Devin Brown is a Minneapolis-based paddler and founder of Sovereign Waters, an emerging organisation focused on connection, access, and purpose through time spent on the water. In 2024, Devin set out on an ambitious source-to-sea journey along the Mississippi River, paddling 1,025 miles before high water forced an early end to the expedition. What remained was not failure, but a powerful experience of resilience, learning, and deep connection to the river and herself.

On the 4th of August 2015, I released the very first episode of the Tough Girl Podcast. I honestly had no idea where this journey would take me or that, eleven years later, I'd still be here, sharing the stories of incredible women from around the world.

Gina Johansen is a Swedish-born endurance athlete, adventurer, and a track work rider based in Sydney and Norway. She is currently preparing for a world record attempt to become the fastest woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 2026.

Before I even took my first step on the GR5, I had something I don’t often give myself: time to slow down. I’d spent around 10 days in London, relaxing, catching up with family who were over from Australia, doing a bit of dog sitting and generally just enjoying the gorgeous weather. It was exactly what I needed. By the time I headed to the Netherlands, I felt physically rested, mentally refreshed and ready to begin.

Denise is part of a team of women who have just successfully rowed 3000 miles, unsupported, across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the 'World's Toughest Row'. Rowing 12 hours a day for over 50 days, Denise drew on decades of experience from white water and sea kayaking, alongside years spent as an outdoor instructor.

Clare Dyson is a Mountain Leader, outdoor facilitator, and founder of the Women’s Adventure Academy, based in the Lake District where she has spent over 20 years guiding people through the mountains and valleys she calls home.

Catherine Breed is an endurance athlete, ocean explorer, and visionary storyteller redefining what modern adventure can look like — where human performance, environmental connection, and community impact meet.

Two years ago, Ria was burnt out from her tech career in Silicon Valley, coming out of a difficult relationship, and struggling with mental health issues. Running became her way out. Within a year, she went from struggling to finish a half marathon to setting ultramarathon records on world-renowned routes.

"How do you train to walk 2,200 kilometres?" The honest answer? You don't. At least, not in the way most people think. There isn't a training plan in the world that can prepare you to walk every day for around 70 days. It's simply not possible. If I tried to train for the full distance before leaving, I'd almost certainly arrive at the start line exhausted, injured, or both. Instead, my training has had a very different focus.

Irene is a sports scientist, endurance coach, and ultra-runner originally from Spain, now based in the UK. She moved to the UK in 2013 to pursue a Master’s degree, intending to stay only briefly, but quickly fell in love with the country and never left. Her journey into ultra-running was entirely unplanned. She only started running consistently in 2017 during her PhD in Neuroscience, initially as a way to cope with academic stress.

The Two Saints Way was exactly the adventure I needed. This five-day hike across Staffordshire and Cheshire wasn't about chasing big miles or proving anything to myself. It was a chance to get back into multi-day hiking, test my gear, carry a heavy pack again and remind my body what it feels like to live out on the trail before I head off on the GR5 this summer. And honestly? It couldn't have gone much better.

After five days of walking through Staffordshire and Cheshire, it was finally time for the last few miles of the Two Saints Way. With another hot day ahead and Chester Cathedral waiting at the finish, all that was left to do was enjoy the journey and bring this training hike to a successful close.

With temperatures climbing into the 30s, Day 4 of the Two Saints Way was all about sensible decision-making. The goal was simple: reach the planned stopping point, head into Chester for a proper reset and set myself up for a strong finish on the final day.