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Plan Your Adventure
A collection of stories, guides and reflections from days spent on the trails. You’ll find practical planning advice, long-distance walking insight, local Northumberland routes, and the small moments that make outdoor adventures what they are. Whether you’re preparing for your first multi-day walk or looking for new places to explore, this is where you can settle in and get a feel for the path ahead.


East to West or West to East? What is the Best Direction to Walk Hadrian's Wall
Before choosing a direction, think about where you want to finish your walk. This is the moment you’ll celebrate your achievement, so picture the place that feels right for you. Do you want the energy and choice of the city, with restaurants, pubs, museums and easy transport links? Or would you prefer to end somewhere peaceful, with big skies, sandy beaches and time to let it all settle?

Claire
6 days ago4 min read


Self-Guided or Guided: What is the Best Way to Walk Hadrian’s Wall?
A thoughtful look at the different ways to walk Hadrian’s Wall, from fully self-guided to supported itineraries and guided experiences. Whether you love planning your own adventure or prefer a more relaxed journey with stories and insight along the way, this guide helps you choose the walking style that suits you best.

Claire
Nov 15 min read


Are there toilets along Hadrian's Wall: A Guide for the Uninitiated
Hadrian’s Wall is full of surprises — sweeping views, Roman ruins, and the occasional sheep watching with quiet judgement. But there’s one thing every walker eventually faces that rarely makes it into guidebooks: loo logistics.

Claire
Sep 94 min read


Can women walk long distances?
We still live in a world that often tells women what we can’t do... too busy, too old, too out of shape, too late to start. Adventure is the remit of the young, the beautiful, the athletes, and the adventurers... not us ordinary women. But what I have come to know is that the idea of who qualifies to take part is hogwash, balderdash, utter tripe and nonsense. Taking part in a long-distance adventure is for everyone regardless of age, experience, body size or shape.

Claire
Aug 126 min read


Best endurance event in the UK?
I covered 20 miles in blazing heat... sometimes running, sometimes walking, sometimes having a boogie. What does an event that touts itself as being the Glastonbury of running events have to do with long-distance walking, you may be saying out loud to your computer screen? Read on, my friend, read on.

Claire
Jul 85 min read


Reflections of the Dales Way
The Dales Way took us from Ilkley to Bowness along rivers, over stepping stones, through villages and valleys, across open fell, and over more wall stiles than we could count. Many were narrow gaps at the top of stone walls, each with a small wooden gate and a very eager spring. Fun at first, then surprisingly tiring on the legs after a while.

Claire
May 138 min read


Why do Runners Wear Tutus?
Being out on the trails takes serious preparation, training, planning, navigation and the right kit to keep you safe. But once that’s in place, give yourself over to the fun.
For the long answer, read on... If you’ve spent any time on our Curius Compass socials, you’ve probably noticed the tutus. They’re a regular feature of our run/hike/walk attire. So, what’s the story? Are we marking a milestone? Raising money for charity? Training for a dance recital? Nope, we wear tutu

Claire
May 53 min read


Best socks for long-distance walking
£15 for a pair of socks—really?!
I know! Is one pair worth three pints of Tyneside Blonde? Honestly, yes. I haven't always bought fancy socks, but after several long-distance trails (and a lot of blisters), I’ve realised they’re worth it.

Claire
Apr 285 min read


Is it better to walk in trainers or walking boots?
You’ve probably heard the quote: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” A lesser-known translation puts it even better: “A journey begins beneath the feet.” And it’s true: your feet do all the work. It’s worth taking the time to get your footwear right.

Claire
Apr 217 min read


How to Plan a Multi-Day Hike?
Before you buy new kit or sign up for a gym membership, the first thing to do when preparing for a long-distance walk is to find your why. Why do you want to walk a long way? Is it something you’ve always dreamed of achieving? Something to prove to yourself (or maybe others)? A step toward a more active, healthy lifestyle? Or perhaps a way to process or recover from something difficult?

Claire
Apr 135 min read
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