory. She explained that glimmers are tiny,
positive moments we often overlook — a burst of laughter, sunlight through the trees, the feeling of being understood, even the sound of footsteps beside your own.

My husband and I have been dabbling—okay, more than dabbling—with the idea of moving to San Diego, an awesome city in Southern California on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with gorgeous sunny weather, a phenomenal coastline of white sandy beaches, jagged cliffs and coves, and a fairly laid-back lifestyle.

One night (probably around 3 a.m., when I couldn’t sleep), that brain of mine started thinking about my running days and then about my Sole Sisters. As I lay there wide awake, I thought, We should host a marathon.

Walking, I’ve realized, is just therapy without the invoice. What I didn’t expect was how much a single Sunday Ramble would give back to me.

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.

Two families. Grandparents. Kids. Disney tickets booked. And a very cute Disney-themed VRBO with a pool and five bedrooms. What could possibly go wrong? Everything!

From a hair-raising taxi ride to pizza-making in Piazza Navona, Metro chaos (hello, pickpocket warnings), and football fans louder than the Colosseum — Linda Dares packs a week of Rome into one joyful story. 

London is technically a forest, with over 20% tree cover, so you’re never more than a few moments from a peaceful green space. We might not have miles of mountain trails, but there’s always somewhere new and exciting to take a Ramble.

How can a place make you feel so small and fragile, and yet so completely alive at the same time? Out in the wild, I find myself humbled and lifted in equal measure.

Tofino—affectionately called “Tuff” by those in the know—is our annual tonic. No matter what’s going on in our lives, we seem to find our way back to the ocean, the rainforest, and to some fine sisterhood time.

India isn’t always easy. It’s chaotic, intense, and overwhelming. But it is also profoundly rewarding—leaving you with unforgettable memories, a renewed perspective, and perhaps even a shift in how you see yourself. 

We hiked the Beautiful Bay Trail, which was a relaxed ramble—until we decided to detour down to the beach. The descent? A little tricky. The reward? A regal, silent eagle keeping watch from a log, as if to remind us who really owns this beach.

Newfoundland wasn’t just beautiful — it was transformative. Rugged cliffs, wild winds, deep laughter, and conversations that only happen when women walk side by side. What began as a trip became something far more powerful: a reminder of how alive, brave, and connected we can feel at this stage of life.

The first time I questioned my sanity for walking the Camino as a solo female, I hadn’t even left Dublin. Sitting in the airport, waiting to board my flight to Santiago de Compostela, I felt completely underprepared.

Portugal captured our hearts in every way—from its sun-drenched coastlines and ancient cities to its rich culture, incredible food, and warm, welcoming people. Traveling at a slower pace allowed us to truly soak it all in, savoring each stop instead of simply checking it off a list.