Gutsy Girls - Brighton

Step off the beaten path and trek through some of the Balkan’s most stunning scenery with our six day guided hiking holiday in North Macedonia.

This trip is for active women ready for a challenge, whether you're new to mountain hiking or looking to explore somewhere totally off the beaten path. You'll trek through two stunning National Parks, climb to panoramic summits and discover hidden waterfalls with expert local guides. Off the trails you'll share delicious Balkan feasts, take spa sessions with mountain views, and laugh with a group of like-minded women.

Why North Macedonia for Hiking?

• Underrated wilderness - Trek through one of Europe's hidden gems before everyone else finds it, with untouched trails and authentic Balkan culture
• National Park access - Visit Mavrovo and Sharr Mountains National Parks, home to over 2500 species of wildlife, plants and dramatic peaks
• Proper mountain challenges - Four consecutive days covering 14-16km, with climbs up to 1100m across rocky, varied terrain
• Spa hotel recovery base - Return each evening to a hotel with spa facilities, swimming pool and mountain views

Highlights:

• Five days of guided hiking - Daily treks through remote landscapes with experienced mountain guides
• One day exploring Skopje - discover North Macedonia’s eclectic capital city
• Medenica Peak - Summit the highest peak in the Bistra mountains at 2165m for amazing views of Shar Mountain and Korab
• Delicious Balkan cuisine - Farm-to-table dinners, BBQ nights, homemade pies, organic cheese and local wines

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is rated moderate to difficult. You'll hike up to 16km daily for four consecutive days across varying terrain, covering rocky paths with climbs up to 1100m. A good level of fitness is essential, along with confidence on uneven, sometimes exposed ground.

No prior mountain experience needed, but you'll need strong legs for the uphill sections and stamina for full days on the move. If you're ready to tackle proper mountain trails, push yourself physically and explore wild landscapes, this is for you.

📍 Location
North Macedonia is finally stepping into the tourism limelight. Tucked away in the Balkans, our trip takes in awe-inspiring scenery, untouched ancient villages and crystal clear lakes. You'll visit two of North Macedonia's four National Parks - Mavrovo and Sharr Mountains - filled with sweeping mountains, wildlife and views for days. Base yourself in Popova Shapka for four nights after starting in Skopje, the vibrant capital.

🛏️ Accommodation
Stay in two hotels, each with its own Balkan charm. Start with one night in a boutique hotel right in the heart of Skopje, then spend four nights in Popova Shapka where you'll have access to spa facilities, a swimming pool and stunning mountain views to ease those post-hike legs.

Price
Twin Room: £1050 (approx. €1205 / $1420)
Private Room: £1250 (approx. €1430 / $1690)

What's Included

• 5 nights accommodation in hotels
• 5 days of guided hiking in two National Parks
• All meals: buffet breakfasts, packed lunches, dinners at local restaurants and hotel
• 4 nights spa access
• Fixed-time group airport transfers
• Experienced mountain guide
• Gutsy Girls host

Join Gutsy Girls for a seven night SUP and Yoga Adventure in Sardinia, an active escape where crystal clear waters, rugged coastal trails and Mediterranean wilderness set the stage for your ultimate paddleboarding challenge.

This trip is for women of all levels, whether you've never stood on a SUP board before or you're ready to tackle new coastlines and different views. You'll paddle through sea caves, explore hidden beaches, hike to remote viewpoints and test your limits on a Via Ferrata, all with expert local guides. Off the water, you'll feast on Sardinian slow food, learn to make fresh pasta with local nonnas, and share wine tastings and laughs with an active group of like-minded women, creating memories that go far beyond the paddle.

Why Sardinia for SUP?

• Pristine waters - Paddle the unspoiled Sardinian west coast, where crystal clear Mediterranean waters meet secluded bays, sea caves and beaches you'll have mostly to yourselves
• River and sea paddling - Six days covering 5-9km sessions on both coastal waters and the River Temo, Sardinia's only navigable river, weaving through countryside and farmland
• Beginner friendly - No SUP experience needed. Expert instructors will get you up and paddling in no time, with skills training and plenty of breaks to soak in the views.
• Medieval base - Return each evening to Bosa, one of Italy's most picturesque towns, with pastel houses stacked along the riverbank and cobblestone streets to explore.

Highlights:

• Six days of guided adventures: Daily SUP sessions exploring dramatic coastlines, plus coastal hikes, Via Ferrata, yoga and cultural experiences led by local experts
• Sea cave exploration: Weave through ancient grottos carved by Mediterranean waves, navigate to hidden beaches cut off by cliffs, and discover spots only accessible from the water
• River Temo paddle: Journey down Sardinia's only navigable river at an easy pace, meandering through countryside with stops for wild swimming
• Via Ferrata della Regina: Scale 2km of exposed cliff face using steel cables, ladders and foot holds, with Lake Temo plunging far below. No climbing experience required
• Griffon vulture hike: Trek into perfectly preserved wilderness to find one of the last remaining colonies of these rare giant birds
• Daily yoga practice: Three Vinyasa-based classes at a riverside studio to stretch tired muscles, improve flexibility and help you recover between adventure days
• Traditional Sardinian cuisine: Make pasta with Sardinian grandmothers, try wine tasting in ancient rock caves sampling Malvasia di Bosa DOC, and eat authentic restaurant meals featuring locally grown specialties.

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is rated moderate. You'll be active for 4-5 hours daily, paddling between 5km and 9km in hot weather with substantial sun exposure. Six days of back-to-back activities means you'll need good fitness and stamina to keep going. The Via Ferrata requires a head for heights but no climbing skills.

No prior SUP or yoga experience needed, but pack a positive attitude and decent fitness. Regular cardio and weekend activities will prepare you well. If you're ready to try a new summer sport, push yourself on the water, and explore stunning locations, this is for you.

📍 Location
Sardinia's west coast stretches along the Mediterranean with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, secluded bays and protected wilderness. Base yourself in Bosa, a medieval town stacked along the River Temo where pastel houses, cobblestone streets and lively piazzas are watched over by Malaspina Castle from its location on the hillside above.

🛏️ Accommodation
Stay in Bosa Queen House, a charming family-run three-star hotel in the heart of the old town. Light, airy rooms with air conditioning and wifi provide the perfect sanctuary for recovery between adventure days. Unwind on the rooftop terrace with the group, taking in views over the medieval town as the sun sets over the river.

Price
June, October & 4-11 July
Twin Room: £2200 (approx. €2515 / $2915)
Private Room: £2500 (approx. €2855 / $3310)

All Other Dates
Twin Room: £2300 (approx. €2630 / $3045)
Private Room: £2600 (approx. €2970 / $3440)

What's Included

• 7 nights in 3-star hotel
• All meals: daily breakfast, lunches and dinners with drinks
• 6 days of guided SUP tours with top quality board and equipment
• 5 yoga classes at riverside studio
• Guided coastal hikes
• Via Ferrata experience with all safety equipment
• Wine tasting in ancient caves
• Evening boat cruise with local wine
• Pasta-making workshop
• Fantastic local guides and Gutsy Girls host
• Fixed-time group airport transfers from Olbia

Join Gutsy Girls for a seven-day via ferrata adventure in Italy's Brenta Dolomites, where jagged limestone spires, sheer mountain faces, and the legendary Bocchette Way set the stage for one of the most iconic and challenging alpine traverses in Europe.

This trip is for women who want to do more than hike to a summit and back down. Over five days you'll clip into metal cables, climb iron ladders and cross narrow ledges to move through the entire Brenta mountain range from north to south. You'll spend nights in traditional Italian mountain huts, eat hearty alpine food, and wake up each morning knowing the day ahead is going to demand everything you've got. Five days, four routes, one legendary traverse.

Why the Brenta Dolomites for Via Ferrata?

• The Bocchette Way is on every adventurer's list - A linked series of secured routes running right across the Brenta mountains from north to south, using natural ridges and eroded alcoves to take you places a normal hiking route never could. The exposure is real and sustained, but the views are relentless.
• Fewer crowds, same dramatic peaks - Tucked to the west of the main Dolomite range, the Brenta Dolomites give you that iconic jagged skyline without the tourist traffic that comes with it.
• History in every handhold - Via ferrata rose to prominence during World War 1 as a way to move troops across the borders of Austria and Italy. The iron pegs and ladders you'll use are part of that legacy.
• Hut life done right - Four nights in traditional Italian rifugios mean shared dorms, big dinners, and the kind of easy camaraderie that comes from a long day on the mountain together.

Highlights:

• Sosat Route - Your first via ferrata. Long metal ladders and iron pegs carry you up the eastern side of the Brenta Group. The warm-up act, but no pushover.
• Brentari Route - A high-altitude traverse along ledges and scree on the south face of Cima Tosa, before descending toward the Ambiez Glacier to your rifugio for the night.
• Bocchette Centrali - The most famous stretch of the whole route. High exposure, aerial passages, and the moment you pass beneath Campanil Basso, one of the most striking rock towers in the Alps.
• Bocchette Alte - The hardest day. Vertical ladders, long exposed ledges, and the Scala degli Amici, a 30-metre ladder that takes you to Spallone dei Massodi, the highest point of the entire traverse. Finish with a cable car descent and a celebratory dinner, hot shower, and sauna back at the hotel.
• Aquagardens send-off: On departure day, head to Italy's biggest thermal park for a final soak before the airport. The best way to end a week.

🔥 Difficulty Level
This trip is rated challenging. A via ferrata week is hard work from the first day to the last. You'll be using your arms and upper body continuously, navigating exposed terrain with real drops for three to four hours each day, and doing it across five consecutive active days with ascents of between 700m and 1,000m.

For three of the four via ferrata days you'll also be carrying everything you need for the night ahead. If you regularly hike with real ascents, run, or train consistently, you're in the right territory. If you're even remotely scared of heights, this is not the trip for you.

📍 Location
You’ll be based in the Brenta Dolomites, in the Trentino region of northern Italy. Jagged limestone spires, mountain rifugios, and one of the most complete via ferrata systems in the world. You'll fly into Verona, transfer to an upmarket alpine town for night one, and then spend the rest of the week in the mountains.

🛏️ Accommodation
Two nights (arrival and departure) in a comfortable three-star hotel with twin rooms, hot showers, a small wellness centre, and a restaurant. Four nights in traditional Italian mountain rifugios: shared dormitories, hearty prepared meals, and communal spaces shared with other adventurers on the route. Excellent for swapping stories. Not ideal for very light sleepers (or just pack ear plugs!)

Price
Twin Room Ensuite £2300 (approx. €2640 / $3105)
Private Room Ensuite £2400 (approx. €2754 / $3240)

What's Included

• 6 nights accommodation - 2 nights in 3-star hotel, 4 nights in mountain rifugios (shared dormitory)
• All meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches on the trails, and 6 dinners
• English-speaking mountain guide throughout
• Via ferrata equipment hire: harness, helmet, and ferrata set
• Ticket to Aquagardens thermal area (towel and robe included)
• Daily transfers to and from the trailhead
• Return private transfer from Verona Airport
• Gutsy Girls host throughout

🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £95 to secure your spot 🎟

Ready to ditch the daily grind for a day of fresh air, calm waters, and brilliant company? Join us for a fully guided, women-only paddleboarding adventure along one of Surrey's most scenic and peaceful waterways!

Whether you've never stepped on a paddleboard before or you're looking for a beautiful new route to explore, this relaxed downstream journey is the perfect way to get out in nature, build confidence on the water, and spend a day with like-minded women.

🌿 The Paddle

📍 Godalming to Guildford, River Wey
We kick off in the charming market town of Godalming, just 40 minutes from London Waterloo by train. After a warm welcome and a coaching session from our expert instructor, we'll set off on a 9km downstream paddle towards Guildford. Expect gorgeous scenery all the way: historic locks, open meadows, weeping willows, and sweeping views of the Surrey Hills.

🧺 Midway Picnic Stop
We'll pull over at a beautiful spot along the riverbank to take breaks, breathe it all in, and enjoy a packed lunch together (please bring your own!).

🏡 Finish at Dapdune Wharf
Our adventure wraps up at the historic Dapdune Wharf in Guildford, a stunning National Trust site complete with a tearoom, toilet facilities, and an easy landing area. Guildford train station is just a short stroll away if you're heading home, or stick around and explore the town!

✨ Why Join Us?
✔ Fully guided paddle - just show up and enjoy the ride
✔ Women-only event - make friends and meet like minded adventurers
✔ Beginner friendly - expert coaching and all equipment included
✔ A bag transfer service - paddle without the load
✔ Escape the everyday - find your flow on the water

📅 Limited Spots Available, Reserve Yours Now!