What's up with the Tutus?

Before I settle in to reflect on our Dales Way adventure and start jotting down my thoughts, I wanted to share one of the unexpected joys that’s become a true highlight of our hiking life: the tutu.

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 tutus simply for the fun of it.

The tutu first made its appearance at the Beer Lovers’ Marathon in Liège, Belgium. I’d organised a running getaway for four of my fellow runners, and the 2019 theme was “Superheroes.” Naturally, I designed our 'Wild Women of the North' outfits to fit right in with Spidermen, Incredibles, and a surprisingly large group of Bob Rosses (yes, the happy-little-trees guy). After the race was run and the beer well and truly sampled, I didn’t want my blue sparkly tutu to be relegated to the back of the wardrobe.

So, I started wearing it to every race—and my fellow runners followed suit. It was a brilliant way to share the joy and spirit of running.

We’re not front-of-the-pack runners. We stop for selfies, admire the views, have a good chat, and never pass up a feed station. For us, it’s not about time or placement—it’s about being outdoors, embracing the adventure and having a laugh. The tutu quickly became a conversation starter and, helpfully, a beacon—if we took a wrong turn, marshals always remembered “the three women in the blue sparkly tutus.”

When Katie and I started guiding tours along Hadrian’s Wall, it was only natural to bring the tutus along. They helped break the ice with other walkers and visitors, and soon we were being recognised—not just by fellow hikers but by bus drivers and long-time volunteers along the trail. These chats often led to little gems of local knowledge. It was thanks to a conversation in The Sill gift shop that we finally got the detailed directions we needed to find a hidden carving on the Wall that had eluded us for months!

Now, whenever we’re out on long-distance trails, the tutus come too. People ask: “Is it for charity?” And we always say, “No, just for fun!” They’re a joyful way to connect with other people—fellow walkers, locals or anyone out for a stroll. On a long day, a cheerful comment or smile directed at the tutu-wearers can be just the encouragement we need to keep going.

For us, tutus are an outward expression of how we feel when we’re on the trails—light-hearted, free and full of fun. If you're heading out on your own walking, hiking, or running adventure, I’d encourage you to wear something that makes you feel the same way. Maybe it’s a funky pair of socks, a colourful hat, or a top with your ‘why’ printed on the back.

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. Let the adventure be joyful, silly and entirely your own.

If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be. – Maya Angelou