In this episode, we take you on a journey along the Normandy Way, the newest addition to the Waytrails collection. This 300km cycle loop through Normandy offers a deep dive into history, including visits to the iconic D-Day beaches, and historic towns like Carentan, Bayeux, and Caen.

But here’s the twist: Rory, Kim, and the Waytrails team decided to take on the entire 300km route in a single, non-stop ride—during what can only be described as a hurricane. Tune in for stories of adventure, resilience, and the highs and lows of the ride. You’ll hear what went right, what went wrong, and how cycling through one of history's most important landscapes can be a transformative experience.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in cycling, military history, or just the pure thrill of pushing limits in the face of adversity.

#NormandyWay #Waytrails #DdayBeaches #CyclingAdventure #NormandyCycle #HistoryByBike #OutdoorChallenge #DdayHistory #Caen #Carentan #Bayeux #CyclingThroughHistory #CyclingPodcast #BikeChallenge #PushYourLimits #AdventureCycling #WaytrailsAdventure #MilitaryHistory #ResilienceThroughCycling

Part 4 of 4 describing how to take on the Western Front Way, the 1000km trail the length of the First World War trench-lines, brought to you by Waytrails.

On this section we take you from Notre Dame de Lorette to Nieuwpoort Bad, the end is in sight. Belgium, Neuve Chapelle, the inspiration for the Western Front Way concept and some final thoughts of what to expect on this incomparable adventure.

Part 3 of 4 describing how to take on the Western Front Way, the 1000km trail the length of the First World War trench-lines, brought to you by Waytrails.

On this section we take you from Corbeny to Notre Dame de Lorette. The rivers section is a cracker, past the Armistice Carriage and hooking north towards the sea. The Somme, Albert, Arras, Vimy, a packed section for you to explore.

Part 2 of 4 describing how to take on the Western Front Way, the 1000km trail the length of the First World War trench-lines, brought to you by Waytrails.

Part 2 takes you from Pont-à-Mousson to Corbeny. Forests, hidden tombs and Verdun awaits.

You asked, we answered.

Part 1 of 4 describing how to take on the Western Front Way, the 1000km trail the length of the First World War trench-lines, brought to you by Waytrails.

We start in at the southern most point, by KM0, and take you north highlighting some of the amazing things you'll see, how to prepare and things to look out for. Enjoy and see you on the trails.

A different style for this pod and a great start to the new year. We dive deep into pilgrimage, its origins and its resonance and what it means with particular focus on the American involvement in the First World War. Heather is a world leader on this subject and it was a delight to chat.

Heather's bio is impressive to say the least; Heather A. Warfield is a professor in the School of Counseling, Psychology & Therapy at Antioch University. Dr. Warfield’s research is broadly aimed at exploring the psychological and therapeutic dimensions of pilgrimage journeys. Over the past several years, her investigative focus has narrowed to the historical and contemporary pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I. During academic year 2022-2023, she was a Fulbright Research Scholar at the Université de Lille where her research examined post-WWI pilgrimages to Belleau, France (book forthcoming in 2025). Prof. Warfield is the project director for the Yankee Division Virtual Pilgrimage and an affiliated researcher of the Institut de Recherches Historiques de Septentrion at the Université de Lille. She is also the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang Oxford). Earlier in 2023, her book Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Direction was published.  

For our final episode of the year, we’re joined by Peter Fiennes, one of today’s finest authors. In this conversation, Peter shares insights into his remarkable body of work, revealing how he draws inspiration from place and landscape. He also opens up about his extraordinary personal connection to the Western Front and how it has shaped his writing.

A joy to talk to, Peter’s passion for history, nature, and storytelling shines through in this episode. All of Peter's works are available through Oneworld Publications, and we highly recommend checking them out for an immersive literary journey.

#PeterFiennes #AuthorInterview #LiteraryInspiration #WesternFront #WWIHistory #BookLovers #HistoricalWriting #Storytelling #OneworldPublications #WritingPodcast #PlaceAndWriting #LiteraryJourney #WesternFrontConnection #EndOfYearPodcast #HistoryAndLiterature #InspirationThroughPlace

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Isitt, who stumbled upon the forgotten story of a 1919 epic bike race through the battlefields of Europe—an incredible piece of history that’s been largely lost to time. Intrigued by this hidden gem, Tom set out to uncover everything he could about the race and its route, even riding it himself. His fascinating journey and research are brought to life in his brilliant book, Riding the Zone Rouge—a must-read for history buffs and cycling enthusiasts alike.

Tom shares his experience researching and riding the route, his insights into the Italian Front, and why he believes a bike is the perfect way to connect with the trails of history. From lost stories to personal adventures, this episode is a fascinating look into how cycling can bring history alive.

#RidingTheZoneRouge #BikeHistory #ZoneRouge #BikeRace #ItalianFront #WWIHistory #CyclingThroughHistory #LostHistory #BikeAdventure #WWI #CommemorationJourney #HistoryAndCycling #HistoricalResearch #CyclingPodcast #OutdoorAdventure #WW1BikeRace #ExploreByBike

Just one week ago, Kev shattered the fastest known time on the Western Front Way trails—an incredible achievement that speaks to his endurance, determination, and passion for pushing boundaries. In this episode, Kev shares his extraordinary story, revealing why he took on the trail, what motivated him to break records, and how seizing the moment is key to living life to the fullest.

It was a real pleasure interviewing Kev, whose energy and mindset are truly inspiring. Whether you're into adventure, endurance challenges, or simply need a dose of motivation, this episode is a must-listen.

#WesternFrontWay #FKT #EnduranceChallenge #AdventurePodcast #PushYourLimits #RecordBreaker #OutdoorAdventure #WFWTrail #SeizeTheMoment #CyclingChallenge #RunningForHistory #AdventureMotivation #FastestKnownTime #TrailRunning #HistoryAndAdventure #WFW2024 #CyclingForCharity #CommemorationJourney

In this episode, we sit down with Billy Perham, who served with the British Armed Forces for over 30 years, including deployments to some of the most dangerous places on Earth. Billy’s career as a Royal Marines Commando taught him invaluable lessons in resilience, leadership, and discipline—values that continue to guide him today.

Billy shares how he plans to apply these principles when he takes on the Western Front Way bike trail—a 1000km challenge that will push him to his limits. Alongside fellow riders, Billy is raising funds for the Lewis Moody Foundation, supporting individuals and families affected by brain tumours.

This conversation is packed with insights on resilience, military life, and why the Western Front Way is such a meaningful challenge for Billy. It’s a fantastic listen and a must-hear for anyone interested in adventure, military history, and charitable causes.

#WesternFrontWay #RoyalMarines #LewisMoodyFoundation #CharityRide #BikeChallenge #MilitaryResilience #AdventureCycling #SupportBrainTumourResearch #FundraisingForACause #VeteranStories #BikeTrail #WFW1000 #Commemoration #MilitaryLife #BrainTumourAwareness #OutdoorAdventure #CyclingForCharity