The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of Britain’s most dramatic long-distance walks, stretching along the wild Atlantic edge of West Wales.

In this episode of Notes From Big Trails, Rob speaks with Sophie McCarthy about her fifteen-day solo walk along the entire route.

Carrying everything she needed on her back and camping along the way, Sophie experienced the full rhythm of life on the trail — from remote wild camps and windswept cliffs to small harbour towns and the occasional well-earned pub meal.

Along the way she encountered wildflowers in full summer bloom, dramatic coastal scenery, seals in the sea… and one rather inquisitive badger that paid her tent a late-night visit.

Beyond the practicalities of the walk, Sophie reflects on why she enjoys putting herself into challenging environments and how experiences like this can remind us that we’re capable of more than we think.

In this episode

• What the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is really like underfoot
• Walking the entire trail solo over 15 days
• Campsites, wild camping and carrying a heavy pack
• Wildlife encounters along the Welsh coast
• The joys of small trail luxuries — from ice cream to harbour-side pubs
• Why long walks can change how you see your own capabilities

About the trail

• Distance: ~186 miles / 300 km
• Location: West Wales
• Terrain: cliff paths, coastal grassland, beaches and rugged headlands
• Difficulty: moderate to challenging due to constant ascent and descent

The trail forms part of the Wales Coast Path and is widely regarded as one of the finest coastal walks in Europe.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

What does “solo adventure” really look like?

In this episode, Rob speaks with Elise Downing and Kirsty Reade about hiking and running alone — not in remote wilderness for months on end, but in the more familiar, human space of big days out, multi-day trails, and personal challenges.

Together they explore:

• What first pushed them to go alone
• The fears that show up before you set off (yes, including axe murderers)
• The difference between real risk and mental noise
• How running versus walking changes the experience
• Unexpected encounters on the trail — from sea shanties in Scotland to chance friendships in the Lakes
• The small practical steps that make solo trips safer and more enjoyable

And perhaps most importantly, the feeling at the end of a long day — when you realise you did it yourself.

Find out more about solo adventures at bigtrailadventures.com.

In this episode, Morgan shares his experience walking sections of the South West Coast Path — a 630-mile route tracing the coastline of south-west England.

We cover:

• Why he chose the Coast Path during a difficult period in his life
• The accessibility of the route and how easy it is to join by train
• The Jurassic Coast and its dramatic geology
• Why the South West Coast Path can feel surprisingly remote
• What a typical day on the trail looks like
• Conversations that stuck with him, including:
• • Two soaked bivvy-baggers caught in a storm
  • A solo woman walking the entire route using all her annual leave
• Food highlights — including a cream tea cooked on a stove in the middle of nowhere
• The River Erme crossing near Mothecombe
• What to leave out of your pack
• The importance of knowing your experience level

Morgan also talks about documenting his journeys on social media — and the tension between capturing the moment and simply living it.

See more from Morgan on Instagram.