“I Didn’t Think I Could Do It”: How a Women’s Hiking Trip Changed My Life

We meet a few of you that feel the same way. Booked, and then fretting (a little bit) that maybe the idea of it was ridiculous - a 54-year-old women headding off alone to walk with a bunch of strangers.

What we see by the end of our trips - whether they be 3 days or 17 days is women finding their “people”. Defined by swapping numbers or invitations to stay with women they otherwise would have never met.

It’s you that had a little weep of joy on mountain top at sunrise. Felt the thrill of jumping in to the ocean in the Adriatic, or walking the beautiful rainforests in Queensland. Eaten the best meal of your life at a stunning little trattoria in the hills of Piedmonte, Italy congratulating yourself on the “thing” you thought you were not capable of.

We hear versions of this story after almost every GirlsTrek departure. The details change but the shape stays the same: a woman who wasn’t sure she was “the type”, who nearly talked herself out of it, who came home changed.

If you’ve been thinking about a women’s hiking trip but something keeps holding you back, this one’s for you.

Travelling solo on a GirlsTrek is uplifting. You will go pinch yourself places with the support of like-minded women.

The most common thing women say before they book

It’s not “I’m too old.” It’s not “I can’t afford it.” The most common thing women say when they first contact us is some version of: “I’m not sure I’m fit enough.” Or: “I don’t really know anyone else who’s into this.” Or simply: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this, but…”

That “but” does a lot of heavy lifting. But I’m not an experienced hiker. But I’d be going alone. But I don’t know what I’m getting into. But what if I can’t keep up.

We’ve been running women’s hiking adventures since 2011. In that time, we’ve taken over 2,000 women to 29 destinations across Australia and the world. From that experience we can say with absolute confidence: the “but” is almost never the real obstacle. The real obstacle is just taking the first step.

What actually happens on a women’s hiking trip

Here’s what surprises most first-timers: it’s not primarily about the hiking.

Yes, you walk. Yes, there are days that push you harder than you expected. Yes, you earn the views. But the thing women talk about when they come home — the thing they message us about months later — is the connection.

Something happens when a group of women walks together. The rhythm of it. No phones, no meetings, no one needing anything from you. Just the trail and the conversation, and a kind of honesty that’s rare in ordinary life.

Kate experienced exactly this on our Nakasendo Way trek in Japan. Afterwards she wrote to us:

“I absolutely loved every part of the trek. Such an incredible experience that I will forever cherish. The group was amazing, and so easy to travel and trek with — such a great dynamic. A huge thank you to our guides Frith and Sophie for taking such good care of us and guiding us so perfectly. I feel extremely fulfilled and blessed right now.” — Kate, Nakasendo Way

That group dynamic Kate describes isn’t accidental. It’s something we think carefully about with every departure — the pace, the guides, the size of the group, the way the days are structured to create space for real connection to happen.

And the guides matter enormously. Fulfilled and blessed. After a hiking trip. That’s what we’re aiming for every single time.

Marcia, who travelled with us on a different adventure, captured the longer arc of what happens beautifully:

Be inspired by the conversations you will have and the connections you will make.

“You not only provide amazing trips and opportunities for women to get outdoors with their peers — what is so incredible is the flow-on effect on women to make positive changes in their personal lives. Thank you for being part of a pivotal moment in my life.” — Marcia

A trip is a week or two. The ripple effect can last years.

Do you need to be fit?

This is the question we get most often, so let’s answer it properly: it depends which trip you choose, and we’ll help you choose the right one.

Our trips run from Activity Level 1 (gentle trails, up to four hours a day, perfect for first-timers) right up to Level 5 (alpine summits, Kilimanjaro, the Andes). Most of our most popular trips sit at Level 2 or 3 — a genuine workout, beautiful terrain, but absolutely achievable with some regular walking in the weeks beforehand.

We’ve seen women in their 60s and 70s complete trips they thought were beyond them. We’ve seen women who hadn’t exercised in years discover a love of movement they didn’t know they had. We’ve also seen fit women realise that fitness isn’t the point — presence is.

Whatever your starting point, we’ll find the right adventure for you. What’s more we provide you with a training plan pre trip and keep up the contact to give you continual support in the lead up to your departure.

What solo travellers tell us

Many who join a GirlsTrek group are women travelling alone. Not together — alone, independently, choosing to join a group of strangers. And it is, consistently, the thing they’re most grateful for.

For Michelle, it was not only her first ever trek, it was her first time travelling alone away from her husband or family;

“I was the only solo traveler in a small group of women on our five day Nakasendo Way Girlstrek adventure. Everyone was so warm and enthusiastic, and I felt immediately that I was in for a safe and fun time. The food was authentic and delicious and the experience was curated just enough that we got to experience the beautiful nature and people of a special part of Japan. But it was still relaxed. Perfect pace, all bases covered by the organisers, I’m dreaming of my next trip!”

There’s a specific kind of freedom in solo group travel that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. You have company without compromise. Adventure without logistics. Challenge with support. And by day two, the strangers are friends.

We’ve had women come alone and end up planning their next trip with someone they met on the trail. We’ve had women who hadn’t had a proper holiday in years come back glowing. We’ve had women tell us it was the best decision they’ve ever made for themselves.

So, what’s stopping you?

Whatever your “but” is — fitness, solo travel, cost, timing, not knowing what to expect — we’ve heard it. And we’ve watched hundreds of women work through it and come out the other side with a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives.

This year, we’re departing to some of the most remarkable places on earth. The Peaks of the Balkans. The Kumano Kodo in Japan. Cradle Mountain. The Mornington Peninsula. Morocco. Nepal. The Sunshine Coast. Places that will stay with you.

You deserve one of the happiest times of your life. We’d love to help you find it.

Ready to take the first step?

Browse our 2026 trip calendar and find the adventure that’s right for you — or get in touch and we’ll help match you to the perfect trip. girlstrek.com.au

GirlsTrek — Blog Post May 2026 — girlstrek.com.au