Marc James's Trek Across the Pyrenees

On June 24^th of this year, I set out on a walk across the Pyrenees called the GR11, starting from Irun, on the Spanish Atlantic coast; seven weeks and 850 km later, I finished my walk in Cap De Creus, on the Mediterranean coast.

Why do such a thing? Well, I had just retired from my job and celebrated my 60th birthday, which gave me the rare gift of time. I wanted space to reflect on the significant events of my life—to think about how they had moulded me, and to move forward lighter, freer, and more accepting of myself as I began the next chapter.

It also felt like the perfect opportunity to support a cause close to my heart. I’ve long admired the work Rekindle does, and given the mental health benefits of walking, nature, and fresh air, the organisation felt like a natural match for my journey.

Walking has always helped me think things through and is one of my ‘happy places’, but still, seven weeks alone was quite a daunting prospect so I invited friends and family to join me for a few days at different stages along the trail. Together we shared a rare time away from the daily grind, immersed in nature, when all you need to do is walk, eat, and sleep.

So, did the adventure go as planned? Absolutely! In fact, it exceeded every expectation. I strengthened bonds with people close to me, and made new friends along the way, cried tears of both joy and sadness, forgave myself for previous mistakes, and gave myself credit

for when my better self had prevailed. It was an emotional and rewarding journey. Nevertheless, I was still very glad to come home, back to the important people in my life, and yes, back to the comfort of a real bed!

Would I do it again? Maybe not for seven weeks in one go, but I’m determined to make space for a longish “walkabout” every year. It’s good for me, and because of that, it’s good for the people around me.