Crossing into your fifties isn’t the end of adventure; it can be the very beginning. Hiking later in life brings strength, joy, and a new perspective on what it means to keep moving forward. But sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. That’s where stories and lived experiences come in. I’ve written two books that serve as both inspiration and practical guides for women looking to step onto the trail: Gap Year Girl and The Twenty. These hiking books for women over 50 are rooted in real journeys, real challenges, and real triumphs.

Discovering Adventure with Gap Year Girl

My first book, Gap Year Girl: A Baby Boomer Adventure Across 21 Countries, is not about hiking trails but about a year of exploration, reinvention, and courage. My husband and I left behind our daily routines to journey across Europe for an entire year. For women over fifty, this story resonates because

it shows that starting fresh is always possible. It’s a reminder that adventures aren’t just for the young; they’re for anyone willing to leap.

Reading this memoir, many women have told me they found encouragement to carve out time for themselves, whether on a local walking path or a long-awaited international trek. It’s about seeing yourself not only as a caretaker and professional but also as an explorer.

Embracing the Trail with The Twenty

My second book, The Twenty: One Woman’s Trek Across Corsica on the GR20, is a true hiking memoir. My husband and I set out to celebrate our sixtieth birthdays by tackling the GR20 in Corsica, often called Europe’s toughest long-distance footpath. Over 124 rugged miles, we faced exhaustion, self-doubt, and the realities of aging. But along with the challenges came joy, resilience, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

This book doesn’t just chronicle a trail; it reveals what happens when you test your limits and find new strength within yourself. For women considering their own journey, The Twenty becomes more than a story. It’s proof that you can step into bold challenges, even past midlife, and come out stronger for it. It’s my personal contribution to the growing genre of long distance Europe hiking book stories that celebrate not just landscapes, but the human spirit.

Why My Books Can Guide Your Path?

If you’re standing at the threshold, wondering if it’s too late to start hiking, my books can serve as a gentle push forward. They blend practical insights with emotional honesty, showing the realities of taking on big adventures later in life.

  • Gap Year Girl shows that reinvention is possible at any age.
  • The Twenty proves that even Europe’s toughest trails can be conquered with determination and heart.

Together, they act as companions on your journey, stories that mirror your doubts but also light the way forward. That’s the power of hiking books for women over 50: they remind us that age doesn’t limit us. It deepens the meaning of every step.

Let’s Embrace Life

If you’ve been dreaming of adventure but hesitating to begin, let my stories guide you. Start by reading, then take that first walk, however small. Hiking has no expiration date, and the rewards are immeasurable. Let’s embrace this season of life with open trails, open hearts, and the courage to keep going.

So, grab a copy of Gap Year Girl or The Twenty, and let your own adventure begin.

FAQs

  1. Why are your books especially helpful for women over 50?

Because they share real experiences of embracing change and challenge later in life, showing that new adventures are always within reach.

  1. Do I need to be an experienced hiker to connect with The Twenty?

Not at all. The story is as much about personal growth as it is about trials. Even casual walkers will find it relatable.

  1. How does Gap Year Girl connect to hiking?

While not a hiking memoir, it does cover the trekking my husband and I did in Spain, Switzerland, as well as the Tour du Mont Blanc (tmb) in France, Italy, and Switzerland. It also highlights reinvention and exploration, key mindsets that inspire women to step outdoors and embrace new challenges.

  1. What makes The Twenty different from other hiking books?

It blends the physical demands of Europe’s toughest trail with themes of aging, resilience, and partnership, offering both adventure and reflection.

  1. What’s the main takeaway from your stories?

It’s never too late to set out, redefine yourself, and find joy in the journey, whether it’s a neighborhood walk or a trek across Corsica.