Gap Year Walking Adventures and Self Selected Independent Experiences

In August of 2014 shortly after graduating High school. I set off on my very first trip to the United Kingdom. My trip began with a 10-day Pilgrimage with Trek epic starting in London and heading up through the Northumberland region of the UK that borders Scotland to the North and the North sea to the east. These Pilgrimages are specially designed for you to disconnect from the rest of the world and discover what truly makes you special inside and how you can use that gift i to benefit others in your day-to-day life. For the most part you live like a local we stayed in hostels not Hotels and we enjoyed the local foods of each destination we visited. Which is also what I think makes Trek epic a fun and memorable experience for all.

I did the Pembrokeshire coast trek with Trek Epic and it was an amazing experience. I think what makes Trek Epic unique is their emphasis on learning about both yourself and others. I was able to meet some really awesome people through my trek with them. Everything was well organized and each of our stops was interesting and unique. Our guides did an excellent job of keeping everyone engaged and on schedule. One thing that also stood out to me about Trek Epic is that things never felt rushed. We were on a schedule, but we were also able to take a lot of time to just explore and experience the amazing place we were in.

Trek Epic was recommended to me by a past trekker, fellow co-worker, and friend. The best advocate you can find for Trek Epic is someone who has done it!
My experience was more than I could have ever dreamed. I thrive outside of my comfort zone. I like meeting new people, and I love seeing new places. I also love to hike. All of these things surpassed my expectation. I was challenged and it felt good. I didn't have all the control, and that also felt good. I met people from different parts of the country, which reminded me that we are all the same at the core, and that we might not be all that different.
Our travel accommodations were excellent. Housing and food were excellent. The itinerary was laid out with just the right amount of vague-ness to still keep some mystery and thrill in the plan! I would highly recommend anyone, of any age, to take this opportunity up if its presents itself. Leaders were professional, and kind and thoughtful. I am so thankful I was able to experience TrekEpic. Thank you Bruce, Leslie and Andrew. I will keep my sharing my gift, if you all keep sharing yours!

I took part in the trek epic trek along the Pembrokeshire coast and it was a fantastic journey and experience. It's a great way for people to take a step back and reflect, irrespective of the stage they are in life. The route we took was very scenic and it's hard to now feel at peace during this journey. Andrew and Bruce are great and very helpful! They are always there to listen and guide.
I highly recommend this trek to anyone especially young adults who are unsure about future steps. This trek is not supposed to give you very concrete answers but it will definitely guide you in the right direction and give you an idea of where your values are. The other people on the trek are also great and you will meet some very interesting people and hear cool stories.

I have had the pleasure of completing two treks with Trek Epic, both of which were amazing experiences! My first Trek was Offa’s Dyke along the border of England and Wales. During this Trek I was going through an extremely difficult time in life and was lacking confidence and direction. This Trek allowed me to explore myself and my identity with the help of my peers and amazing leaders. Who would have thought just walking and thinking could be so so therapeutic?! I returned to the states knowing my life had purpose and value. I loved my first Trek so much I knew I had to do it again. I then completed the advance Trek through Tuscany, Italy. My life was more stable at this point so this Trek really allowed me to dig deeper into my life goals and ambitions. I truly believe a Trek can help any person who is at any point of their lives. Walking is so healing and being in such an amazing community in a forgein land allows so much growth. The leaders of these Treks are some of the most amazing people I know who truly care about guiding others. I recommend Trek Epic highly to anyone!

Trek Epic changed my life. I initially went on the trip hoping to gain some career advice at the same time take a travel opportunity. But I came out with so much more. This experience helps you tune in to your inner-self in a way that cannot be done amidst the noise of our busy lives. This trip is a chance to remove yourself from the chaos and be put in a place and community where you can truly feel empowered and connected to your real purpose. The process was incredible and has rewarded me in several ways. The greatest gift was to explore my inner self in a safe space (with a beautiful scenery!) amongst the most kind and affirming of people. Bruce and Andrew have become my forever mentors in all things career, relationships, and overall life. No matter what phase of life you are in, you can benefit from this experience--both physically and spiritually. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I cannot recommend it more highly!!

Trek epic is perfect for anyone looking to know themselves at a deeper level. What sets it apart from other programs of similar intent is the settings and nature of the journey. Theres an intrinsic connection to the act of walking with others that brings about self reflection and demands growth. Bruce and Andrew are extremely dedicated and selfless people. Thinking about their dynamic makes me smile.

Reflecting on my 2014 trip to Northumberland, England and 2015 trip to Sardinia, Italy, both feel like a dream. I remember feeling more comfortable with people I had met on those trips than people I’d known my whole life. If you want to understand your abilities and purpose further, while also seeing beautiful countryside, Trekepic is what you want. I wish they’d invite me back for another trip.

Having found the Trek Epic program via a Google search, I wasn't sure what to expect or how great of expectations to have for the experience. In reflecting upon my experience, I can now see the unique role Trek Epic filled in my life.

My first trek was the Northumberland Coast of England in August 2015, followed by participating in the Advanced Trek in Portugal and Spain on El Camino de Santiago in April of 2016. For me personally, Trek Epic came at a time of transitioning from fairly-established-independent-working-travel-loving young adult (hence a Google search was enough for me to go!) to now wife and mother (I got married 3 weeks after returning from the Advanced Trek)! The Core Gift process of Trek Epic brought clarity to my life's purpose, an understanding of how to best capitalize on my strengths and weaknesses, and a renewed zest for the magic of life!

Having experienced two treks in roughly an academic year's time, and experiencing these profound benefits, I believe ANY young adult would benefit greatly from the experience of participating in Trek Epic's Gap Year program. The guidance, networking, ideas, insight, and practical tips from the program's leaders are invaluable. The trek experience is fun, memorable, and a wonderfully effective way to help anyone release their mask and dig deeply into who they are and who they want to be! To follow a truly life-changing experience with year-long guidance and counsel for your life's direction is, again, invaluable for any young adult!!

I cannot stress enough my recommendation of this program! I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to participate in Trek Epic, and now enjoy watching the far-reaching impact the program has on the lives of others.