English 
There’s something about walking that has always spoken to me. Step after step, with nothing but my thoughts and the rhythm of my boots, life seems to find perspective. After losing my husband, I discovered that travel—particularly walking journeys—gave me space to heal, reflect, and rebuild.
For women in midlife, especially those navigating change, a long-distance trek can be so much more than just a holiday. It can be a chance to reconnect with yourself, embrace new challenges, and uncover strength you didn’t know you had.
So, when I heard that permits for the Inca Trail 2026 were about to be released I thought this was the perfect time to reflect on a few of those journeys, some I have completed, others remain on my list.
The Inca Trail, Peru
- Distance: 42 km (26 miles)
- Time: 4 days
- Difficulty: Challenging – steep and high altitude
Arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is one of the most magical moments of my life. The days leading up to it were tough – steep climbs, high altitude, and moments of doubt. But when I saw those ancient ruins reveal themselves through the mist, I cried. It was proof that I could endure and come out stronger.
What to Expect: Ancient stone paths, cloud forests, and the reward of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Why It’s Perfect: Short but powerful, the Inca Trail mirrors the resilience we often rediscover in midlife. It’s proof that perseverance leads to unforgettable rewards. Like I said, permits are being allocated in October so now is the time to book. I went with G Adventures on a longer trip to see the best of Peru (you can read all about it via THIS LINK) and if you would like to do the same, check out what they have on offer HERE.
The Camino de Santiago, Spain
- Distance: Varies – the Camino Francés is ~780 km, but you can join for a week or more
- Time: 1 week to 6+ weeks
- Difficulty: Moderate – long days, but the terrain isn’t extreme
Have I mentioned I walked 500km on the Camino for my honeymoon? 😉
When I first stepped onto the Camino, I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was a community of pilgrims, each carrying their own story, their own reasons for walking. Even though I walked the trail with my husband, some days we walked alone in silence, other days we shared deep conversations between ourselves and with strangers who quickly became friends.
What to Expect: Rustic villages, rolling landscapes, and the joy of stamping your pilgrim passport at each stop.
Why It’s Perfect: You walk your own Camino—there’s no right or wrong pace. For women in midlife, it’s the ideal journey of reflection, connection, and freedom. If you are at all interested in walking the Camino, check out my series of videos HERE, or if you’d prefer to read all my advice then click THIS LINK.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Distance: ~62 km depending on the route
- Time: 5–9 days
- Difficulty: Challenging – altitude and stamina required
This trek will forever be etched into my heart. Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of the hardest—and most rewarding—experiences of my life. From the rainforest at the base, to barren alpine desert, to glaciers shimmering at the summit, it felt like walking through all four seasons in a single journey.
The final push to the top was brutal. Setting off in the dark, cold, and exhaustion, every step felt like a battle of mind over body. But as the sun rose and I finally stood at Uhuru Peak—the “Roof of Africa”—I felt an overwhelming mix of tears, joy, and triumph. It wasn’t just about reaching the summit. It was about proving to myself that I could do something extraordinary. To read all about how you can take on this epic journey, check out my blog post HERE.
What to Expect: Rainforest, alpine desert, glaciers, and the triumphant sunrise at 5,895m.
Why It’s Perfect: Kilimanjaro is both a physical and symbolic journey. For me, it was about conquering fear, trusting my strength, and celebrating resilience.
And now onto a few I haven’t done:
Everest Base Camp, Nepal
- Distance: ~130 km round trip
- Time: 12–14 days
- Difficulty: Challenging – altitude is the biggest hurdle
Everest Base Camp was high on my list until I met my husband who returned from his trip with double pneumonia and pleurisy (somehow it’s put me off a little!). However, I’ve met plenty of people who describe it as life-changing. It’s not about summiting Everest—it’s about standing in the shadow of greatness, soaking in the majesty of the Himalayas, and realising that you too are capable of extraordinary things.
What to Expect: Sherpa villages, fluttering prayer flags, and endless Himalayan views.
Why It’s Perfect: It’s a journey of patience and persistence—qualities we often hone in midlife.
Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland
- Distance: ~170 km (105 miles)
- Time: 10–12 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – lots of ups and downs
Imagine wandering through three countries, crossing mountain passes, and ending each day with cheese, wine, and a warm bed. Now that sounds appealing! It’s demanding, but also joyful—a celebration of movement, nature, and culture.
What to Expect: Alpine meadows, glaciers, and charming European villages.
Why It’s Perfect: It balances physical challenge with incredible beauty. You’ll finish exhausted but glowing with pride.
The Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia
- Distance: 65 km (40 miles)
- Time: 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate – well-marked, but weather can be unpredictable
When I first heard about the Overland Track, I was drawn to its wilderness. No distractions, no noise—just six days of nature in its rawest form. For me, this kind of trek feels like an invitation to strip life back to basics. And after visiting beautiful Tasmania (see more of my adventures HERE), it started to appeal even more!
What to Expect: Alpine plateaus, ancient forests, and wildlife encounters.
Why It’s Perfect: It offers solitude, reflection, and the joy of reconnecting with the natural world.
Why These Treks Matter in Midlife
For me, walking has always been more than exercise. It’s therapy, meditation, and empowerment all rolled into one. In midlife, when so many of us are navigating transition—children leaving home, career shifts, loss, or simply the question of “what’s next?”—treks like these offer:
- Time to think and heal
- A reminder of your strength
- Community with others on their own journeys
- The gift of simplicity
- Transformation, step by step
Whether it’s the spiritual pull of the Camino, the ancient magic of the Inca Trail, or the sheer triumph of Kilimanjaro, these treks are more than destinations. They’re pathways back to yourself. And for women in midlife, that journey may just be the most important one of all.
So, which of these iconic journeys appeals to you most? Or which have you completed, either on this list or not that you would recommend for a truly transformational experience? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
Over on YouTube, we are now on week 4 of our adventure on the Camino. I have loved sharing the journey and getting a daily memory of our experience. If you have missed anything then you can watch all the videos so far via THIS LINK (they are all around 90 seconds long). If you haven’t already, why not Subscribe while you are there and hit the bell 🔔 icon which will trigger a notification every time a new video is published.
Next LIVE
Don’t forget to join me LIVE on Instagram this week – 25th September (3pm UK time, 10am EST) when I will have a short interview with Sahara, the founder of the Travel Coach Network where we will talk all things Virtual Summit and how travel helped me rebuild after loss. Follow me on Instagram HERE now (if you’re not already) so you don’t miss it.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – 3 Amazing Days Hiking the Inca Trail
Blog – Everything You Need to Know Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Including Full Packing List
Video – Walking the Camino Francés: A Transformational Journey
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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