Notes from Big Trails: On the Trail with Big Trail Adventures

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 — and the journey of building a business to help others do the same. In each episode, we share stories from the people walking, running, and adventuring on the world's best long-distance trails, along with behind-the-scenes moments from Big Trail Adventures as we grow a business fuelled by a love of getting outside. 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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  1. Bothies and Big Lessons on the West Highland Way

    15시간 전

    Bothies and Big Lessons on the West Highland Way

    In this episode, Rob talks with Jennifer Stevens, creator of the Tiny Pine Outdoors YouTube channel, about her very first long-distance hike: the West Highland Way in Scotland. Jennifer hiked the 96-mile route in 2020, taking ten days to walk from Milngavie to Fort William. Along the way she: Faced the infamous Devil’s Staircase with a heavy pack Wild camped in stunning spots and stayed in bothies by the lochs Discovered the warmth and community of fellow hikers Filmed her journey and learned how carrying a camera changes the experience Found joy in small details — from the scent of pine woods to the sound of rivers at camp She also shares what she would do differently if she walked it again, and her advice for anyone planning their own West Highland Way adventure. Links and resources Jennifer’s channel: Tiny Pine Outdoors on YouTube More about the West Highland Way: westhighlandway.org Plan your own adventure with Big Trail Adventures: bigtrailadventures.com

    24분
  2. Blisters, Joy, and a Three-Legged Dog: Martyn Howe on Britain’s National Trails

    9월 19일

    Blisters, Joy, and a Three-Legged Dog: Martyn Howe on Britain’s National Trails

    In this episode I talk with Martyn Howe, author of Tales from the Big Trails. Martyn set out to walk every one of the UK’s national trails — a journey that took him from the wild coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the vast openness of the Pennine Way and the remoteness of the Southern Upland Way. We talk about: The rhythm of trail life and why its simplicity is so powerful The moments of awe (and the soggy sandwiches) that come with long days on the path Homesickness, resilience, and what to do when you hit a low point The surprising role of stiff hips in causing blisters — and how Martyn fixed it How technology has changed the way we plan and record adventures The people, characters, and even a three-legged dog that brought joy along the way His upcoming book The Coast is Our Compass, about walking the English Coast Path Martyn’s reflections on walking, writing, and the way landscape changes us are inspiring and thought-provoking — whether you’re planning your first trail or your fiftieth. Links and resources Tales from the Big Trails by Martyn Howe Martyn’s digital maps: trailplanner.co.uk Follow Big Trail Adventures: bigtrailadventures.com

    30분
  3. Following Roman Footsteps through Albania

    9월 12일

    Following Roman Footsteps through Albania

    In this episode, I talk with Bodil Outshoorn — Product Manager at On Running for the Elite Footwear Programme, PhD in shoe grip, and passionate long-distance adventurer. Bodil and a friend ran the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road running 500km from Albania to Greece. They covered it in just 12 days, averaging a marathon a day through mud, mountains, and border towns. Along the way they discovered remarkable hospitality, historic cobblestones, semi-feral dogs, and a surprising amount of 7-Eleven croissants. We dive into: What it’s like to run a Roman road across three countries Coping with food, logistics and winter weather How Haribo (and friendship) can get you through injury The moments of history and hospitality that made the trail unforgettable And as someone who has cycled across Albania myself, I can vouch for those croissants — they do keep you going when nothing else is on offer!

    24분
  4. The Path to Tour Du Mont Blanc Joy

    9월 5일

    The Path to Tour Du Mont Blanc Joy

    Join us as we discuss the Alps and the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc — the 170km loop around the Mont Blanc massif and one of the most popular trails in the world. I’m joined by Ian and Emily from TMBtrailguide.com, who’ve been helping hikers for over eight years with their camping guides and consultations. Based in Boulder, Colorado, they first hiked the route in 2017 and have returned many times since. We talk about the sounds and smells that stay with you on the trail, what it’s really like moving from hut to hut, and the unexpected items they recommend packing for your trip. If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc — or just want a taste of life on Europe’s most iconic trail — this episode is for you.

    29분
  5. The Toughest Trail in America?

    8월 29일

    The Toughest Trail in America?

    Simon Oxley spent 23 days on the Sierra High Route — a 195-mile trek through California’s Sierra Nevada that’s as demanding as it is spectacular. Known as one of the toughest trails in North America, the route weaves across Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia–Kings Canyon, with over half of it completely off-trail. Simon shares what it’s like to travel through such remote wilderness, how off-trail hiking changes everything from where you sleep to what you carry, and what the experience feels like day after day. Whether you’re curious about the Sierra High Route or just love stories of wilderness adventure, this episode has plenty of insight and inspiration.

    29분
  6. A Mouse, a Storm and the Great Glen Way

    8월 22일

    A Mouse, a Storm and the Great Glen Way

    In this conversation, Jennifer Stevens shares her experiences hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland, discussing the trail's accessibility, the beauty of nature, and the challenges faced along the way. She reflects on her happiest moments, the difficulties of wild camping, and the interesting people she met during her journey. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of solitude and independence in wild camping, while also highlighting the kindness of strangers and the stunning views that make the trail special. She offers practical tips for first-time hikers and wild campers, encouraging others to embrace the adventure with an open mind. Watch Jennifer on her YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@TinyPineOutdoors Or find Jennifer on Facebook. "Just search for Jennifer Stevens and you'll find me", says Jennifer.

    25분
  7. 60 Laps of the Tour Du Mont Blanc

    8월 15일

    60 Laps of the Tour Du Mont Blanc

    What does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc 60 times? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author and International Mountain Guide Kingley Jones, who knows this iconic trail better than almost anyone. We talk about what makes the TMB so special, Kingley’s favourite huts, the people he’s met along the way, and his tips for anyone planning to take it on themselves. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the TMB — or you’re already counting down the days to your trip — this conversation will inspire and prepare you. Here's a link to Kingley's Tour Du Mont Blanc guidebook — a great read whether you’re in planning mode or just love a good mountain story: https://kingsleyjones.com/tour-du-mont-blanc/

    19분
  8. Testing Times in the Lake District

    8월 8일

    Testing Times in the Lake District

    Stephen Ross, founder of Big Trail Adventures spent a week in the Lakes testing four things: 1. A new route that connects 35 Wainwrights in the Eastern Fells in a continuous loop. 2. A new version of the Big Trail Adventures App 3. Some new tech - how to keep his devices charged 4. His fitness! In this episode, Stephen tells us how all that testing went. It's not just an insight into walking the Wainwrights, it's an honest take on what it takes to build a serious app for the outdoors.

    16분
  9. Pure Joy on the South Downs Way

    8월 5일

    Pure Joy on the South Downs Way

    A story from Sarah and Ros who walked the South Downs Way in summer, 2025. We hear about what makes the trail so popular, where to stay and Sarah and Ros's favourite kit from their week of walking. A huge bonus from this episode is advice on how to pack for this trip without having to spend weeks in the gym lifting weights to prepare for hauling a heavy bag around!

    22분
  10. 35 Wainwrights in a Continuous Loop

    8월 5일

    35 Wainwrights in a Continuous Loop

    There's a lot to test when you're building a business. In this episode Stephen Ross, founder of Big Trail Adventures talks us through his plans to test a new route, the latest version of the Big Trail Adventures app and some new tech.

    10분
  11. 68 Hours on the Northern Traverse

    8월 5일

    68 Hours on the Northern Traverse

    In 2025 Kirsty Reade ran the Northern Traverse for the second time. 190 miles across England from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in one go. Once the race starts, the clock doesn't stop. In this episode Kirsty talks about the highs and lows of completing Wainwright's Coast to Coast trail in one go. The lack of sleep, new perspectives and how to look after your feet!

    16분
  12. Storm at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

    8월 5일

    Storm at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

    In July 2025 the organiser's at the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon faced a huge test. The night before the event rain came down in torrents. Fields were cut in half by rivers that appeared from nowhere. The wind blew down critical infrastructure. In this episode the organiser of the Saunders, Stephen Ross explains how he and his team not only managed to allow the race to go ahead but made it one of the most successful editions of the event ever.

    19분
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Notes from Big Trails: Stories from Big Trail Adventures is a podcast about finding joy out on the trail — and the journey of building a business to help others do the same. In each episode, we share stories from the people walking, running, and adventuring on the world's best long-distance trails, along with behind-the-scenes moments from Big Trail Adventures as we grow a business fuelled by a love of getting outside. 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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