If the thought of long-distance walking gives you an exhilarating thrill and feeds your adventurous spirit - I’m with you! Besides being one of the growing trends in active tourism, there is an irresistible allure to spending time outdoors, walking through natural beauty, and learning about a place on foot. Europe in particular, boasts a remarkable network of meticulously designed paths that weave and wind across the continent and has long embraced the culture of long-distance walking and thru-hiking.

Discover the numerous reasons why people choose to walk solo in this blog post. From physical health benefits to mental well-being advantages such as reduced stress levels and enhanced creativity, there are countless compelling reasons to embark on a solo long-distance walk. Step outside and experience the wonders of walking alone.

One year ago I began to prepare for my first solo long distance walk. My approach was focused on the physical preparation of walking and the organization of my itinerary. I made the assumption that any aha moments on my carefully crafted journey of self-discovery was going to be as a result of being solo, not from walking.

I was wrong. Walking was the catalyst for learning about myself as much, if not more, than being on my own.  Along with good science, the experience convinced me that there is a self-development connection between walking and wellbeing.

Vancouver Island is a nature and outdoor lover’s paradise! With many ways to actively explore its rugged beauty, spending time deep in the forest on a solo walk is my idea of a soul filling adventure.

With a 4-day long distance hike planned, I asked a local certified pedorthist and manager of Walk the Coast, one of my favourite locally owned shops, about when to get new hikers, different types of boots, what to pay attention to when trying boots on, and how to take care of your feet once on the trail.