Hello, reader!
I know it's been a while... I hope you have been keeping well.
Life has been a bit full on recently, but that's mainly down to me going on some great adventures and planning for some exciting ones in the future. I've been hiking, camping, booking holidays, creating content, collaborating with brands, networking, helping friends to renovate their new homes, and I've even started a new fitness journey.
One of the biggest things I've been planning (which you may have already seen if you follow me on other social media platforms) is the international trek that I'm hosting next September.
I’m taking on the Carros de Foc Challenge, and I couldn’t be more excited (and slightly terrified, if I’m honest). This isn’t just any hike—it’s a 60km hut-to-hut trek through the Spanish Pyrenees, and is unlike anything I've ever done before!
Spoiler alert... You can come too!
All photos courtesy of Lagom Escapes
Taking a Leap of Faith (in Myself)
I'm a huge bucket list lover, and have kept a goals journal since January (although that reminds me, I haven't yet set September's goals and we're already on the 11th as I'm writing this- I told you I'd been busy!). At 26 years old, I've decided it's time I started to think about my '30 before 30' list, as there's no time like the present, and this trek is one of the boldest, most exciting items on it. It’s a chance to push myself physically and mentally, and to prove that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.
Since I've begun this journey of self-discovery and realised that there's so much more to life than just a relationship or career, I've been challenging myself to try new things, no matter how difficult they might be. In previous blog posts, I've touched on how I started hiking by going on little walks in my local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Cannock Chase, and how it's all developed from there. I also plan on writing about my first solo trip to Wiltshire, which was one of the first major steps I took outside of my comfort zone and into the great big world of adventure. The more things I've tried, the more I've fallen in love with overcoming challenges and setting myself goals for the future, so this trek is a natural progression from that.
If you'd have told me 3 years ago, fresh out of my breakup, that I'd soon be planning to co-host an international through-hike in the Spanish Pyrenees, I'd have laughed in your face! I never could have foreseen the journey I've been on thus far, sharing my progress on social media, making genuine friends and dare I say inspiring more people - especially women - to follow their hearts and say 'yes' to the wild things that call to them.
Why Carros de Foc?
Carros de Foc is Catalan for 'Chariots of Fire'.
It seems peculiar for this popular hike through the Aigüestortes National Park, which is well-known for being home to nearly 200 lakes, to be named 'Chariots of Fire'. I've tried searching for the reason why it's called this and the only conclusion I can arrive at is that it describes your calf muscles at the end of it all.
Some call this a trekking 'challenge' not just because it pushes your physical stamina, but because it's tradition to collect stamps from each of the 9 mountain huts (refugis) - which reminds me of collecting gold stars as a kid, but this is the extreme adventure version.
You stay in these huts at night (I'll be doing 4 nights, so 4 huts) and share dorms with fellow travellers, swapping stories and eating meals together.
"Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail"
Now, there's controversy online about who that quote came from - was it Benjamin Franklin or pastor H.K. Williams? I don't know, as I grew up hearing it from my Dad and I've since realised that it is, in fact, a very profound saying and does not always warrant an eye roll (sorry, Dad).
This trek is 60km with 4000m in elevation gain, and it goes without saying that I'm not a seasoned ultra-hiker or trekker. In fact, I've never done a hike abroad, let alone a trek where I have to carry all my supplies for survival on me. This means that I'm having to carve time out in my schedule to implement training and workouts.
I used to go to the gym years ago (sickening to think that was over 6 years ago) but I never really had a goal in mind and didn't really know what I was doing! Fast forward to now, and I'm 2 months into my PureGym membership and I've re-started Couch To 5K.
I’m now squeezing in two runs and two gym sessions a week. It’s not always easy, but it’s already making a huge difference. I’ve even got a time for a 5K run now (42 minutes, though I’ll admit, at least 25% of that is still walking—I’m building up my cardio very slowly and very steadily!).
The progress feels amazing. I’m stronger, more confident, and more excited than ever to take on this challenge.
It's also really helped my mental health as I thrive when I have a goal to work towards, and the post-workout endorphins are doing me the world of good. I'm looking forward to having a consistent routine over the winter months too, as I always find I struggle without a routine when the nights start drawing in.
All photos courtesy of Lagom Escapes
Fancy Joining Me?
As I eluded to earlier, you could actually come on this journey with me - and I don't just mean watching my progress on TikTok!
I’ve partnered with Lagom Escapes to offer this incredible experience to a small group of adventurers.
Alongside myself and Lagom Escapes' UIMLA International Mountain Leader, there is space for 10 go-getters to see the world from a new perspective, to make memories to last a lifetime and to smash their bucket list goals.
Whether you’re looking to tick off a bucket list adventure, take your first leap into international trekking, develop the plot of your Dad lore, or simply reconnect with nature and yourself—this is your sign.
Key Details:
- 5th - 11th September 2026
- Only 10 spaces available, so be quick!
- Flights not included
- A hotel stay is included the night before the trek and the night we complete (2 in total)
- Transfers from Barcelona airport included
- Deposits due before January 2026 - fill out your application form ASAP to avoid disappointment!
- Deposit is £230, Total Price is £925 - payment plans are available
- Co-hosted by me and a certified UIMLA International Mountain Leader
If this speaks to you, sign up here or message me directly on Instagram. I’d love to chat, answer questions, and help you decide if this is your next big adventure.
If not, I hope you're looking forward to following along as I share my preparation and experience on my social media channels - don't forget to follow if you're not already.
Happy adventuring,
Beck x
FYI I use affiliate links on my website that may generate revenue if you buy anything through them :)
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