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.

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.

The Two Saints Way continues with another hot day on the trail. Day 3 was all about settling into a rhythm, adapting to the heat and being reminded of the difference between being fit and being truly hiker fit ahead of the GR5.

The Two Saints Way continues through Staffordshire and Cheshire as I settle into life on the trail. Day 2 brought curious cows, long stretches of canal walking, soaring temperatures and a reminder that this trip is all about preparing for the GR5, not chasing mileage at any cost.

The Two Saints Way is a 149km long-distance walking route connecting St Chad's Church in Lichfield with Chester Cathedral. I decided to walk the trail as a training hike ahead of the GR5, using it as an opportunity to test my gear, carry a full backpack and get my trail legs back before heading to Europe.

Meet Helen Spencer, a veterinarian from Kent who swapped clinic life for the extremes of the world. From hiking in Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Yemen to caring for orangutans in Borneo, Helen has chased adventure across the globe.

Jennifer is an adventurer, wellness professional, and founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, helping women connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships through experiences grounded in the 3 Cs: Challenge, Connection, and Community.

Growing up near Boston, Sugar discovered hiking in her early twenties while exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting sober at 30, she found herself with the clarity, time and capacity to pursue the life she truly wanted. What followed was a decision to live authentically, prioritise long-distance hiking, and become what she proudly calls a professional dirtbag.

Becky Wandell is a Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide, Volunteer, and Solo Traveler. At 47, while weathering a difficult divorce and the death of four close relatives, she clawed her way up from the depths of grief and, in her words, set out to “find her way back to Becky again”.