Hi, I’m Karen, Founder of Stridely…

I’ve always been naturally curious about the world, and rarely says no to a travel idea. Over the years, that curiosity has led me across countries and continents, through mountain passes and coastal paths, on both self-guided adventures and organised expeditions. More recently, I’ve embarked on an international sports tour adventure, where travel and a sense of personal achievement have come together. To me this is a winning combination!

My background is in project management and product development - planning complex things and making them run smoothly, and turning ideas into real experiences. Previously, I spent several years delivering high-end concierge services to international clients: sourcing special places, arranging seamless itineraries, and always looking for that extra wow factor. I love finding just the right spot, the right activity, the little details that make people say, “That was unforgettable.”

Then life entered a new chapter…

I became a mum to two energetic, inquisitive children. As they reached their tweens (the in-between stage of childhood and adolescence) I went looking for trips we could genuinely share. Something more than a sun lounger and a kids’ club. I wanted adventures that were active, outdoors and real: hiking, exploring the natural environment and discovering new places together.

What I found was a gap.

There weren’t many options that spoke to both sides of our little team: a parent hungry for adventure, and a child ready to get a first real taste of adventure travel.

So in 2023, I started planning my own series of trips, designed to put my son and daughter (and, if I’m honest, me too!) through our paces. I wanted to see how far they could hike comfortably and still enjoy it, what would catch their interest along the way, and what kind of experiences would light up their curiosity. Above all, I wanted to fire up their wanderlust.

From those early family experiments, Stridely was born.

Stridely initially launched with a range of mini-adventure trips in the UK. Not once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list epics to far-flung places, but something more accessible and repeatable: small adventure trips that help you connect with the wild and reconnect with each other.

The idea is simple: adventure shouldn’t be limited to holidays. It should be possible to grab a weekend, pack a bag, and head off to see and do something different. A few days away, just enough to reset, recharge and remember what it feels like to explore.

In late 2025 Stridely launched a series of UK based Running weekends, with the same focus on short active breaks, to reset and see somewhere new. Our running trips now cater for seasoned runners and those starting out on their running adventure. Our walking trips followed soon after.

Today, our adventures cater to a wider variety of avid explorers - from curious tweens and teens to adults who have never lost their sense of wonder. Every trip is curated with the same goal in mind:

Short breaks, seeing and trying something new, with just the right mix of treat and trail – and a touch of wow factor.

That’s our story. We’d love to be part of your next adventure!