2,141km. 1,333 miles. 70 days. Zero rest days. One incredible adventure. On 20 July 2026, I set off from Hoek van Holland in the Netherlands with a goal: to hike the GR5 all the way to Nice in southern France. On 27 September 2026, I arrived in Nice, having spent 70 days walking my way south through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France.

It’s the final week of my 2,200km GR5 adventure from Holland to Nice! There are still big climbs, rocky descents and long days ahead, but the finish is finally within reach. Follow along for the last push through the mountains, the final wild camp, and the moment I reach Nice and the Mediterranean.

The final stretch is getting closer, and I’m working hard to catch up with the schedule. This week is full of mountain views, rocky descents, long climbs and a few well-earned stops at refuges. With the finish getting nearer, I’m trying to enjoy the present moment while taking in every bit of this incredible journey.

The mountains are in full force this week, with steep climbs, rocky trails and some truly spectacular scenery. I meet a Tough Girl Podcast listener, get a taste of the Tour du Mont Blanc, and face a night of heavy rain, thunder and lightning. There are tough moments, but the mountains keep making it all worthwhile.

This week takes me closer to the Alps and across into Switzerland before I return to France and start the French Alps section. There are long days, incredible views and some big climbs, but also a difficult day when I feel far from my best. The adventure is moving on, one step at a time.

The GR5 adventure continues, and I’ve officially passed the halfway point! This week brings forest trails, rocky paths, long days on foot and a mix of sunshine and rain. There are beautiful views and little wins along the way, plus the usual decisions about food, camping and where to sleep.

As the first half of the journey comes to a close, the trail begins to change. Cooler weather makes a difference, forests and mountain terrain become more prominent, and Sarah reaches the halfway point after 35 days. The daily stats show the distance covered, while the reflections reveal the physical and mental adjustments that come with a long-distance hike.

By the fourth week, Sarah is deep into the rhythm of long-distance hiking. There are big days on the trail, heat warnings, difficult water resupplies, and the occasional hotel room when camping is not practical. She also reaches France and keeps adapting to the changing terrain, one day at a time.

The third week marks a shift in the journey. The heat continues, the walking gets hillier, and the hard surfaces begin giving way to forest tracks and more challenging climbs. Sarah keeps moving through Belgium and Luxembourg, finding places to camp, managing sore feet, and adjusting to the realities of hiking day after day.

The second week brings longer walking days, hot weather, and some creative solutions to finding places to sleep. Sarah continues through Belgium, balancing big distances with the need to stay hydrated, find food, and recover. There are youth hostels, garden camping, a cinema trip, and more than a few lessons in adapting to life on the trail.

The GR5 journey begins! On 20 July 2026, I set off from Hoek van Holland in the Netherlands, beginning an approximately 2,200 km hike towards Nice on the Mediterranean coast. The first seven days brought long walking days, peaceful forests, sandy paths, changing weather, and the first taste of wild camping. Here are the daily stats, highlights, challenges, and thoughts from the opening week.