Ursula Martin has spent the last two years walking alone from Kiev, Ukraine across Europe, over the Alps, to start on the Camino which would take her all the way to Santiago de Compostela, before heading on to the most westerly point of Spain, Finisterre and reaching the Atlantic Ocean. It was then time to turn around and head home, just 1,000 miles to get back to Wales.
Ursula finished her epic solo journey on June 6th 2021 in Llanidloes, where she was joined by friends and family for the final 10 miles.
Throughout her walk, Ursula had to deal with the covid pandemic, and having to decide whether or not to carry on and how to carry on safely. Ursula handled lockdowns in France, loneliness on the Camino St James and being on a tight budget. Ursula didn’t get sponsorship and funded the trip through savings, and supporters via Patreon.
Now back at home, Ursula can rest her feet, stretch her body and take the time needed to recover, while reconnect with her family.
Ursula is already planning another walk, this time starting from Land’s End and heading 874 miles to John O’Groats. Ursula plan to start her walk in January 2022, which will also mark the 10th anniversary of her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
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Show notes
Who is Ursula?
Being based back in mid wales with her brother
Spending time with family and meeting her new nephew
Being ready to stop walking
Missing the feeling of open outdoor space
First speaking with Ursula in May 2020
Making the decision to continue on with her journey
Thinking short time and focusing on where to stay
Going through lockdowns in France and Spain
Walking the HRP - Pyrenean Haute Route
Not being able to access indoor space due to restrictions
Having to make the decision between going into France or Spain
Making the decision to enter Spain to continue her journey to Santiago
The egotism of adventuring
Spending Christmas in Pamplona with 2 takeaway pizzas and movies
Being accepted and welcomed while walking on the camino
Only seeing a few other walkers
Making connections and friends on the Camino
Reaching Santiago and feeling sad
2021 - A Holy Year on the Camino
Processing her feeling of the journey
Reaching Finisterre and seeing the sea
Going bed for 9 day rest and feeling broken
Losing all her energy and needing time to recover
Climbing a spiritual/holy mountain
Knowing it was time to get back walking
Not allowing herself to relax
Why it is about the journey
Making the transition from walker to writer
Getting organised and the first step with writing
Getting home and what the final section of the journey was like
Deciding to do a mini challenge in January 2022
Final words of advice and key lessons from this challenge/experience.
Social Media
Website onewomanwalks.com
Support Ursula via Patreon
Instagram @onewomanwalks
Facebook @OneWomanWalks
Twitter @WomanWalksWales
Past Episode - 26th May 2020
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