Notes from Big Trails

Big Trail Adventures // Rob Savin
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Notes from Big Trails: Stories from Big Trail Adventures is a podcast about finding joy out on the trail. In each episode, we share stories from the people walking, running, and adventuring on the world's best long-distance trails. Sometimes it’s reflective, sometimes it’s funny — always grounded in the real highs and lows of life on the move.

  1. Walking the Western Front Way: 500 Miles Through History

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    Walking the Western Front Way: 500 Miles Through History

    The Western Front Way is a 500-mile route tracing the line of the First World War — running from the Swiss border to the North Sea through France and Belgium. In this episode we talk to Briana Gervat, who has published a book about her experience on this trail - ⁠There Will Come Soft Rains⁠. This conversation is about her solo journey along the entire route — a 36-day walk through one of the most historically charged landscapes in Europe. Camping along the way and carrying everything she needed, Briana experienced the full rhythm of life on the trail — from mountain paths in the Vosges to the vast battlefields of Verdun, the Somme, and beyond. But this is not a typical long-distance walk. Along the route, history is ever-present — in the form of trenches, bunkers, cemeteries, and villages that were never rebuilt. Briana describes these as “architectural ghosts” — reminders of lives lost, and stories that still linger in the landscape. There are moments of heaviness — walking through fog in Verdun, camping under the same skies soldiers once slept beneath, passing through quiet towns marked by memorials. But there are also moments of connection and light: sharing food with strangers, conversations in passing, standing in front of the cathedral at Amiens, and the simple rhythm of walking day after day. Beyond the practicalities of the walk, this episode explores something deeper — how we process history, how we find peace (or don’t), and what it means to walk through a place shaped by both destruction and renewal. In this episode What the Western Front Way is — and how it traces the line of WWIWalking 500 miles solo over 36 daysThe experience of solitude over a long-distance journeyWhat it feels like to walk through landscapes shaped by war“Architectural ghosts” — and seeing what others might missThe emotional weight of places like VerdunCamping, daily rhythm, and managing the physical tollEncounters with people along the wayThe contrast between destruction and beautyReflections on peace, history, and human nature About the trail Western Front Way Distance: ~500 miles / 800 kmLocation: France & Belgium (Swiss border to the North Sea)Terrain: mountains, forests, farmland, canals and lowland plainsDifficulty: moderate physically, but significant due to length and emotional weightThe Western Front Way is less a traditional hiking trail and more a journey through history — offering a unique way to experience the landscapes of the First World War and reflect on their lasting impact. Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

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  2. Running the Rob Roy Way - What You See, What You Miss

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    Running the Rob Roy Way - What You See, What You Miss

    The Rob Roy Way cuts across the heart of Scotland — a quieter long-distance trail linking Drymen to Pitlochry through forests, glens, old railway lines, and the edges of big Highland lochs. In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Pawel Cymbalista — or Pav — who set a fastest known time on the route, covering the entire trail in a single push. Moving fast through a landscape most people take a week or more to walk, Pav experienced a very different version of the trail — one shaped by rhythm, focus, and constant forward motion. Along the way there are moments that still stand out: climbing through forest above Aberfeldy, the sound of water rushing through narrow gorges, the long stretch beside Loch Tay with Ben Lawers rising through the cloud… and one very human moment outside a bakery in Callander that nearly derailed the whole effort. Beyond the pace and the performance, this is a conversation about mindset — about stubbornness, self-reliance, and the quiet internal negotiation that happens when things start to hurt. And it’s also a reminder that this trail — like all of them — isn’t just for records. It’s a route to be walked slowly, taken in properly, and experienced in your own way. In this episode What the Rob Roy Way is really like underfoot — from forest tracks to old railway linesWhy Pav chose the route and how the FKT idea took holdPreparing for a solo, unsupported effortManaging discomfort, fatigue, and doubt during the runThe mental strategies that keep you moving when things get hardA navigational wobble, a stunning gorge, and a near-miss with a bakeryHow the trail changes as you move south towards DrymenWhy this is a route worth doing at a slower paceWhat FKTs mean — and why they don’t always matter About the trail Distance: ~79 miles / 127 kmLocation: Central Scotland (Drymen to Pitlochry)Terrain: forest tracks, estate paths, quiet roads, old railway lines, lochside pathsDifficulty: moderate — non-technical, but with steady climbing throughoutThe Rob Roy Way is one of Scotland’s lesser-known long-distance trails, offering a quieter alternative to routes like the West Highland Way — with fewer crowds, easier terrain, and a strong sense of journey through the landscape. Find out more about long-distance walking and running adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

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  3. Walking the Anglesey Coast Path Solo - Is It Really Magical?

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    Walking the Anglesey Coast Path Solo - Is It Really Magical?

    The Anglesey Coast Path circles the entire Isle of Anglesey — a 130-mile trail that traces one of the most varied and quietly beautiful coastlines in Wales. In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks with Nicola about her solo walk around the island — completed over two long weekends and mostly spent sleeping under the stars in a bivvy bag. Travelling light with a 4.3-kilogram base weight and no fixed itinerary, Nicola followed the rhythm of the trail: walking long days, camping wherever the landscape allowed, and letting the coastline dictate the pace. Along the way she discovered empty beaches, dramatic cliffs, ancient history, and unexpected wildlife encounters — from dolphins crossing a quiet bay to a weasel pausing in the road to stare her down. The Anglesey Coast Path proved to be one of the most peaceful sections of the Wales Coast Path Nicola has walked so far — a place where solitude, curiosity and the simple act of moving through the landscape combine into something quietly magical. Beyond the miles themselves, the conversation explores the deeper appeal of solo walking: the clarity it can bring to busy lives, the confidence that comes from solving small problems along the way, and the sense that wild places allow us to reconnect with a more natural way of thinking. What the Anglesey Coast Path is really like underfootWalking the entire island solo over two long weekendsBivvy camping and travelling with an ultralight packWildlife encounters — from dolphins and seals to an inquisitive weaselDiscovering hidden campsites along wild stretches of coastlineWhy long-distance solo walking can bring clarity and confidenceThe quiet magic that makes Anglesey feel different from other coastal trailsDistance: ~130 miles / 210 kmLocation: Isle of Anglesey, North WalesTerrain: coastal paths, grassy cliffs, beaches and quiet country lanesDifficulty: moderate, with frequent short climbs along the coast The Anglesey Coast Path forms part of the Wales Coast Path, a continuous trail that follows the entire Welsh coastline. Because the route circles the island, it’s easy to start and finish in the same place — making it a popular choice for walkers looking for a self-contained coastal adventure. Anglesey is known for its wild beaches, historic sites and peaceful atmosphere, with highlights including South Stack cliffs, Newborough Forest, and countless quiet coves scattered along the coastline. For more information visit bigtrailadventures.com.

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  4. Solo on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: 15 Days by the Sea

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    Solo on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: 15 Days by the Sea

    The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s most dramatic long-distance walks, stretching along the wild Atlantic edge of West Wales. In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Sophie McCarthy about her fifteen-day solo walk along the entire route. Carrying everything she needed on her back and camping along the way, Sophie experienced the full rhythm of life on the trail — from remote wild camps and windswept cliffs to small harbour towns and the occasional well-earned pub meal. Along the way she encountered wildflowers in full summer bloom, dramatic coastal scenery, seals in the sea… and one rather inquisitive badger that paid her tent a late-night visit. Beyond the practicalities of the walk, Sophie reflects on why she enjoys putting herself into challenging environments and how experiences like this can remind us that we’re capable of more than we think. In this episode What the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is really like underfootWalking the entire trail solo over 15 daysCampsites, wild camping and carrying a heavy packWildlife encounters along the Welsh coastThe joys of small trail luxuries — from ice cream to harbour-side pubsWhy long walks can change how you see your own capabilities About the trail Distance: ~186 miles / 300 kmLocation: West WalesTerrain: cliff paths, coastal grassland, beaches and rugged headlandsDifficulty: moderate to challenging due to constant ascent and descent The trail forms part of the Wales Coast Path and is widely regarded as one of the finest coastal walks in Europe. Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

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  5. Going Alone: The Reality of Solo Hiking

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    Going Alone: The Reality of Solo Hiking

    What does “solo adventure” really look like? In this episode, Rob speaks with Elise Downing and Kirsty Reade about hiking and running alone — not in remote wilderness for months on end, but in the more familiar, human space of big days out, multi-day trails, and personal challenges. Together they explore: What first pushed them to go aloneThe fears that show up before you set off (yes, including axe murderers)The difference between real risk and mental noiseHow running versus walking changes the experienceUnexpected encounters on the trail — from sea shanties in Scotland to chance friendships in the LakesThe small practical steps that make solo trips safer and more enjoyable And perhaps most importantly, the feeling at the end of a long day — when you realise you did it yourself. Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

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  6. Finding Space on the South West Coast Path

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    Finding Space on the South West Coast Path

    In this episode, Morgan shares his experience walking sections of the South West Coast Path — a 630-mile route tracing the coastline of south-west England. We cover: Why he chose the Coast Path during a difficult period in his lifeThe accessibility of the route and how easy it is to join by trainThe Jurassic Coast and its dramatic geologyWhy the South West Coast Path can feel surprisingly remoteWhat a typical day on the trail looks likeConversations that stuck with him, including:Two soaked bivvy-baggers caught in a stormA solo woman walking the entire route using all her annual leaveFood highlights — including a cream tea cooked on a stove in the middle of nowhereThe River Erme crossing near MothecombeWhat to leave out of your packThe importance of knowing your experience level Morgan also talks about documenting his journeys on social media — and the tension between capturing the moment and simply living it. See more from Morgan on Instagram.

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  7. What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way

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    What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way

    In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks to Jon Barton, founder of Vertebrate Publishing, about walking — and running — the Pennine Way. They explore why the Pennine Way divides opinion, what the early sections across Kinder and Bleaklow are really like, and why places such as High Cup Nick, Upper Teesdale, Cross Fell and the Cheviots leave such a strong impression. Jon reflects on: Growing up visiting Swaledale and Upper TeesdaleHow childhood landscapes shaped his wanderlustExperiencing the Pennine Way through the Spine eventsThe reality of “boggy” sections and bleak reputationsWildlife encounters — curlews, golden plover, roe deerLimestone country around MalhamThe strange surreal feeling of walking through busy places after days on the moorWhy motivation matters more than raw fitness They also discuss practical considerations — kit familiarity, pacing, and whether the Pennine Way should be your first long-distance trail.

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  8. Walking the Edge of England

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    Walking the Edge of England

    Martyn Howe talks to us about how he walked the coast of England - following what has become the King Charles III England Coast Path. Martyn shares: How the walk began with a single acorn waymarker in CromerWhat it’s like to stitch together a coastal path that was still being completedUnexpectedly wild places like The Wash, where land and sea seem to dissolveIndustrial coastlines in the North East — and the surprising signs of recovery thereMemorable encounters with birdlife, including kestrels, peregrines, and wintering geeseWhy public art along the coast — from Time and Tide bells to community projects — became central to the journeyThe idea of an “experience map” rather than a route map, and how that changes how you plan and walkHow carrying less — physically and mentally — altered his relationship with long-distance walkingWhether walking can still act as a form of protest or environmental witnessThe kinds of conversations that only seem to happen when two people are walking side by side We also talk about Martyn’s book The Coast is Our Compass, and how writing became a way of processing the journey — not just recording where he went, but what it meant. Links: The Coast is Our Compass Experience Map More trail Inspiration at Big Trail Adventures

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Notes from Big Trails: Stories from Big Trail Adventures is a podcast about finding joy out on the trail. In each episode, we share stories from the people walking, running, and adventuring on the world's best long-distance trails. Sometimes it’s reflective, sometimes it’s funny — always grounded in the real highs and lows of life on the move.

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    Big Trail Adventures // Rob Savin
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    © Big Trail Adventures // Rob Savin
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    Notes from Big Trails

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