Our trips are designed especially for solo travelers, and most women who join do not know anyone else before the journey begins.

To help create an easy, connected group dynamic, we host a pre-trip WhatsApp group where everyone can introduce themselves, share training and preparation tips, and sort out travel logistics—so the experience feels supportive and familiar from the very start.

Feeling nervous about whether you can walk the full distance is completely normal.

In fact, most women on our previous walking adventures arrived wondering the very same thing. Once they got there, they were often pleasantly surprised by what they were capable of.

Walking day after day sounds much more intimidating on paper than it usually feels in reality.

One of the biggest advantages of traveling with a group of like-minded women is that there is absolutely no pressure to keep up with anyone else.

Everyone walks at their own pace, and taking your time is not only accepted—it is encouraged. Many participants have described the experience as "walking in a supportive bubble," where encouragement replaces competition.

One Rambler shared that what surprised her most was, "The walking was easier than I'd imagined. The prospect of long distances daily looked daunting on paper, but we all managed them without real problems."

From the very first day, we remind each other, "This is a promenade, not a race."

If you find that you're having an off day or simply don't feel able to complete a section, your local guide can arrange transportation where the route is accessible by taxi.

The goal isn't to prove anything—it's to enjoy the journey.

If you are a fairly regular walker and can walk or hike approximately 10 km (or 2 hours) you will be fit enough for this adventure.

This walking route features numerous beautiful spots to rest, eat, and use the washroom.

During the daily walks, the larger group will likely divide into smaller groups.

Some Sole Sisters may prefer to walk at a faster pace, while others might enjoy a more leisurely stroll.

Some will want to arrive at our daily destination as quickly as possible, while others will prefer to meander through the medieval villages, take breaks in cafés, stop to take pictures, and explore historical sites.

The guide will touch base with group members throughout the day, and you will keep track of each other using our WhatsApp group.

You will experience your walking adventure in your own way and at your own comfort level.

On previous Sole Sister's walking adventures, some Ramblers preferred to walk quickly, while others enjoyed a more leisurely pace. The larger group will likely split into smaller groups, and our guide will recommend a lunch spot for those who wish to meet up.

Some Ramblers preferred to arrive at the destination as soon as possible. In contrast, others liked to stop along the way to explore small villages, take photos, and visit historical sites.

The trail is well-marked, making it difficult to get lost.

Our guide will maintain contact with the group throughout the day, and we will keep track of each other through our WhatsApp group.

The guide will also post explicit directions and recommendations in the trip's WhatsApp group for those who prefer to walk independently and will check in regularly with all Ramblers.

You will experience your walking adventures your way and at your own comfort level.

The route is one of the most popular, accessible and scenic sections of the Portuguese Camino.

While there are some gentle to moderate hills, you can tackle them at your own pace. There are no days where you will be walking uphill continuously.

The tour includes luggage transportation from one destination to the next.

You will drop your luggage in the hotel lobby every morning before breakfast.

When you check in at your hotel, you will find your luggage in the lobby. Please note that you will need to bring it to your room yourself.

Not all hotels have elevators; however, if you need assistance with your luggage, our local guide and the hotel staff will be happy to help.

You are allowed to bring one bag that weighs no more than 20 kgs (44 lbs).

The luggage transport company allows travelers to bring one bag of any type, provided it weighs less than 20 kgs (44 lbs).

This includes wheeled suitcases, backpacks, or duffle bags.

It has to be one standalone piece. There can't be any extra smaller bags clipped on, tied on, or hanging off it.

In addition to your main bag, you will need a daypack, either a backpack or a waist pack, to carry items you may need while on the trail. Essential items might include water, money, sunglasses, rain poncho, sunscreen and your pilgrim passport.

All the trails have been traveled for centuries. They are well-maintained and accessible to most walkers.

Comfortable, well-tested shoes and socks are among the most important things you’ll bring on this walking adventure. If you can comfortably walk for several hours in the shoes and socks you normally wear at home, they should work well for this journey.

Many Ramblers prefer lightweight trail-running shoes with good grip, plenty of cushioning and a roomy toe box. Cushioning is especially helpful because some sections of the route follow paved paths and roads.

Whatever footwear you choose, wear it on several longer walks before the trip—this is not the time to discover that your shoes rub!

Choose comfortable, moisture-wicking socks that fit well. Merino wool is a favourite among many walkers because it helps manage moisture and remains comfortable in changing temperatures.

Walking poles are optional, but many Ramblers appreciate the added stability and reduced pressure on their knees.

Keep in mind that some airlines do not permit walking poles in carry-on luggage, so you may need to check your bag if you bring them.

English weather can be wonderfully unpredictable, so come prepared for sunshine, wind and rain—sometimes all on the same day!

Bring a rain poncho large enough to cover both you and your day pack, along with quick-drying layers made from materials such as polyester, silk or merino wool.

Avoid cotton for wet-weather walking, as it dries slowly and can leave you feeling cold.

A warm beanie and thin gloves—preferably waterproof—are also recommended. For sunnier days, bring a good sun hat that protects your face, ears and neck, along with sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Finally, pack a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated while reducing single-use plastic.

Intrepid travel experiences offer a chance to explore beyond the typical attractions, allowing you to discover hidden gems you might otherwise overlook. Your local guide will recommend the best restaurants and sights on this adventure.

The guide will also introduce you to the unique aspects of Galician food, drink, and cultural traditions, and assist with translations when needed.

It's also comforting to know that all trip participants will be like-minded women close to your age. This commonality means you will likely share many interests and may form lasting friendships. It's also wonderful to know you can stay in touch after your adventure through the Sole Sister Rambler community.

You'll enjoy your adventure with other like-minded women 45+, finding travel companions and friends that will last a lifetime.

Food along the Thames Valley Way is comforting, varied and wonderfully British. Expect hearty pub classics, cosy cafés, traditional tearooms and restaurants serving everything from familiar favourites to modern British and international dishes.

Eight breakfasts are included and will generally be served at your accommodation. You can expect a combination of hot and cold options, which may include eggs, toast, cereals, fruit, yoghurt, pastries, tea and coffee—the perfect fuel for a day of walking.

Lunches are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your appetite each day. Depending on the route, you may stop at a village café or pub, or pick up a sandwich, salad or picnic lunch before setting out. Your local guide will help you plan ahead when food options along the trail are limited.

Your welcome dinner is included and offers a lovely opportunity to relax, share a meal and begin getting to know your fellow Sole Sisters. Other dinners are left open so you can explore local pubs and restaurants, choose what you feel like eating and enjoy relaxed evenings with the group.

Vegetarian and other dietary options are widely available, although choices may be more limited in smaller villages. Please let Intrepid know about allergies or dietary requirements when booking so they can be shared with their local partners.

Vegetarians should find it relatively easy to eat well along this route, with most hotels, pubs, cafés and restaurants offering at least one meat-free option. Vegan choices are also increasingly common, particularly in Oxford, Henley-on-Thames and Windsor, but may be more limited in smaller villages and traditional country pubs.

At breakfast, vegetarian options are usually readily available. Vegans may need to request plant-based milk, dairy-free spreads or a cooked vegan breakfast in advance. Lunches and dinners may include vegetable soups, salads, sandwiches, curries, pasta dishes, plant-based burgers and traditional pub favourites adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets.

On walking days, your local guide will help you plan ahead when food stops are limited. We recommend carrying a few favourite snacks, especially if you are vegan or have multiple dietary requirements.

Please share all dietary needs when booking so Intrepid's local partners can prepare wherever possible.

While every reasonable effort will be made, choices may occasionally be limited in smaller communities along the route.

You do not need to bring a large supply of snacks from home. You’ll have opportunities to purchase snacks in Oxford and the towns along the route.

However, it’s a good idea to carry a few favourites in your day pack—such as a protein bar, nuts, dried fruit or sweets—for extra energy between stops. This is especially helpful on longer walking days or if you have dietary restrictions, as cafés and shops may be limited along some rural sections. Your local guide will let you know when you need to buy lunch or snacks before setting out.

Your luggage must be in the hotel lobby by 7:30 am for pickup.

The group typically finishes breakfast and starts walking between 8:00 and 8:30 am.

We'll start our journey in the historic city of Porto, Portugal. Be sure to book a few extra days to explore.

We'll finish our adventure in the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela, the heart of Galicia.

This city is famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It is believed to be the resting place of the biblical apostle St. James.

It's a truly special place filled with history and culture and also worth spending some extra time in!

You will be accompanied by a local Intrepid tour leader and a Sole Sister Ramblers host.

The local tour leader’s role is to ensure a hassle-free adventure while introducing you to excellent restaurants, sharing insights about the local culture, and acting as a translator when needed. This guide is also responsible for your safety and will serve as an experienced liaison if you encounter any problems.

Intrepid local leaders do more than just show you the destination; they help you connect with the soul of the place. You can expect them to have a broad understanding of the locations visited, including their historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

The Sole Sister host will ensure that everyone is having fun and promote a welcoming and inclusive experience, dedicated to our motto: "Everywhere is within Rambling distance with Sole Sisters."

Accommodations are two twin beds with double occupancy in local guest houses and small local hotels.

Ramblers can also purchase a single occupancy add-on. If you pay for a single occupancy, you will have a single room throughout.

All rooms will have en-suite bathrooms and all essential amenities.

This walking adventure begins in Oxford.

London Heathrow is the closest and most convenient airport, with a direct coach service to Oxford operating throughout the day and night.

The journey usually takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Coaches arrive at Gloucester Green Bus Station in central Oxford.

London Gatwick is another good option, with direct coach service to Oxford, although the journey is longer.

If you are spending time in London before the adventure, direct trains travel from London Paddington to Oxford in approximately one hour. Oxford’s railway station is close to the city centre.

Birmingham Airport is another possibility, with rail connections to Oxford. London Luton and Stansted airports are considerably less convenient and generally require multiple transfers.

From Oxford’s bus or railway station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the joining hotel. Detailed hotel information will be provided in your final travel documents.

Airport transfers are not included, as our Ramblers arrive from many different places and at different times. Once the pre-trip WhatsApp group opens, you can compare plans and may be able to travel into Oxford with another Sole Sister.

Please plan to arrive in Oxford with plenty of time to settle in before the welcome dinner. The adventure finishes in Windsor, which is conveniently located close to Heathrow Airport.

When you book, Intrepid will ask for a deposit and the final balance will be due 90 days before departure.

You will have access to a personal Intrepid portal, which you can log in to and pay money off when you feel like it before the final balance is due.

Intrepid will send a payment link, but if you prefer to pay directly to them via an in-person agent, you can choose to do that instead.

All travellers are required to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while travelling with Intrepid, including emergency medical treatment and emergency repatriation—getting you home if medically necessary.

This is the minimum coverage required to join the trip.Trip cancellation insurance is not mandatory, but Intrepid recommends it.Whether you purchase it is entirely up to you.

Intrepid also recommends choosing a policy that covers trip interruption or curtailment, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability.

Before the trip begins, your Intrepid tour leader will ask to see proof of your insurance policy and your insurer’s 24-hour emergency assistance number.

The only coverage they are required to confirm is emergency medical coverage.

Intrepid Travel is focused on balancing purpose with profit. In 2018, they formalized this commitment by becoming a certified B Corporation.

Certified B Corporations prioritize their employees, strive for a more inclusive supply chain, and elevate corporate social responsibility. This certification signifies their dedication to creating benefits for everyone.

Intrepid's official pledge is to utilize travel as a force for good in the world.

The following is not included in the price: international flights, required visas, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late check-out at hotels, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks with included lunches and dinners, tips for leaders, guide and driver, expenditure of personal nature, personal insurance and optional activities.

To travel internationally, you will need a valid passport. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months, so be sure to check its expiry date before your trip.

Intrepid will need your passport information to prepare for your journey, so the details on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please ensure that you provide accurate information.

We also recommend that you carry a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leave an additional copy at home with family or friends.

You are responsible for checking and addressing visa requirements from your country of origin.

Intrepid will share the specific cancellation terms when you book your trip, as these can vary slightly depending on the adventure.

In most cases, a $400 deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 70–90 days before departure.

If something comes up and you need to cancel before making your final payment, that $400 deposit can usually be applied toward another Intrepid adventure — so it doesn’t have to go to waste.

Once full payment has been made, trips are generally non-refundable.

Intrepid is committed to ensuring that all its trips are safe for everyone involved, including travelers, local leaders, and the communities they visit.

Their health and safety policies align with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travel protocols for tour operators.

Each itinerary undergoes a thorough risk assessment and audit, and both leaders and suppliers complete extensive health and safety training.