Walking Post

Expeditions Alaska is a wilderness adventure guiding company based in Anchorage, Alaska.Our guest this week, owner and lead guide Carl Donohue, has been guiding in Alaska since 1998 and founded the company in 2002. Expeditions Alaska runs small-group backpacking, hiking, camping, packrafting, sea kayaking, and photography tours in Alaska’s national parks and wilderness areas, in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai, Denali, Lake Clark National Parks, and other areas in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska with all relevant permits and certifications for each.The guides hold Wilderness First Responder certifications, swift water rescue and crevasse rescue training, ACA certifications in sea kayaking and packrafting instruction.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

The Ice Age Trail is one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the US.It runs for roughly 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, following the terminal moraine left by the last Ice Age. It passes through 30 counties from Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on the Door Peninsula. The trail is open year‑round and is designed primarily for hiking and backpacking, with some winter sections suitable for snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing.The trail exists through cooperation between the National Park Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local governments, private landowners and the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Its yellow blazes and mix of forest, farmland, small towns and suburban edges make it accessible to both long‑distance hikers and local day‑walkers.The Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) is the non‑profit organisation responsible for building, maintaining, protecting and promoting the trail. Founded in 1958, it operates through volunteer‑run chapters across the state, supported by a small professional staff. The Alliance works with state and federal partners to secure land, develop new trail segments and manage conservation areas along the route. Its mission is to create and protect a continuous, permanently conserved footpath that showcases Wisconsin’s glacial landscapes.Beyond trail construction, the Alliance provides guidebooks, maps, hiker resources and community programmes, and it coordinates thousands of volunteers who handle everything from corridor clearing to public outreach. It also plays a central role in the “thousand‑miler” culture — hikers who complete the entire route.Our guest this week is IATA’s Melissa Pierick.To get in touch with us with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re looking at one of the latest online walking trends – Tai Chi walking.We find out what it is and whether or not it’s something worth pursuing. Our guest is Ashley Katzenback, a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Cape Concierge Physical Therapy, with offices in Sandwich and the Pinehills.Katzenback has more than 20 years of experience and is an expert in the musculoskeletal field. She is a certified myofascial trigger point therapist with extensive training in osteoporosis, chronic pain management, ergonomics and injury prevention.She is passionate about longevity and believes that through education we can empower communities to age well.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

The Mole Valley Spring Walking Festival runs from Wednesday, 29 April to Wednesday, 6 May 2026. Organised by the Mole Valley Ramblers, the event features a programme of free guided walks across the Surrey Hills and surrounding areas, including Box Hill, Leith Hill, and the River Mole. The schedule includes various distances and difficulty levels, ranging from short three-mile circuits to day-long treks covering up to 18 miles.This year’s itinerary includes several themed routes and social walks. Options include the "Westhumble Express" railway heritage walk, a "May the Fourth Be With You" bank holiday hike, and specific sessions focused on identifying birdsong and bluebells. Several routes are planned to finish at local pubs or cafes, and the programme also features evening excursions, such as a night walk at Leith Hill.Most walks do not require advance booking, though participants are advised to arrive at start points 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The festival finishes on the final Wednesday with a tea and cake social. Information regarding start locations, parking, and specific route requirements is available here.We chat with Sally Howes from the Mole Valley Ramblers about the event.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Walking for All is a community led-walking programme in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland, led by Outscape.Rooted in early intervention, prevention, and community capacity building, Walking for All responds directly to strong evidence showing that led Walking for All is intended to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy short, regular walks in local spaces, as well as to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce isolation, and deepen people’s connection with their local natural environment.In 2025, Outscape was awarded €7.5m from PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, to set up and coordinate Walking for All. The programme will engage more than 14,000 people in walks delivered across rural areas of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.Sixteen dedicated Walking for All Officers work across each council/county area to recruit, train and support Walk Leaders. These Walk Leaders support the establishment of walking groups, engaging thousands of people to take part in the walks.Our guests on the podcast this week are Gareth Moore, head of participation at Outscape, and Gráinne O’Brien, Walking for All Officer for Louth.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

South Kesteven in Lincolnshire is preparing to launch a walking festival this spring, the first since the original event was cancelled due to the covid crisis.There are more than 40 walks now confirmed across the district. Organised by South Kesteven District Council, the two-week event runs from April 11th and covers everything from urban strolls and canal walks to woodland trails and historic airfield routes, with walks rated for difficulty and flagged for suitability across different audiences including pushchair and wheelchair users.The festival opens with a theatrical flourish — walking theatre company Rhubarb Theatre performs Robin Hoodie on April 11th and The Tempest on April 12th, with a family-friendly Time Traveller history walk in Bourne following on April 18th. Community groups from across the district have contributed guided and self-led walks, with the programme drawing in towns and villages from Grantham and Stamford to the Deepings.Booking is now open for guided walks, with the full programme available at the Guildhall Arts Centre website. The council is billing the festival as part of a wider 2026 events calendar designed to bring accessible, affordable cultural activity to parts of the district that are less frequently reached by traditional arts venues.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Based in Erstfeld in the Swiss canton of Uri, Exped Tribe is a mountain guide company and tour operator founded by Davide Guzzardi.The company offers a blend of guided adventures in the Swiss Alps — from climbing and ski touring to wild camping and highline walking — alongside international expeditions to some of the world's most remote destinations, including the Himalayas, Central Asia and South America.Operating with certified mountain guides and a deliberately small-group ethos, Exped Tribe positions itself as the antithesis of mass outdoor tourism, specialising in tailor-made experiences for those looking to push beyond the well-trodden path.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected] 4:23

Ekaterina Preobrazhenskaya, who lives in London, is the chief training architect of the marathon app Hiiro.Kate is an ultramarathon runner and a UESCA-certified running coach with more than seven years of experience. She is a winner and top-three finisher of several ultramarathons in the UK and abroad.She is also the CEO and head coach of international running school Marathonica. Kate writes articles for endurance sports online magazines, as well as hosting a YouTube channel about running.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Graham Hoyland is a British author, mountaineer, sailor and adventure‑film producer who was the 15th Briton to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1993.He has worked around the world making programmes for the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery, the Travel Channel and NBC, from Antarctica to the Himalayas.He wrote the Amazon mountaineering best‑seller Last Hours on Everest, his investigation into what happened to George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on Everest in 1924. His other books include Walking Through Spring, Yeti: An Abominable History, Merlin and Jet.His latest book, First on Everest, is due to be published on May 14th by The History Press.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Tiffany Jones is a US-based walker, writer, and former teacher from Maine, who now lives in Florida.After losing her parents to cancer, and then being diagnosed with the disease herself, Jones raised the funds to take on an epic Kilimanjaro climb. The adventure took a turn close to the top – and you’ll have to listen to the podcast to discover what unfolded.The trip inspired the creation of a non-profit company Patchworks, a project aimed at building and improving schools in Tanzania.She has written three books, including Couch to Kilimanjaro: A Mountain Story of Transformation, Purpose and Adventure. It is available through amazon.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Ken Posner is an American ultrarunner and author based in New York. He set a fastest known time on the Long Path, a 350‑mile route from New York City to Albany.He is the author of Running the Long Path, which documents the trail, its history, and his record attempt. Posner has also written Chasing the Grid, a book about climbing the Catskill Mountains in each month, requiring more than 400 ascents.He is also known for his barefoot running and hiking exploits, which can be found here.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we have a conversation with Jason Lennox, who did a marathon hike in the US of more than 500 miles to raise funds for his One Arrow Foundation, and awareness about mental health, substance use and suicide. This year, he will undertake a 1,776-mile hike around the perimeter of Minnesota.One Arrow FoundationJason Lennox chairs the One Arrow Foundation, a charity that supports recovery from addiction through outdoor adventure and community initiatives. The foundation emphasises wilderness therapy and personal transformation, drawing on Lennox's own experiences in recovery and leadership to create structured programmes that combine physical challenge with emotional healing.Lennox recently launched The Recovery Road, a new long-distance walking trail designed specifically for those rebuilding their lives after addiction. The route integrates therapeutic waypoints, peer support stations, and nature-based milestones to foster resilience and connection, offering participants a literal path to sustained recovery while raising awareness about addiction's impact across communities.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we have a conversation with Jon Bunning, co-founder of Treekly, about the app that tracks steps and turns them into trees.TreeklyOperating as a social enterprise, Treekly is a digital platform that converts physical movement into reforestation efforts. The app encourages users to maintain a "Treekly streak" by walking at least 5,000 steps a day; once a streak is established, the company facilitates the planting of a mangrove tree in a climate-vulnerable region. The initiative is designed to tackle two issues simultaneously: the sedentary nature of modern life and the ongoing requirement for scalable carbon sequestration through natural means.The platform functions by integrating with existing health and fitness trackers to verify activity. While accessible to individual walkers, a significant portion of the company’s growth stems from its corporate wellness programmes. Businesses use the platform to incentivise employee activity, providing a tangible environmental output—measured in trees planted—as a reward for collective health milestones. The social aspect of the app allows users to form "forests" or leagues, fostering competition amongst hiking groups and local communities.In January 2026, the company announced it had surpassed a significant milestone of 1 million trees planted across its sites in Madagascar, Kenya, and Indonesia. This update coincided with a new partnership with a European reforestation collective to begin planting native broadleaf species in the United Kingdom, marking the first time the platform has offered domestic planting options for its users.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected] for Atlantic Canada podcast advertised on this week's podcast: https://lnkd.in/eBZvS3Uv

This week, we’re headed to the Czech Republic to chat with Jan Kerner, one of the organisers of EURORANDO 2026.EURORANDO is Europe’s largest hiking festival, organised every five years by the European Ramblers Association. Since its first edition in 2001, it has become a tradition that brings together thousands of walkers from across the continent.The 2026 edition will be unique in that it is hosted across two countries — the Czech Republic and Germany — with the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory/Erzgebirge) serving as the central venue.From 20–27 September 2026, the towns of Boží Dar, Loučná pod Klínovcem, and Kurort Oberwiesenthal will act as hubs for the event. Participants can expect 30 guided trails of varying lengths and difficulty, alongside marked unguided routes for those who prefer to walk independently. The programme also includes cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and regional markets, highlighting the mining heritage of the UNESCO‑listed Ore Mountains.EURORANDO 2026 coincides with the European Walking Day (26 September) and the European Week of Sport. It will also be closely linked with the 123rd Deutscher Wandertag (German Hiking Day), in Oberwiesenthal from 24–27 September.Tickets are already available, and the cost includes access to guided hikes, cultural events, and shuttles.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish‑American writer and journalist best known for her books There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather (2017) and The Open‑Air Life (2022).Her work explores Scandinavian parenting and lifestyle traditions, especially the cultural ethos of raising children outdoors year‑round.The Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv (literally “open‑air life”) is a cultural tradition that emphasises everyday immersion in nature — not as a sport or conquest, but as a way of living. Coined in the 19th century, it reflects a belief that well‑being, resilience, and harmony come from time spent outdoors, whether walking, skiing, or simply sitting by a lake. Closely tied to this is the right to roam (allemansrätten in Swedish), which grants people legal access to most land for walking, camping, and foraging, provided they respect nature and private property. Together, these traditions underpin McGurk’s advocacy for outdoor parenting and everyday connection to the natural world.While friluftsliv and the right to roam emphasise free access, and are not just limited to Sweden, many regions are experimenting with fees and taxes linked to walking and outdoor recreation. Examples include park entry fees: Some national parks, like proposals in the UK’s Peak District, consider small charges (e.g. £1) to offset funding cuts. There are also tourist taxes, as cities and regions across Europe are introducing levies on overnight stays, which indirectly fund walking infrastructure and landscape maintenance. In other places, trail charges have been introduced. In heavily visited areas, fees are being imposed, or considered to manage overcrowding and environmental impact.These measures are controversial: advocates argue they provide much‑needed investment in trails and conservation, while critics worry they undermine the tradition of free access and could discourage participation.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week’s podcast guest is Emma Craig, author of Slow Travel Isle of Man, which will be published by Bradt in January 2026. The book is part of Bradt’s award-winning Slow Travel series, designed for readers who want to explore destinations in depth and at a more leisurely pace.The Isle of Man guide offers practical advice for discovering the island’s character, from its coastal paths and glens to its historic towns and seasonal traditions such as Hop tu Naa. It also includes tips for quieter routes and cultural events.Craig grew up on the Isle of Man and has strong Manx roots. After studying in Paris, she moved to London before returning to the island recently. Her background gives the guide an insider’s perspective on the island’s landscapes, heritage, and community.Slow Travel Isle of Man is available for pre-order now through Bradt and major booksellers.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Ketul Patel, co‑founder of OMIIA Consulting, is the author of A Journey of Elevation: Lessons for Business Transformation from Everest Base Camp, scheduled for publication in January 2026. The book combines accounts of trekking to Everest Base Camp with sections that apply those experiences to business and organisational change.The narrative alternates between descriptions of the walking – the route, altitude, and endurance required on the trek, and then uses these experiences to draw parallels with leadership, planning, and resilience in a corporate setting. The intention is to illustrate how challenges faced in outdoor environments can be translated into lessons for business transformation.Patel’s professional background includes senior roles in retail and consumer products, with experience at Michael Kors, Toys R Us, Avon, and Wayfair, as well as consulting work at Deloitte. The book reflects his interest in linking personal experiences with professional practice.Published by Koehler Books, A Journey of Elevation: Lessons for Business Transformation from Everest Base Camp is available for pre‑order online at Amazon and other sellers.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

At Morse High School in Bath, Maine, school counselor Leslie Trundy has introduced an alternative to traditional detention. Instead of sitting in a classroom, students who break school rules are offered the option of a supervised hike on the nearby Whiskeag Trail.The program takes students outdoors for several hours, combining physical activity with time away from the usual classroom environment. Trundy leads the walks, explaining routes and encouraging students to engage with the natural surroundings.The initiative has been positioned as a restorative approach, replacing punitive detention with an activity that emphasizes reflection and connection to nature. Early reports suggest it has been well received by both students and staff.We had a conversation with Trundy about the program and how it’s being received.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

On the podcast this week, we are talking about the increased incidences of people tackling longer walks.Whether it’s the Camino in Spain, or the Appalachian Trail in the US, people seem to be looking for bigger and bigger challenges. But why? And what are the challenges and dangers associated with this?Our guest is Vladimir Novkov, a Bulgaria-based psychologist and founder of Sportpersonalities.com, a consultancy that blends psychology, data science, and sport to help individuals and organisations unlock their full potential.With more than 15 years of experience in applied psychology, he specialises in understanding the mental frameworks that drive elite performance — not just in athletes, but in anyone striving to push their limits.His work focuses on the intersection of personality, motivation, and behaviour. Novkov uses psychometric tools and behavioural data to uncover what sustains long-term engagement and achievement.His approach is grounded in the belief that who you are — your personality traits, cognitive patterns, and emotional habits — plays a far greater role in success than fleeting bursts of motivation.SportPersonalities.com works with clients ranging from Olympic athletes to corporate leaders, helping them translate psychological insights into practical strategies. To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Greg Keaney walked the length of coastal New South Wales in Australia from Dreamstime to Eden over a two-year period.The journey was completed in 16 one-week stages between 2023 and 2025, fitted around his work commitments. In total, he spent 80 days walking.The route followed the eastern edge of the state, covering beaches, headlands, bush tracks, and roads. Keaney aimed to walk every beach and headland where access allowed, adjusting the route as needed based on terrain and conditions.The total distance covered was approximately 1,000 miles. He carried his own gear, walked solo, and documented the route throughout the journey.His latest challenge is walking every step (200 miles) of Sydney Harbour—from the Heads to the Headwaters and back again—without bridges or artificial water crossings.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Mark Hines is a writer and endurance athlete whose books document long‑distance expeditions in demanding environments. Drawing on his background in exercise physiology, he has written on challenges ranging from desert ultramarathons to jungle treks.In Hiking the Yukon Quest, he recounts walking the thousand‑mile trail that links Fairbanks, Alaska with Whitehorse in the Canadian territory of the Yukon. Normally the course of a sled dog race, Hines tackled it alone in winter, hauling his supplies across frozen rivers and mountain passes.The book sets out the physical demands of the journey alongside the landscapes and solitude of the far north.Hiking the Yukon Quest is available in print and Kindle editions through major booksellers, including Amazon.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Founded in 2017, Danu Sports develops wearable technology designed to help athletes train smarter and reduce injuries.The company’s flagship product is a “smart sock” system that uses embedded sensors to capture gait and movement data in real time. Coaches, physiotherapists, and athletes can use the analytics platform to monitor performance, identify risks, and support rehabilitation.Backed by venture funding and based in Dublin, Danu Sports is part of a new wave of sports‑tech companies blending biomechanics, data science, and everyday usability to make high‑level performance insights available outside the lab.In September 2025, the company announced a partnership with Hoka at the Ultra‑Trail du Mont Blanc, showcasing its smart sock technology with elite athletes, while also expanding into medical applications.Our guest this week is Oisín Lennon, CEO of DANU Sports.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week our focus is on the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.It’s a beautiful and green city, with a population of just over 600,000. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with amazing architecture spanning the centuries. It has two rivers, the main one, the Neris, runs right through the city, and can be walked along for pretty much the entire length through the city. If you do walk along the river, there are now boats that have been added to the local transport system. There are also views along the river, including the Stalo kalnas, a small hill that is the start of the Vilnius 100 long-distance trail. Broken up into 10 stages of varying length and difficulty, the Vilnius 100 circles the city.It dips in and out of urban areas, but one of the joys of Vilnius is that within minutes, while you can occasionally see and hear the city, you’re in forests, walking along streams, and enjoying the serenity. The trail is also very easy to reach – there are bus stops close to many of the start and end points, and the trail is dotted with distinctive red markers to guide the way.This week, we chatted with Anton Nikitin, chief sustainability officer at Vilnius City Municipality, about walking in the city, the Vilnius 100, and what the city is doing to ensure its green credentials stay that way.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking with US author Lea Appleton about her helpful book, published earlier this year, Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a Time.Interview time: 02:57 Walking & Wayfinding: Create Your Own Mindful Practice, One Step at a TimeOriginally planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Lea was thwarted by the Covid-19 pandemic.However, she instead embarked on a series of more local walks that became a source of profound self-discovery and awareness. In this book, Lea shares her personal reflections and stories, inviting you to join her in exploring the transformative power of walking.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, our guest is Jude Price, founder and CEO of Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health.Interview time:03:42 Walk N Talk 4 Mental HealthBased in Hampshire, the charity creates supportive communities through walking and talking together.The walks take place in most weather conditions, and last for around 45 minutes. The chosen walks are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level or walking experience.Each walk is led by a qualified mental health first-aider, who creates a welcoming and supportive environment.Currently, the group leads walks in Andover, Basingstoke, Headley Down, Fleet and Romsey. Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health is always looking for more volunteers to lead walks, and hopes to expand into other areas in the future.The combination of light exercise, fresh air, and supportive conversation has proven benefits for mental wellbeing. Many regular walkers report improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of community connection.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

Now in its eighth year, the High Weald Walking Festival has planned new routes and experiences to help more people discover the beauty and history of the High Weald's national landscape.Interview time:04:43 High Weald Walking FestivalThe festival is free and runs from 13th to 21st September 2025.In 2024, the event attracted more than 600 walkers from across the High Weald, the UK and abroad. This year's programme is now live and has been expanded and designed to enable every level of walker to experience the High Weald's landscape.This year, some of the walks take a closer look at life in the High Weald’s 2,500km of public rights of way. In 'A Walk with a Poet' award-winning poet Jemma Borg shares how the High Weald has inspired her work on a walk in Mayfield, while Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe leads a family wildlife walk on Ashdown Forest exploring the rare habitat and species of lowland heathland.For people without cars, there are more walks that can be accessed by train or bus. The festival has teamed up with East Sussex Health Walks (The Conservation Volunteers - TCV), Sussex Wildlife Trust and Bedgebury National Pinetum for a series of wellbeing walks that are both accessible and social.Due to popularity and available space, some walks will require pre-booking at https://www.highwealdwalks.org/We had a conversation about the festival with Lucy Bowyer, community engagement officer at the High Weald National Landscape Partnership.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking with Grace MacGregor from the marketing department at Scottish outdoor gear manufacturer, Keela. Interview times: 05:04 KeelaKeelaKeela was started in 1989 in Glenrothes, Fife. In the 1990s, Keela team began working on how to manage inner condensation in wet and cold conditions. The result was system dual protection (SDP), a double-layer fabric system that offered game-changing breathability.It netted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. The company also came up with the world’s first fully tape-sealed fleece to carbon activated fabrics with inherent microbial properties.The company supplies a range of emergency services from the police to the military, fire services and rescue teams.The company also revitalises old gear through the Legacy Project.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about the trend of avoiding hot places for vacations, and about a new trail at a Roman site in North Yorkshire.Interview times: 04:17 Edge of Empire Trail 23:17 CoolcationsCawthorn Roman CampsNearly 2,000 years ago, Roman legions set out from their fortress at York to conquer the north by defeating and controlling the local British tribes; particularly the Brigantes.They constructed a network of camps and forts connected by military roads, systematically occupying new territory and carving their mark into the land. Now, visitors to the North York Moors can step back into this chapter of Britain’s history, with a new illustrated trail at Cawthorn Roman Camps, one of the most significant Roman sites in the region.The one-mile Edge of Empire trail invites people to experience what life was like for Roman soldiers stationed at Cawthorn and to imagine the encounters with the Parisi and Brigantes tribes who lived and farmed in the surrounding landscape.Featuring a series of interpretation panels, artistic impressions and historical insights, the trail covers the three distinct Roman fortifications, including the more mysterious and possibly experimental temporary camp.A herd of Royal Golden Guernsey goats have been enlisted to protect the site as conservation grazers. The goats are now roaming the camps as part of a pioneering effort to prevent invasive scrub, bramble, and bracken from damaging the archaeological remains and heathland habitat.Our conversation is with Nick Mason, archaeology officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, and Jacob Lawson, conservation officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority.CoolcationsWhile the sunny destinations in Europe such as Greece, Spain, Turkey and Italy are still popular, for some, rising temperatures has prompted a rethink. As temperatures rise, some people – walkers included – are actively looking to avoid the heat, and are choosing to visit new places in cooler climates.The term has been dubbed coolcations, and regions such as Scandinavia are reaping the rewards. Vacationers are also changing the timing of their holidays, and are either visiting warmer destinations when they are out of season, or even going so far as to head to a different part of the world to get away from the heat and experience new adventures.Our guest this week to talk about coolcations was Enrique Umbert, from Mountain Lodges of Peru, a company that provides unique trekking holidays in the South American country.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about a series of trails with dinosaur markers in Leicestershire, and the 8-Day Walking Challenge in Somerset.Interview times: 03:51 Dino T-Reks 16:48 80-mile walking challengeDino T-Reks in LeicestershireA series of free ‘Dino T-Reks’ walking trails for the summer is taking place in 14 Leicestershire parks.Schoolchildren were tasked with creating the designs for the trail markers by Leicestershire County Council’s Sustainable Travel team.A total of 95 dinosaur trail markers inspired by sustainable travel methods are positioned along trails the parks.As families walk, scoot, or cycle along the trails, they can spot up to eight dino markers, scan QR codes with their phones to collect letters, spell a mystery word and enter a draw to win a prize donated by a local business.The free Dino T-Reks walking trails will be found in: Watermead Country Park, Market Bosworth Country Park, Snibston Country Park in Coalville, Forest East Park in LFE, Welland Park in Market Harborough, Melton Country Park, Spital Playing Field in Castle Donington, Blaby Road Park, Jubilee Park in Enderby, Queen’s Park in Loughborough, Hollycroft Park in Hinckley, Bottesford Park and Everards Meadows near Fosse Park.Our conversation is with Kit Prime, communications officer at Leicestershire County Council, and Jessica Herbert, a Safe & Sustainable Travel manager.Somerset 80-mile walking challengeNational Trails has announced an 80-mile walking challenge in September that will take place along the Somerset and Exmoor coast on part of England’s newest national trail, the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP).This year, the eight-day walk begins at County Gate on Exmoor and ends on Brean Down at the end of the Mendip Hills.Participants can do the entire walk, or pick certain days to walk. The event starts on 28 September, and participation costs vary from £6 to £9 for one day, or £46 to £68 for the entire event.The difficulty level is listed as challenging, with the first two days the most strenuous.The challenge will raise funds for The Outdoor Guide Foundation’s Waterproofs and Wellies campaign to support Somerset’s coastal primary schools – last year’s efforts raised £350 and bought 10 sets of waterproofs and wellies for West Huntspill Primary School. The target this year is £700 to support two schools.We had a conversation with Isobel Pring, of the Somerset Trail Partnership for the King Charles III England Coast Path.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about the completion of the Trent Vale Trail in Nottinghamshire, and a new book about walking called Finding the Wayfarers.Interview times: 04:33 Trent Vale Trail 16:46 Emma Rose BarberTrent Vale TrailThe Trent Vale Trail, a rural connectivity project led by the volunteer-run charity, Friends of Trent Vale Trail (FoTVT), is now complete.More than £700,000 has been raised by the charity to deliver the 15-mile trail, linking Newark to the rural villages of Winthorpe, Collingham, Besthorpe, Girton, and South Clifton. This was achieved over several years, with grants awarded by various funders.The trail is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, including walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and users of mobility aids.The latest phase of works includes: surface upgrades to more than 2,400 square metres of trail to ensure accessibility for all users; diversions and extensions of public footpaths to complete the route; and the installation of fencing and gates to accommodate landowner requirements and ensure safe passage.The Trent Vale Trail has already become a valued amenity for over 50,000 residents in the Newark and Collingham ward, with usage expected to grow significantly following the completion of this final section. The project also aims to support the local economy by increasing footfall and encouraging eco-tourism in the area.We spoke with John Ford from Friends of Trent Vale Trail.Finding the WayfarerThrough a series of walks, art historian and writer Emma Rose Barber follows in the path of the medieval wayfarer to see how this captivating figure developed from being seen as an indigent nuisance, much maligned, to romantic muse for artists and writers. The book brings the wayfarer to life.Finding the Wayfarer, published by Tandem Publishing, is an exploration of the age-old tradition of wayfaring – the simple, often solitary journey on foot. Through a blend of historical enquiry, evocative place writing and memoir, the book weaves together the stories of wayfarers across time.From the marginalised figures in medieval manuscripts, to the work of Charlotte Smith, Wordsworth and Hardy, the wayfarer has often been viewed with suspicion and fear. Yet, they have also inspired admiration, embodying melancholy and a deep connection to the natural world. Themes of illicit love and scorn through wayfaring are the themes of later writers and artists like Dickens, Samuel Beckett and Grayson Perry.Emma Rose Barber is an art historian and writer. She lives in Sussex.Finding the Wayfarer is available here.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about what you should be looking for in a headlamp and, considering many locations are experiencing higher temperatures, we have a conversation about walking (or not walking) in the heat.Interview times: 03:44 Fenix 26:16 Adventure 360360 Adventures – dealing with heatRecently, the term coolcations has been a common one, as people look to avoid hot climates for holidays, especially if it involves walking or other strenuous activity.There have also been some high-profile rescues in hot climates as people ignore closed trails and find themselves getting into trouble.One company that deals with activity in a hot climate is 360 Adventures, which is located in Arizona.The company takes the worry out of adventure vacations by providing travellers with the expert guides and equipment needed to experience Arizona's wilderness through a variety of activities from hiking to cycling, canyoneering to rock climbing and much more.We had a conversation with 360 Adventures’ owner, Bruce Leadbetter, to talk about what the company does, how to walk safely, how to spot signs of trouble, alternatives to walking in the heat, and much more. While Bruce is based in Arizona, his advice applies pretty much anywhere!Fenixlight UKWhile it might not be the time of year people think about headlamps and torches, the long dark nights are approaching.If you’ve never bought a headlight, or have an old one, you may be surprised at their evolution. For walkers, a headlight has a multitude of uses, from being able to see far ahead, and around, to being seen by approaching vehicles if you’re walking on a road.Fenix has a wide variety of solutions, from sturdy, waterproof torches so powerful it seems like they could work at a football game if the floodlights fail, through to versatile and lightweight rechargeable headlights. Jamie Bowen is the marketing officer at Fenixlight UK, and in our conversation he provides practical and useful information on what you should be looking for in a torch or a headlamp, what recent developments there have been in the field, and gives some advice on what headlamps and torches can do in the 2020s. You may be surprised!To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about a new book, Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke wandel (The Wild Women’s Trail. Adventure Walks) by Brigitte Ars, and water purifier bottles, with US company Grayl.Interview times: 05:29 Grayl 23:26 Brigitte ArsBrigitte ArsThere are countless hiking trails based on the paths of conquerors, philosophers and male saints. However, few hiking trails are dedicated to women, discovered researcher and lecturer Ars, who works at the Academy for Tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.This prompted Ars to explore women’s trails in more depth. In her book Het Wilde Vrouwenpad. Avontuurlijke wandel [The Wild Women’s Trail. Adventure Walks], the journalist and adventurer takes the reader along trails that are connected to free-spirited women from history.She walked the Dorothy Wordsworth Walking Trail (England), Brigid’s Way (Ireland), the Astrid Lindgren Trail (Sweden) and the Via Matildica (Italy), among others. She also discovered the influence of adventure hiking on the resilience of women.Grayl water purifier bottlesGrayl, a US company, makes water purifier bottles that are available globally.The company set out to revolutionise portable purification and designed a versatile, fast, and easy to use purifier so walkers could safely drink water drawn from spigots, hotel sinks, murky rivers, wells, or lakes.Designed for use anywhere on earth, Grayl purifiers provide global protection from all waterborne pathogens plus a range of chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about a new book, A Ramble Through the History of Walking, with author Bill Laws, and the diversity of travel in Africa with Acacia is Africa director Vivian McCarthy.Interview times:05:05 Acacia is Africa 20:50 Bill LawsAcacia is AfricaAcacia is considered as an expert on travel to Africa and offers a range of tours from its original adventure tours to treks, city stays and tailor-made packages.The company says its goal is to provide adventure through exciting, affordable tours.Active for more than 20 years, the company, a member of ABTA, takes people from the plains of the Serengeti or the River Nile to Victoria Falls and Cape Town, and many places in between.Bill Laws: A Ramble Through the History of WalkingBill Laws is an author and journalist, with more than 20 books to his name. He writes for publications including the Telegraph, and has penned books on history, Herefordshire, gardens, homes, and walking.His book A Ramble Through the History of Walking was originally published in 2008, and has been updated along with a new cover design and title.The book was published earlier this year through The History Press. It is available through bookstores, and online through many outlets including amazon. To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about hemp hiking shoes, and other hemp products, with João Matos, business developer at 8000Kicks, and walking in London and new maps from Transport for London, with Alexandra Goodship, head of transport strategy and planning at Transport for London.We also have a special offer from 8000Kicks for listeners - enter WALKINGPOST15 as a coupon code at checkout to get 15% off all products at 8000Kicks.comInterview times05:43 8000Kicks20:50 Transport for London (TfL)Transport for LondonTransport for London (TfL) has created a series of new maps showing the walking times and distances between stations, encouraging people to consider walking as part of their journey and reap the benefits of travelling on foot.New downloadable street maps of the City of London and the West End show walking routes, distance in metres and how long it takes to travel on foot between TfL stations in each of the areas, demonstrating the short distances between hubs. Areas with shops and amenities are shown on the maps, with major attractions such as Hamleys, the Tate Modern and Barbican pinpointed, while sections with sloping terrain are also marked out to help inform people with accessibility needs.A third map, based on the Standard Tube Map, shows walking times and distances between stations in Zones 1-2, incorporating all modes of transport on the TfL network, such as the DLR, Elizabeth line and London Overground.TfL is encouraging people to build walking into their journeys as it continues to work towards the ambitious target in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy of 80% of all journeys being made on foot, by cycle or on public transport by 2041. This could involve swapping part of a longer journey on public transport for walking, or replacing a car journey for improved health as well as reduced congestion.Last March, TfL launched the Green Link Walk, a 15-mile route between Epping Forest and Peckham, spanning several London boroughs and linking almost 40 areas of green space and other Walk London routes. It is the eighth route to be included in the Walk London Network.We chatted with Alexandra Goodship, head of transport strategy and planning at Transport for London, about the new maps and walking in the capital.8000KicksThis week, we’re talking to another company from the Outdoor Show held in Liverpool last week.8000Kicks produces hemp shoes made from industrial hemp. While hemp and marijuana are both Cannabis sativa species, they have very different properties.Industrial hemp has been used since 8000 BC, and its properties include being anti bacterial, needing no fertilisers and almost no water to grow. Hemp also cleans and restores the nutrients in the soil, and is very durable.Hemp is so strong that Henry Ford even built a car out of it.8000Kicks is a pioneer in the development of hemp, with the goal of showcasing its flexibility in a wide range of products. The company has a store in Lisbon but also sells online, with products including men’s and women’s shoes, backpacks, socks, masks, wallets, bags and hats.At the show, we chatted with the company and set up an interview online, with João Matos, business developer at 8000Kicks.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about Japanese walking, with Dr Milica McDowell, VP of operations at Gait Happens, and Brighton & Hove being named the best city in the UK for walking, with Brighton and Hove City Council’s walking officer, Delphine Jacq.Interview times:05:28 Brighton21:05 Gait HappensGait HappensWhile it’s not a new phenomenon, you might think it is – Japanese walking is appearing all over social media as a great way to get a workout from walking. But is it? What is it?To answer all of our questions, we thought we’d better to talk to an expert, and she is Dr Milica McDowell, from the US company Gait Happens, which provides high quality, cutting-edge foot education in the form of courses including online.The company’s approach is to treat the body as a whole functioning system through the lens of foot and gait mechanics using a combination of movement assessments, biomechanical analysis, gait analysis, corrective strategies and tools like toe spacers, proper footwear, and in some cases, foot orthotics when needed.Brighton & HoveBrighton & Hove was recently named the most walkable city in the UK and the third most walkable in the world by Time Out.The city said it is committed to creating environments that make walking easier, safer and more accessible for everyone. Current infrastructure improvements include: Safe, active and sustainable travel for the A259 – a new interconnected route for walking and cycling along the seafront from the Marina to the city’s western boundary, the A23 Active Travel scheme, Valley Gardens Phase 3 overview and improvements to the Western Road.The city’s Let’s Get Moving Strategy sets out a vision to make the city a place where everyone has the opportunity, encouragement, and environment to move more and live well.To tell us about the improvements, and why Brighton & Hove is a great place for walking, we spoke with Brighton & Hove Council’s walking officer, Delphine Jacq.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]

The Outdoor Show took place in Liverpool this week, and walkingpost.com was in attendance. There were all kinds of companies associated with outdoor products in attendance, with products ranging from socks to sunglasses, and camping food to smartwatches.Interview times:08:44 Manaslu Clothing Ltd 15:04 The Milford CollectionSticks and bracelets to keep bugs awayThe Milford Collection, based in Wales, has been supplying gifts for the home and garden since 1985.They supply products to companies around the world to sell on to the public. Its most recent addition to the range of products – and the reason for attending the Outdoor Show – is a range of citronella-based products designed to keep the bugs away.One of these products is a container with sticks in that can be hooked to tents, or backpacks, or on a table during a picnic, for example.The other product is a package of the popular woven bracelets, that are both fashionable and practical as they repel insects. The company doesn’t sell directly to the public, but they said that these new products are doing very well in retailers such as garden centres and chemists.Inspired clothing from NepalAnother company exhibiting at the Outdoor Show for the first time was Manaslu Clothing Ltd, which is based in Nepal. It sells beautiful, Himalayan-inspired jumpers. With bright patterns, there are weather-resistant durable products inspired by traditional Nepalese designs for both spring and autumn, and a thicker option for winter.Manaslu is the name of a Himalayan mountain, and means mountain of the spirit. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning intellect or soul.At the show, we had a conversation with Manaslu’s director, Rahul Shakya.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about the Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival in Scotland, and the Castlebar International 4 Days' Walks in Ireland.Interview times:06:12 Castlebar International 4Days’ Walks 18:32 Moray Walking & Outdoor FestivalMoray Walking & Outdoor FestivalThe Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival takes place from June 13th to 23rd. The cost of each walk varies, but details on each individual walk can be found on the website.The festival, with more than 35 events, kicks off with the five-mile walk Hidden Tales and Trails of Glenlivet. There are history walks, a coastal foraging walk, and even Forest Bathing – Mindfulness in Nature Walk.Local storyteller and percussionist, Carol Scorer, offers Jack and the Dancing Trees and Dragon Story Walk, a half-mile aimed at children from 6 to 8.Picts to Ports to Prime Ministers starts in Lossiemouth, there is a fossil dunes walk, and a Botanical Linocut Workshop. There is also a train journey from Dufftown to Drummuir with a scenic walk back to Dufftown.Covering the entire council area of Moray, the popular festival has no real headquarters because of the walks starting in so many different places.Diane Smith tells us more about the festival.Castlebar International 4 Days' WalksThe oldest walking festival in Ireland takes place each year in the town of Castlebar in County Mayo in the west of the country.It started in 1967, starting with a group of ramblers with a keen interest in walking, taking its inspiration from a four-day walking event in Nijmegen in the Netherlands. The event built up to welcoming more than 1,000 walkers to Castlebar.In 2024, there were almost 400 walkers, from 20 different countries. Event organisers have added a new ramble this year in the Wild Nephin Park, a national park in Mayo. Over the four days, the event consists of a choice of four rambles, four 20km road-walks or four 10km road-walks.The ramble is unique to the Castlebar International 4 Days' Walks, it is a cross-country hike on the hills of Mayo, showcasing the wonderful views of the Mayo hills and out to Clew Bay.To tell us about the event is Rowena Gillespie, who is the director of the walks.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about the importance of travel insurance when on a walking holiday, and the new Coast to Coast passport.Interview times07:20 True Traveller Insurance 30:36 Coast to Coast Path passportTrue Traveller InsuranceThe True Traveller is a travel insurance company that caters to backpackers and trekkers, gap year travellers, winter sports enthusiasts, and scuba divers, among others.The company has different options for single trips, as well as annual multi-trip policies, such as the True Value and Traveller policy, which is valid for unlimited trips throughout the year for durations up to 30 days, and the Traveller Plus policy, with enhanced cover for unlimited trips lasting up to 70 days.As standard, the company covers 92 activities, including non-manual work. The Adventure Pack covers a further 41 activities for the more adventurous traveller, including trekking to 4,600m altitude. The Extreme pack covers trekking to unlimited altitudes, rugby and potholing amongst other activities, and the Ultimate Pack can cover ice climbing, parachuting and hang gliding.Its coverage is provided by well-known insurer AXA.To answer all our questions on walking holiday insurance, we spoke with The True Traveller managing director, Tim Riley.Coast to Coast passportThe Coast to Coast Path passport has been launched to inspire walkers and boost the economic benefits of Britain’s most popular long-distance path.The scheme has the backing of community leaders and businesses across the 190-mile route, which stretches from St Bees on the west coast of Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast of North Yorkshire.The £15 140-page passport is being launched ahead of the path becoming a National Trail next year, following an investment of around £5.8m from Natural England.The scenic route, which is tackled by around 6,000 people every year, was devised by celebrated fellwalker and guidebook author and illustrator, Alfred Wainwright, more than 50 years ago.The passport initiative has been developed by volunteers from Richmond Yorkshire Community Interest Company (CIC), with funding provided by councils, national park authorities, businesses and the Wainwright Society, which aims to keep alive the fellwalking traditions promoted by the author.Telling us about the passport is Richmond Yorkshire CIC director and passport volunteer Donald Cline.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about a new trail being constructed in Nova Scotia, Canada, and about the Mammut Mountain School.Interview times:05:30 Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail21:53 Mammut Mountain School UKJajiktek Seawall Hiking TrailA new 50km coastal trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has received Government of Canada funding, in the form of a non-repayable contribution of $3m to the Municipality of the County of Inverness.The funds will help the municipality design and build the Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail, a 50km coastal trail in Cape Breton’s Northern Highlands. The project includes constructing overnight huts at three sites along the trail. Once completed, the trail will offer multi-day hikes, guided tours, and will expand possibilities for seasonal activities such as ski touring and snowshoeing. It is expected to attract visitors to stay and explore the region in all four seasons, enhance recreation opportunities for surrounding community members, and generate new tourism prospects for nearby businesses.The Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail will be located within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area, north of the Cabot Trail.Multi-day hikers will explore Northern Cape Breton’s pristine coastal wilderness while hiking from hut to hut over four days. Hut-to-hut hiking has become increasingly popular, including with international travellers.The Municipality of Inverness is working with the volunteer-based Seawall Trail Society, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Indigenous communities.Mammut Mountain SchoolMammut Sports Group AG has launched the Mammut Mountain School UK, offering mountain skills courses for adventurers of all levels.The school is in Kendal, in Cumbria.The Mammut Mountain School offers courses for a wide range of abilities, from beginners learning navigation or scrambling techniques to more advanced participants preparing for alpine expeditions or acquiring crevasse rescue and avalanche safety skills. The programmes draw on the diverse landscapes of the UK and also prepare individuals for alpine ventures. Each course is designed to provide practical and effective instruction, tailored to the needs of its participants.The school is led by Sam Sykes. From a family with more than 50 years' experience in delivering the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Sam has devoted his career to outdoor education and training. He operates Sam Sykes Expeditions and the Mountain School, now the Mammut Mountain School, through the Sykes Group.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about an upcoming walking festival in Otley, in Yorkshire, and about a new book called One Woman Walks Europe, the follow up to Ursula Martin’s first book, One Woman Walks Wales.Interview times:06:37 Otley Walking Festival 25:35 Ursula MartinOtley Walking FestivalFrom Saturday 28 June to Sunday 6 July, the popular Otley Walking Festival is back.With more than 40 walks and events over the nine days of the event, organisers say there is something for everyone – short town-based walks, meadows and field paths, strenuous moorland hikes, evening events, and the return of popular old favourite walks like the allotment walk (really, listen to the interview to find out more) and some new themed walks.The Otley Walking Festival showcases the historic market town and the Wharfedale countryside that surrounds it.Some walks require booking, and some are already fully booked.Our conversation about the festival is with Ruth Blackwell, chair of the Otley Walking Festival Committee.Ursula Martin – One Woman Walks EuropeUrsula Martin’s first book, One Woman Walks Wales, drew critical acclaim following its publication in 2018. It chronicles her story of walking 3,700 miles around Wales after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. So, what do you do as a follow up to that?In Ursula’s case, you walk from Ukraine right across Europe, to add another 5,500 miles to the total. And you write a second book about that adventure – One Woman Walks Europe, which was published in March, 2025.She is now embarking on a book tour – but not an ordinary one. To take her walking total to more than 10,000 miles, Ursula is visiting bookstores across the UK as she does the Land’s End to John O’Groats walk. One Woman Walks Europe is published by Honno Welsh Women’s Press, and can be found at many good bookstores, and online.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have seem to have a connection with the letter 'W' - with conversations about walking festivals in Wrexham and the Wirral. Oh, and a bit of a rant about path etiquette.Interview times:03:43 Wrexham Walking Festival 16:10 Wirral Walking FestivalWrexham Walking FestivalThe Wrexham Walking Festival is a nine-day event that takes place annually in June – this year, from 7 to 15 June.Unlike many other festivals, all walks are free, and no pre-booking is required. There are two or three walks each day, which vary in difficulty. Walks vary from 2 to 13.2 miles, and many also include some ascent, although this varies from 50m to almost 1,000m.There are also evening walks. All walks are led by trained volunteers.Bill Stephens, chairman of the Wrexham Walking Festival, joined us on the podcast to talk about the event.Wirral Walking FestivalNot far from Wrexham is the Wirral peninsula, which overlooks Wales on one side, and Liverpool on the other.This year’s walking festival takes place throughout the month of May. There are walks about local history and heritage, ranger led walks, as well as Nordic and wellbeing walks. There’s even a walk to an island. There is an evening walk, nature walks, and more.The walks, which are varied in length, have a variety of providers, meaning some are free while there are costs associated with others. Similarly, some walks require booking while others do not. More details can be found on the festival website, which includes a copy of the very detailed brochure the council publishes each year.On the podcast this week we have a conversation with Fiona Hanik, health development officer, Neighbourhood Services, at Wirral Council.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about a a recently-published book about walking the Camino in Spain, and about an old railway line, the Strawberry Line, being turned into a walking route in Somerset.Interview times:04:53 The Strawberry Line22:55 Molly Lord – Holy DirtHoly Dirt - A Camino Journey: Out of my mind. Into My Body. Saved By Song. by Molly LordMolly Lord is an educator with a career spent in varied fields of human behaviour studies, and runs her own company, Tuned-In Productions, which hosts workshops, keynotes, and virtual training to highlight the scientific and spiritual link between behaviour patterns that run our day-to-day lives and music.Molly heeded the call to walk the Camino de Santago, and was subsequently encouraged to recount her experiences. The result is Holy Dirt, A Camino Journey: Out of my mind. Into My Body. Saved By Song.The book that doesn’t conform to the usual Camino memoir. With QR codes to listen to the music that was important on the journey, and special sections in each chapter, the book is already drawing rave reviews. It is published by Brave Healer Productions, and is available now.The Strawberry LineThe Strawberry Line was the nickname of the Cheddar Valley Line, a Great Western Railway branch line that ran from Witham Junction to Yatton via Shepton Mallet, Wells and Cheddar.It was operational until the late 1960s and is now being transformed into a greenway through North and Mid-Somerset. The path will be suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and on some sections, equestrians.Once completed, the Strawberry Line path will run from Shepton Mallet to Clevedon, incorporating the Cheddar Valley Line trackbed wherever possible, as well as much of the disused Clevedon branch line.More than half of the route is already open. Volunteers of the Strawberry Line Society continue to work with landowners and local councils to maintain existing sections and work on new ones.The Strawberry Line will also form part of the Somerset Circle, a 76-mile, mostly traffic-free circuit linking Bristol, Bath, the Mendip Hills, the Somerset Levels and the coast. More than two thirds of the route has already been completed, and includes the Colliers Way, the Two Tunnels Greenway, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, and the River Avon Trail.On the podcast this week we have a conversation with chair of The Strawberry Line Society, Mick Fletcher.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about a a recently-published book about walking in the Carpathian Mountains, and on the Guernsey Walking Festival.Interview times:04:42 Guernsey Spring Walking Festival 20:15 Nick Thorpe - Walking Europe's Last WildernessNick ThorpeAward-winning journalist and film-maker Nick Thorpe’s day job is as the central Europe correspondent for BBC Radio and TV. Because of this, he has lived in the region for around 40 years, and currently calls Budapest home.He has written several books, including The Danube: A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest. His latest book also includes the Danube, but this time in the context of its connection to the Carpathian Mountains, which cover Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, and are seen as being Europe’s last true wilderness.Thorpe’s latest book, Walking Europe's Last Wilderness: A Journey through the Carpathian Mountains, came out earlier this year, published by Yale University Press. The hardback has a RRP of £20.The Guernsey Spring Walking FestivalThe Channel Islands has always seemed like a perfect spot for a holiday. Generally with better weather than the UK, it’s a mix of cultures, not surprising, as it sits close to the French coast.While Jersey is the biggest of the main islands, Guernsey isn’t that far behind, and it’s not only a great place for a holiday, it’s also perfect for walking. The island has two walking festivals, one in the spring, and one in the autumn, and it’s the first of those we are concerned with on this week’s podcast, with a conversation with festival coordinator Soo Wellfair.The event runs from 24th May to 8th June, and features a host of varied walks with professional guides from the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides.Walks aren’t limited to Guernsey, though, as the nearby smaller islands of Herm and Sark are also included.Each of the varied walks starts close to a bus stop and parking area, and all are rated from an easy amble to a more testing hike.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about a new and challenging trail in Hong Kong that involves swimming in the ocean, and on the Haltwhistle Walking Festival in Northumberland.Times:03:37 Haltwhistle Walking Festival 18:55 The Argyll Ross TrailArgyle Ross TrailThe Argyle Ross Trail is a challenging 12-section, 100km swim hike across the length of Hong Kong. The hike includes sea swimming between islands, hiking in streams, jumping in waterfalls and traversing rugged coastlines, ridges, reservoirs and beaches. Best hiked in Hong Kong’s hot summer months, every section is wet, with swimming included in each section.Described as a "devilish new masterpiece," the Argyle Ross Trail starts in the northeast islands of Double Haven Geopark and runs to the far west enclave of Ha Pak Lai, overlooking Shenzhen. The trail encompasses some of the most spectacular lesser-travelled parts of the New Territories.It was created by Jack Argyle and Stewart Ross, who are our guests on this week’s podcast.The Haltwhistle Walking FestivalIf you’re looking for a walking ‘epicentre’ you could do worse than pick out Haltwhistle as a destination.It sits just off the A69, which connects Newcastle and Carlisle, and it’s next to both the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape. And, if that wasn’t enough, it’s also close to both the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall.So, it makes total sense that Haltwhistle would have a walking festival. The Haltwhistle Walking Festival takes place from April 26 to May 5, and features 26 walks over the 10 days of the event. The walks range from five to 22 miles, and from easy to strenuous. There are also linear and circular walks to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way.To tell us more about the festival and what’s in store for the 2025 version, we had a conversation with Catriona Mulligan, one of the festival organisers.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about the development of a cross-state trail in Texas, the xTx, and on the Talgarth Walking Festival in Wales.Interview times03:35: Talgarth Walking Festival 12:30: X-Texas TrailTalgarth Walking FestivalTalgarth is in Mid-Wales, in the county of Powys, between Hay-on-Wye and Brecon.It hosts the annual Talgarth Walking Festival, which this year is the 11th edition of the event. Beyond the walks, participants can enjoy talks from local experts, family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and walkers.This year, among the walks is Beverley Thornley’s ‘Notes on a River - Afon Llynfi,’ which gives some insights into her forthcoming art book and her exploration of the Llynfi River. Also, Mark Harrell’s artist trail will highlight local studios and exhibitions.There are more than 25 walks of varying difficulty, including Offa’s Dyke. The event kicks off with a talk at Talgarth Town Hall by Nick Busby, who will give a presentation entitled Exploring Dark Skies.This week on the podcast, we chatted with Havard Prosser, chair of the Talgarth Walkers are Welcome Group.The xTx TrailCurrently, the longest trail in Texas is the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which clocks in at 96 miles. And Texas is a whole lot bigger than that, so a proposed 1,500-mile trail, called the xTexas Trail, or the xTx, would join the epic US trails.By comparison, those renowned trails clock in at 2,190 miles for the Appalachian, and 2,653 for the Pacific Crest trails.Recently, a group of volunteers camped in Kirbyville as day one of the “Sweaty Taste of the xTx: First 100 Miles” group ground-proofing project.The full 1,500-mile xTexas Trail Project route has been conceived, mapped, and ground-proofed by project founder, Charlie Gandy, who is our guest on the podcast this week.The new xTexas Trail Project would see the first cross-state trail in Texas begin on Quicksand Creek on the Sabine River in the east, and end in El Paso. Founded by fifth-generation Texan and active-living advocate Gandy, the xTx rambles through quiet public backcountry, paved and gravel roads, public trails, state and national parks, and will eventually cross private ranch land and farms once permission has been established. It will end in El Paso and includes the Big Bend National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.The xTexas Trail Project exceeded its launch fundraising goals and has garnered the interest of more than 200 volunteers thus far.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we have conversations about the IML – the International Marching League, and a feature on an annual long-distance walk from March in Cambridgeshire, to Cambridge, called the March March March.IMLThe IML (International Marching League) Walking Association is a non-political, non-profit organisation that promotes walking and international cooperation and friendship.The IML, which consists of the European region and Pan-Pacific region, promotes international multi-day non-competitive walking events in each of the member countries.IML walkers must walk a minimum of two days at an event, and cover at least 20km on each day, to earn a stamp in their IML passport. There are a variety of awards available for attending walks in different countries.Events take place throughout the year. In 2025, the organisation added Ottawa, Canada, as a member, and also introduced a new award, the Universal Walker, which is given only to those who have completed all IML walks on the calendar.March March MarchIn 1979, a group of Cambridge University students came up with the idea of a walk from the Cambridgeshire town of March back to Cambridge. A March march.What made it more special, was the idea to do this in the month of March, turning the idea into the March March March.That first event attracted five walkers, led by Jonathan Partington, who has since completed 23 walks. While there have been a few missing years, the event continues to grow, with the 2025 version attracting 43 walkers, including current organiser Colin Bell, who is approaching Partington’s record, with 19 completions. The 2025 edition also saw another record broken, that of the oldest person – a 64-year-old – to complete the almost 30-mile hike.We had a chat with Partington and Bell about the history of the unusual annual long-distance walk. To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week we feature two walking festivals, almost at opposite ends of the UK – in Bristol and Newton Stewart.Bristol's month-long walking festival, Bristol Walk Fest, has a new closing celebration, the Walk:Bristol event.Walk:Bristol event on Saturday, May 31 has a choice of four marshalled walks of varying distances, from five to 20 miles. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for good causes, and organisers promise to donate any profit the event may make back to Bristol Walk Fest, to help ensure it continues in the future.The first ever Walk:Bristol event is organised by mass participation event organisers GoodMiles, in collaboration with Bristol Walk Fest.Registration for the first-ever Walk:Bristol is now open. Visit www.walkbristol.co.uk to sign up. Participants can also fundraise for a local cause.Bristol Walk Fest is an annual festival taking place across the city during the whole of May. It has been running for more than 10 years, and organisers encourage people of all ages, interests and abilities to walk to enhance their health and wellbeing, and to enjoy being outside in the city.Bristol Walk Fest brings together dozens of walking providers and local organisations, and coincides with May being Living Streets’ National Walking Month.Bristol Walk Fest aims to be the UK’s leading urban walking festival, and to raise the profile of Bristol as a walking destination. The city offers a huge diversity of walks, and we want to celebrate that, while bringing people together in a way that benefits individuals, communities and the environment.Bristol Walk Fest produces a printed programme and online calendar of walks and events. Past walks have included guided walks, tours, talks, workshops and family events. Walks are curated into different themes including walking for pleasure; nature and wildlife; health and wellbeing; arts, culture and history; and walking sports.In 2024, more than 80 different walk providers delivered more than 170 walks and events, with approximately 3,300 people participating. Bristol Walk Fest is aiming for at least 80% of the walks to be free to the public.Jennifer Graham is our guest to talk about the festival.Newton Stewart Walking FestivalNewton Stewart is a pretty town in Dumfries & Galloway in southwest Scotland.This year is the 21st Newton Stewart Walking Festival, offering a programme of 31 routes over seven days from May 8th to 15th, as well as a programme of evening social events.Walks vary from one to 16 miles, and from easy to strenuous. As Newton Stewart is surrounded by hills, many walks include some climbs, with the maximum ascent of one of the walks coming in at 1,300m.The themes include some of the many hills, coastline, wild swimming, ponds, churches, history, and red kites.Bookings can now be made online.We has a conversation with Joan Mitchell about some of the festival highlights.To get in touch with the podcast, email us at [email protected]

This week, we’re talking about the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way, and walking in Cyprus.The Pennine Way starts in Edale, Derbyshire, and continues north, ending at Kirk Yetholm, in the Scottish Borders. Unless you’re walking north to south.The 268-mile long-trail was the first National Trail in England and is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance walks. It officially opened on April 24, 1965. However, the idea behind the path was conceived in 1935.The Pennine Way has a combined ascent greater than the height of Mount Everest, and its varied terrain includes smooth, wide paths to narrow and uneven sections, as well as some wet and boggy parts. There are many events taking place at various points of the Pennine Way to celebrate the 60th anniversary.On the podcast this week, we have a conversation with Hannah Kay, Pennine National Trails partnership manager and park services officer.Cyprus StrollersCyprus has long had ties with the UK, and is a popular holiday destination for not only Europeans but global tourists due to its scenery and Mediterranean climate.Visitors to the island who love walking can find many trails in the country, but one of the easiest ways to do a walk there, and to meet some like-minded souls, is to visit the Cyprus Strollers’ website, and see their long list of upcoming weekend walks, register, and show up.The group is led by Xenophon Hasapis, who returned to Cyprus from Greece, where he had set up a similar group in Athens.You can check out some of the hikes, as well as the schedule, on the Cyprus Strollers’ website.

This week, we’re talking about Canada, and Devon.The English Riviera not only boasts some of the best weather in the UK, but also has many perfect walking paths.The English Riviera Walking Festival is returning with more than 20 guided walks from the 14th to the 22nd of June.The Riviera covers the coastal part of Devon that includes Brixham, Torquay and Paignton. The South West Coast Path takes in the Riviera coastline, and it is also a UNESCO Geopark. Of the 140 Geoparks around the world, the English Riviera is the only seaside resort with this status.Thirteen of the 24 walks on the website are new additions for the 2025 festival. The walks range from 1.5 miles to 15 miles, and are labelled from easy to strenuous depending on the length and terrain. However, keen hikers can do a 27-mile two-day walk that takes in the entire coastline.The walks also have a limited number of spaces.The festival is not for profit, and is staged by the English Riviera BID Company in partnership with Torbay Council.For more information, and to book walks, visit the festival website.Hiking in SaskatchewanThe Canadian government recently handed out funding to several of the provinces to boost tourism.One of these was Saskatchewan, which is not necessarily well known for its tourism and hiking opportunities.However, the province has 39 provincial parks and two national parks, making it a perfect place to visit for a hiking holiday with a difference. With two major cities, Regina and Saskatoon, it has ample opportunities for spending time exploring, both close to the US border in the south of the province, and in the more remote areas of the northern part.To tell us about the province, and the many opportunities for walking there, is local outdoors enthusiast and entrepreneur Annika Mang, who runs the Born to Be Aventurous website and the hiking guide app Trail Collectiv.To find out more about Saskatchewan, visit the Tourism Saskatchewan website.

This week on the podcast – which is available here on the walkingpost.com website as well as all the podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple – we are covering another walking festival in the UK, the Chepstow Walking Festival, and we are also looking at a company that arranges bespoke holidays in Pakistan, which can include walking, and that is Xperience Pakistan.The Chepstow Walking Festival recently announced the hikes on offer for this year’s festival, which takes place this year from Tuesday, April 22 to Sunday, April 27, 2025.And tickets are now available for purchase for the walks.Organised by Chepstow Walkers are Welcome, the annual celebration of the great outdoors offers a variety of more than 30 guided walks, showcasing the beauty, heritage, and local producers of Monmouthshire and the England-Wales border.There is a range of walks from a relaxing stroll to a more challenging adventure. Highlights include ancient woodlands bursting with spectacular bluebell displays, historic churches, visits to local food producers, and stunning views.Organisers say as a proud ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town since 2012, Chepstow is all about delivering unforgettable experiences for walkers of all ages and fitness levels.Tickets for adults are £5 per walk, with children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.Xperience PakistanMore and more people are adding Pakistan to their bucket list, and the Asian country is starting to attract the attention of the world’s media as a place to visit.Xperience Pakistan creates bespoke holidays for clients, designing experiences based on interests and budget.The company has customers from around the world, and works with local people in Pakistan to provide community-based holidays that ensure the locals benefit. This also creates authentic experiences.By creating holidays for clients individually, Xperience Pakistan can put together various lengths of tour, vary the locations, and include as little – or a much – walking as those booking the holidays desire. This can include easy or strenuous walks, put together in conjunction with locals in Pakistan with intimate knowledge of the best sights and locations.For more information and booking, visit Xperience Pakistan here