Rachel Hadley-Leonard and her partner Nick are preparing for an extraordinary thru-hike next year—a 2,025km (1258 mile) trek from Solihull, UK, to the historic Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This remarkable journey is not just about covering the distance; it’s about pushing physical and mental boundaries, raising funds for causes close to their hearts, and inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones.
The Inspiration Behind the 2,025km Challenge
Rachel and Nick’s decision to embark on their ambitious thru-hike is rooted in a deep-seated passion for long-distance trekking. Rachel, an experienced long-distance hiker, has previously tackled various long-distance trails, including the 630-mile South West Coast Path and the 226 km Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal. She reflects on their journey: “I’ve always wanted to complete the Santiago de Compostela Camino, but when Nick had the chance to take a three-month sabbatical from work, it seemed like the perfect opportunity, albeit a bit ambitious, to extend the Camino even further.”
The trek will start from Nick’s workplace in Solihull, UK, and will take them south to the coast of England. From there, they will traverse the entirety of France before joining the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in the Pyrenees at St. Jean Pied-de-Port. “We knew there was an ancient pilgrim route that began in Reading, where Nick went to school, so we decided to include that in our journey,” Rachel explains.
Anticipating the Challenges Ahead
Given their experience with the 630-mile South West Coast Path, Rachel and Nick anticipate several unique challenges on their thru-hike. Rachel reflects on the endurance required: “The determination and resilience needed to get up every day and hike, regardless of the weather, conditions, or terrain, is going to be our biggest challenge.” She recalls days on the South West Coast Path when relentless rain tested her limits, and they expect similar conditions on the West coast of France. “The weather is likely to be quite wet and windy,” she notes.
Another significant challenge will be carrying their own kit for every eventuality. “The physical demands of the trek are compounded by the need to be prepared for anything,” Rachel says. Additionally, they’ll join the renowned Camino de Santiago de Compostela after already walking for at least seven weeks. “By the time we reach the Camino, other hikers will be fresh to the challenge, while we’ll need to find the energy to continue for another five weeks,” she explains.
The journey will also take them through three seasons, adding complexity to their packing. “We’re starting at the end of winter in the UK, walking through spring in France, and ending in the height of summer in Spain,” Rachel describes. “Balancing gear for such varying weather conditions will be a challenge.”
There’s also the challenge of partnership. Rachel, who usually hikes alone, acknowledges that hiking as a team will require a new level of patience and compromise. “The challenge of walking together is not inconsiderable! In particular, I’m used to hiking alone—this could be very different, and patience will be required—on both sides!”
Both understand that tough days are inevitable, but they view the trek as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and are determined to cherish every moment, both the good and the challenging.
Preparing for the Three-Month Thru-Hike
Preparing for a three-month hike demands both physical conditioning and mental fortitude, and Rachel and Nick are taking their preparation seriously. Rachel, who already walks five miles a day before and after work, is now focusing on longer walks. “We’re trying to fit in at least one 12 to 15-mile walk each week,” she explains. Nick, who cycles 60 to 80 miles a week, is also upping his game. “We’re gradually increasing the frequency and duration of our walks and starting to carry small loads in our packs.”
As their departure date approaches, Rachel and Nick plan to ramp up their training further, aiming for back-to-back long walks and increasing their pack weights to their final targets—around 9kg for Nick and 6 to 7kg for Rachel. “Nick has started doing yoga to improve his flexibility, but this is proving a challenge!” Rachel shares. “I need to restart my 15-minute-a-day yoga program to build core strength as well, but that’s a work in progress.”
Both are also mindful of the pitfalls of over-training. “On my last long hike, I got shin splints three weeks before the trek due to over-training,” Rachel recalls. “So this time, we’re being extra cautious to strike the right balance between being fit and not overdoing it.”
Mentally, they’re preparing for the reality of life on the trail. “We need to accept that we won’t see our beds for three months and that our friends and family will be far away,” Rachel says. “We’ll have to compromise on many aspects of hiking together—walking styles, food preferences, and daily departure times.”
Hiking for a Cause: Supporting Help for Heroes and Médecins Sans Frontières
Raising funds for Help for Heroes and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a central aspect of Rachel and Nick's hiking challenge, and both have deeply personal reasons for supporting these charities. Nick has dedicated 30 years to working with the Cadets and has served as the Commanding Officer of Solihull School CCF since 2003. “Many members of the CCF have gone on to join the services,” he explains. “We felt it was important to support a military charity that helps veterans and their families.” Help for Heroes, he adds, addresses the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, offering support to those struggling with finding work, housing, and a sense of purpose.
Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, is another organisation close to their hearts. “MSF operates in over 70 countries, providing medical care in crisis zones and areas with chronic healthcare emergencies,” Rachel notes. “Given its French origins and our journey through France and Spain, we felt MSF would resonate with people we meet along the way.”
Beyond fundraising, Rachel and Nick have personal goals for their trek. Nick plans to share his experiences with students and cadets at his school upon his return. “I hope to inspire young people to embrace challenges that build resilience and life skills,” he says. Rachel, who has previously given talks about her hiking experiences, adds, “I really enjoy sharing my adventures and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones. I plan to continue this when I return next summer.”
Additionally, both Rachel and Nick are eager to improve their French during their journey through remote areas of France. “We know that English may not be widely spoken in some parts, so it’s a great opportunity to enhance our language skills,” Rachel says.
The Importance of Ultralight Gear
On one of her first early long treks, Rachel found herself carrying 12kg—double the recommended weight. As she explains, “The general rule is to carry no more than 10% of your body weight, and at around 60 kg, that means my pack should have been around 6kg!”.
Rachel has since refined her packing strategy, significantly reducing the weight of her gear by cutting out non-essential items and focusing on the lightest, most efficient options available. “I now use electronic kitchen scales to meticulously weigh and evaluate each item before it goes into my pack,” she says.
Fortunately, modern gear allows for a lighter load without compromising on quality or durability. “Today’s ultralight sleeping mats, sleeping bags, and tents, along with breathable wicking t-shirts and shorts, show that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to keep your pack light,” Rachel notes.
Packing for a three-month thru-hike requires a careful balance between ultralight gear and essential items, and Rachel has her strategy down to a science. “I always start with what I’ll wear day in and day out on the trek,” she explains. Waterproofs and boots are top priority because, as she puts it, “without the right functionality and fit, a three-month trek can become a miserable experience!”. Her wardrobe is pared down to the basics: one pair of walking shorts, one pair of trousers, two wicking tops, a fleece, and minimal underwear—one to wear and one to wash. She packs a lightweight change of clothes for the evenings and essential trekking sandals to give her feet a break and brave communal showers.
Rachel keeps her wash kit minimal and admits, “I’ve heard of people cutting toothbrushes in half, but I’m not that much of a purist.” Every item is carefully weighed, and if there’s a lighter, better alternative, it makes the cut. When it comes to shelter and sleeping gear, Rachel insists it must be warm, ultralight, and reliable.
Every item needs to earn its place in the backpack. For Rachel and Nick, the essentials are carefully chosen to ensure comfort and safety on the trail. Rachel never hits the trail without her stretch pro gloves, saying, “My hands get so cold.” Walking poles, earplugs (essential for noisy albergues in Spain), factor 50 face suncream, and her trusty, well-worn aluminium water bottles also make the cut. “I love them!” she says.
While staying light is the goal, they each allow themselves a little luxury. For Rachel, it’s lip balm. For Nick, it’s his head torch. “Not an absolute necessity,” Rachel admits, “but he can’t be without it.” These small items, though not strictly essential, add a touch of comfort and familiarity that make the long days on the trail a bit easier.
Rachel also vividly remembers the impact of gear choices on past hikes: “On my South West Coast Path hike, I compromised on a really decent waterproof and it was miserable.” This time, she’s committed to investing in high-quality, fit-for-purpose gear, understanding that the right equipment can make or break the experience.
Looking Up
When asked about the parts of their thru-hike they’re most looking forward to, Rachel and Nick each have their own highlights. For Rachel, walking along the coast in the Vendée region of France is a personal milestone. “My Instagram and podcast hashtag is ‘keepingtheseaontheright,’” she says, “and being near the sea for at least a quarter of the journey is really important to me.” The ocean provides a sense of comfort and direction.
For Nick, the most anticipated moment is finally reaching the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. “You see and hear about this final stage monument so often,” says Rachel, “and, of course, it will represent the very end of our hike. I’m sure it will be a very special moment.”
How to Follow Their Journey
Rachel and Nick are inviting everyone to follow their journey through Instagram at @keepingtheseaontheright and their podcast of the same name, which will relaunch on Spotify two weeks before they set off in mid-March. Supporters can also contribute to their fundraising efforts through their JustGiving page, which will be expanded to two pages nearer the trip start date.
As Rachel and Nick prepare to set off on this incredible journey, they remind us all of the power of resilience, the importance of giving back, and the joy of stepping outside our comfort zones. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Rachel says, “and we need to cherish every moment—good and not so good.”
Rachel and Nick will set off on their epic hike on April 4, 2025. If you’d like to support their journey through a donation, offer of accommodation en-route, or through providing essential kit, or simply help spread the word, please reach out to Rachel via email at rachelhadleyleonard@outlook.com.
For those interested in sharing your own story and raising funds and awareness for a community group, fundraiser, or cause, please contact Jessie from Backpacking Light.
