The adventure begins in Carlisle on Day 1 at 10 a.m. We will meet our tour leader at the front entrance of the train station on Collier Lane, next to the WH Smith store.

There will be a welcome meeting, followed by some time to purchase essential supplies before we start our walk out of Carlisle.

This trip finishes after breakfast in Hexham on Day 7.

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

On some nights, the group may stay in two hotels next to each other.

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally, and most countries require it to be valid for a minimum of six months, so remember to check the expiry date.

Intrepid will need your passport information to prepare for your trip, so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details.

Intrepid recommends carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport (or storing it in your phone pictures) while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

You can use your credit or debit card at ATMs, which are widely available throughout Europe.

Before you leave home, check with your bank to see if they charge fees for international card usage. Keep in mind that card payments may not always be accepted in stores and restaurants, so we recommend carrying some cash for these situations.

When it comes to budgeting for your trip, every traveler has different habits. You know your spending patterns best, so please allocate an appropriate amount for optional expenses such as meals, drinks, shopping, activities, and laundry.

Be sure to read the itinerary and inclusions carefully, so you understand what is covered in the trip price and what additional costs you may incur while traveling.

This trip does not include arrival and departure transfers.

The following is also not included : 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.

Rambler Question:

"I was wondering if most women take this trip solo as part of the organized trip or if they tend to travel in groups of friends. Since the cap is 17 participants, could it be that 12 friends travel together with a few others joining them? I'm just curious about the group dynamics!"

Answer:

Our trips are specifically designed for solo travelers, and most women who sign up do not know anyone else before booking the trip.

To help build connections, we host a pre-trip WhatsApp group. This allows everyone to get to know each other before the trip, arrange travel plans, and discuss preparation for the journey.

You must be comfortable walking for a few hours daily, with some steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather.

If you’re already a regular exerciser, increasing your activity is a good idea.

Our itinerary is customizable to meet the needs of the group, and we are happy to add extra breaks if our Ramblers desire!

Our experienced guide will have a general idea of where the group should be at various times throughout the day. They will also take into account the different fitness levels and walking abilities and ensure that there is time for relaxation and refreshments throughout the day.

Breaks are typically scheduled around our fun stops and points of interest.

The guide will suggest stops at historic sites, scenic viewpoints, and dining options, but the group is welcome to propose additional breaks as needed.

Intrepid will transport your luggage between hotels, but you are only allowed one bag or suitcase of maximum weight of 20kg.

No items should be strapped to your luggage, such shoes, walking poles, etc.F

You'll also need a comfortable day pack for water, snacks and other daily essentials.

Here is some of the clothing and gear recommended for this trip.

Day pack for carrying essentials during daily activities.

Appropriate walking clothing with a mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers

Your activities will take place in the hills and mountains where weather may change quickly.

Lightweight, comfortable and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available every day, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.

Warm wind and waterproof jacket.

Hiking boots or trail shores with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day

Water bottle -you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic.

Sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat.

Adjustable walking poles.

On this Ramble you will encounter a variety of terrains, including urban paths, gravel tracks, dirt trails, and occasional cobblestones. In some areas, there are also hills.

You should also be prepared for rain. Rain can make dirt paths muddy and slippery, so having shoes with good traction is a good idea.

SSR X Intrepid travel adventures will take you beyond the everyday sights to see the hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

They will introduce you to the local people and culture at the heart of your trip.

It will be all about the hard-to-forget experiences in hard-to-find places.

You'll see all the highlights, but the real magic will happen off the beaten path, in the backstreet bodegas, local eateries, and other real-life experiences you won't find in a search engine. 

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

Intrepid and their local guides do a great job of working with local restaurants and hotels to ensure travelers are served quality meals that showcase regional cuisines.

You'll have the opportunity to experience a wide range of delicious foods unique to this region.

Not all meals are included in the trip price, giving you maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat. This arrangement also allows for more budgeting options.

Your group leader will recommend restaurants for you to try during your trip.

Generally, groups prefer to dine together, so you can sample a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company.

Breakfast is provided at your nightly accommodation.

Lunch is a wonderful opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the trail. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by the charming cafés and eateries you encounter along the route. Plus, your local guide will always be available to inform you about the next café stop.

Vegetarians and vegans may find that menu options in Europe are more limited than what they are used to at home.

Vegetarianism and veganism are less common in this region, and the available choices typically include basic items such as vegetables, soups, salads, bread, cheese, fruit, yogurt, and eggs.

A local guide will be available to help you discover the best meal options. Whenever possible, the tour will accommodate dietary needs for included meals.

However, there may be occasions when individuals with special requirements need to provide their own food.

Vegans and those following gluten-free diets may need to supplement their meals with supplies from supermarkets and local markets. Supermarkets and local markets will be easily accessible during our journey and available most days.

If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please inform the booking agent before your departure.

Rambler question:

"Do we stop for lunch? Do we bring our own snacks, or will we find snacks along the way? Does that change from day to day?"

Answer:

Each day, our local guide will pick out some lovely lunch spots for us to enjoy. These will be tried-and-true cafés or restaurants that have great reputations.

Of course, Ramblers are also free to explore options on their own!

On some days, we might need to pack a few extra snacks or a light lunch if we’re heading through a more remote area. Don’t worry; you'll get a handy briefing at the start of each day to let you know when that might be needed!

The group has the flexibility to decide the best departure time each day. However, it is advisable to leave early to allow ample time for rest and exploration at each daily destination.

Most groups aim to finish breakfast and start walking by 8 a.m.

You will be accompanied by a local Intrepid tour leader and an SSR leader.

The role of the local tour leader is to make your travels hassle-free and to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Intrepid local leaders don’t just show you a destination; they introduce you to the soul of a place.

They will provide information about the places you visit, suggest activities and sights, recommend excellent local dining options, and introduce you to their local friends.

You can expect them to possess a broad general knowledge of the locations visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

This tour does not include transfers.

The nearest international airport to Carlisle, is Newcastle Airport (NCL), located approximately 50 miles away.

There are also many train options from other cities in the United Kingdom that have regular rail access to Carlisle.

Carlisle is well connected by train with Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, and Edinburgh as well as London and Manchester.

Arriving by train is the most convenient and environmentally friendly option - especiallly if you live in the UK.

If you plan to arrive by car, please search for relevant car park options in Carlisle. Private and public transport from the end of the trip back to Carlisle is available.

When you book, Intrepid will take a deposit of $400 USD. The final balance is due 70 days before departure.

The $400 deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to a future trip if you need to cancel.

You will have access to your own Intrepid portal, which you can log in to and pay money through before the final balance is due.

Intrepid will send a payment link, but you can also call them if you prefer to speak to them.

Intrepid Travel has always 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.

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.