The Cape Wrath Trail is a name that makes seasoned hikers raise an eyebrow. It’s 350km of wild terrain from Fort William to the far northwest tip of Scotland — much of it without a clear path.

In this episode, Magnus Ross joins us just five days after completing it. He talks about:

• What it’s really like to walk the UK’s hardest trail

• The long days of solitude and how they changed how he thinks about adventure

• Why bothies are magical (but why camping is Magnus's favourite way to spend a night)

• How to plan, pack, and prepare for a remote multi-day hike

  
  

Whether you’re dreaming of Cape Wrath or just love hearing about big adventures in wild places, this one’s full of inspiration and hard-earned insight.

🎧 Listen now — and don’t forget, get 20% off your own adventure at bigtrailadventures.com with the code TRAILS20.

The Alta Via 1 in Italy’s Dolomites is one of Europe’s classic long-distance trails — about 120km of steep climbs, rocky passes, and unforgettable mountain huts.

In this episode, I talk with Marijke, who travelled from Montana to hike the trail with her best friend. Over long days and big climbs they shared laughter, grappa, and the sheer awe of the Dolomites.

Marijke also brings a deeper perspective. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer, and now well into her recovery she reflects on how adventures like this aren’t just about the miles — they’re about taking opportunities, sharing them with people you love, and feeling privileged to be out there at all.

The audio is more phone call than studio, but her story shines through: practical tips for anyone planning the Alta Via 1, and an honest reminder of why we go to the mountains in the first place.

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