10/12/2025
My 2025 hut-to-hut hikes and long-distance treks ranked as a solo hiker in Europe.
This past season stretched my body, my confidence, and my relationship with the mountains. From Alpine routes in the Dolomites to wild valleys in Albania and boggy trails in Ireland, these are the multi-day hikes and thru-treks that defined my year.
Palaronda Trek, Dolomites — 6/10
Four days of pure full-body effort. Scrambling, climbing, balancing on exposed ledges—I was a mountain goat the entire time. The real challenge was the timing. I went opening weekend and there was still snow on the ground. I had to stay calm on icy sections and trust every step. It sharpened me. It also left lingering fatigue in my legs that followed me longer than I expected.
Theth to Valbonë Valley, Albania — 6/10
This trek marked our 13th wedding anniversary, and culturally, it was unforgettable. Two days based in Theth, learning about blood feuds, mountain life, and Albanian traditions with the most wonderful guide (hi .toska ). That part stayed with me. The heat, though, was brutal. The ascent drained what was left after Palaronda, and the summit crowds broke the magic. I don’t think my body had truly recovered yet—and it showed.
MADE Trek, Dolomites — 10/10
This one changed me. I didn’t just hike here—I felt deeply connected to Italy in ways I never expected. There are no neat words for what this trail gave me. Endless gratitude to the for helping unleash my curiosity and showing me this region through a different lens. This trek got me in my feelings, and I already know I need to finish it next year.
Donegal Way, Ireland — 9/10
If I were a beginner trekker, this is exactly where I’d start. But I’d go in with serious bog knowledge and every piece of waterproof gear imaginable. Wild, moody, grounding—and far more demanding than it looks.
Which one would you choose for 2026?
