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 8.

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.

Roommates are assigned randomly unless you request a particular person.

All rooms will have en-suite bathrooms and towels.

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

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.

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 transport to and from the starting and ending points or arrival and departure transfers.

The following is also not included: 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.

Our trips are designed especially for solo travelers, and most women book without knowing anyone else on the adventure. Occasionally, friends may travel together, but most participants arrive on their own and quickly become part of the group.

Before departure, we create a private WhatsApp group where everyone can get to know one another, coordinate travel plans and prepare for the adventure.

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!

The experienced Intrepid 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. You may bring one bag or suitcase weighing no more than 20 kg (44 lb). Extra items or smaller bags cannot be attached to your luggage.

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.

Bring a comfortable day pack for carrying your daily essentials, along with lightweight, comfortable and quick-drying walking clothes. The weather can change quickly, ranging from hot to cold and everything in between, so pack warm layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and rain gear or a rain poncho.

You’ll also need comfortable waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip and ankle support, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat. Adjustable walking poles are also recommended.

Laundry facilities may not be available every day, so bring enough clothing for several days.

You’ll encounter a variety of terrain, including urban paths, gravel tracks, dirt trails and occasional cobblestones. Some sections also include steep hills and uneven ground.

Sole Sister Ramblers and 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.

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.

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 Sole Sister Rambler host.

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 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.