Camyll has just made Trails & Roots history as our first ever Camper to attend FIVE Trail Camps: Madeira, Chamonix, Slovenia, Cape Town and Georgia! Here, she shares how she went from an unsure first-timer to five-Camp veteran, the trails and people that keep her coming back, and why signing up for one Camp means you’ll probably end up planning your next five…

I first heard about Trails & Roots from Steph Wei, who is my ultimate trail running inspo. Her pictures from Trail Camp Chamonix were so gorgeous that I just knew I had to sign up.

I’m not going to lie though, when I arrived at my first Trail Camp in Madeira, I was freaked out!

Even though I vaguely knew some of the San Francisco crew, I was a little judgy of everyone at first. It was such a diverse and random group of people, so different from what I was used to. But I love that I surprised myself and became fast friends with everyone there, and I’ve kept in touch with most of them. That Camp really opened me up to so many wonderful people from around the world.

I was also worried about the vegan food, because vegan food in America typically sucks. Chef Lily changed my mind with the very first meal. I don’t even remember what it was, but with her it’s always phenomenal. (Editor’s note: it was Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas with Sunflower Sour cream, Scallion, and Coriander and for dessert: Banoffee Pie!)

Coming into Camp One, I was anxious about everything: the people, the food, the trails, whether or not I would be fast enough or fit enough to complete the week. By Camp five, I had no worries. I was able to just show up, excited for the week ahead.

So what keeps me coming Back?

THREE THINGS:

1) The people. Heather and the team are so great, and I’m glad to have scheduled time to see them every year since we don’t live nearby. I’ve met so many amazing Campers along the way, and I often see them at future Camps. I always look forward to the new people I’ll meet each time.

2) The trails. No explanation needed, just look at the pictures. Each Camp has felt super unique, but even if they weren’t, these are all trails I’d want to run again and again, trails I’d never find on my own.

3) The food. My body is never more nourished than the weeks I’m at Trail Camp, eating fresh, local, plant-based meals made with love and A LOT of effort.

Even after five Camps, I’m always surprised at how Heather comes up with new fun activities at each one, customising the experiences beyond the running to make each Camp uniquely different. Just because I’ve been to five Camps doesn’t mean I have any idea what we’ll do at the next one!

Every Camp is such a unique experience, in the same way each vacation you take is a unique memory. For me, the Trails & Roots style of travel is my ideal balance: being active, seeing beautiful, hidden, hard-to-reach places, cultural immersion, and relaxation.

These are all the things I want from my vacation time, and the fact that Trails & Roots offers so many destinations makes it a no-brainer to sign up whenever I can. The variety also means I can easily tack another trip onto the end and discover somewhere new!

As for highlight moments? Yoga is always a highlight, because someone always, inevitably, does something funny. I really enjoyed our movie night in Chamonix after hearing so much about Chalet Girl; I felt like the Europeans were sharing their culture with me. And how could I forget the time we got stuck on Table Mountain? Even the unexpected memories are good ones!

The biggest thing Trail Camp has taught me?

That my body is way more capable on trails than I ever thought it was. After my first Trail Camp, I gained the confidence to sign up for my first ultra. Trails & Roots shows you that trail running is really not as intimidating as it seems.

The food deserves its own mention. Taking away the taxing decision of having to think about feeding myself is a huge weight lifted from my shoulders that I never knew was there. On top of that, the food is guaranteed to be more delicious than what I might get in some restaurants, so it’s something I genuinely look forward to. Camp also strikes a good balance, feeding us so well while leaving time to experience the local cuisine too.

Quickfire Round!

Favourite Chef Lily/Greta trail snack? The raspberry tart at Trail Camp Georgia – a little messy to bring on the trail, but so refreshing!

Favourite Trail Camp run? Table Mountain, Cape Town.

Best non-running activity at Camp? The penguins in Cape Town, and the Lake Bled swim in Slovenia.

Most challenging Camp? Maybe Georgia, because I hadn’t trail run in four months. Or Chamonix, because of the vert!

One item you never come to Camp without? MY RAIN PANTS. Just kidding! I’d like to say my bucket hat, but it’s actually my Salomon vest; the only item that’s been to all five Camps with me.

The word you’d use to describe Trails & Roots to a stranger? Retreat.