In 2025, Karen Shamieh brought a vision to life with Wanderlust Trails — born from countless conversations with women yearning for a space that truly understands their unique needs in hiking and adventure.

With years of experience inspiring and guiding others through transformative challenges like Oxfam Trailwalker and Coastrek, Karen’s passion for women’s wellbeing and her love of the outdoors merged seamlessly.

Wanderlust Trails became more than a hiking company — it became a movement to build empowered communities of women who inspire, challenge, and uplift one another.

As our motto says, “Wander often, Wonder always”, Wanderlust Trails invites you to rediscover the beauty of nature, the strength of camaraderie, and the joy of adventure.

Our goal is to create adventures that can easily fit into the  hustle and bustle of daily life, offering an invigorating escape into the great outdoors without the need for grand expeditions.

These “mini-adventures” distil the essence of exploration and connection into concentrated, powerful experiences, much like capturing lightning in a bottle.

By embracing the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of like-minded women, our hikes provide the perfect opportunity to recharge, find clarity, and relieve the mental stresses of everyday life.

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or new to outdoor exploration, our carefully designed journeys invite you to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, create meaningful connections, and rediscover the joy of the present moment.

Our adventures are like a spark to reignite your inner fire—a chance to step away from the everyday grind and feel truly alive. They’re compact bursts of motivation and connection, designed to awaken your sense of wonder, refresh your spirit, and recharge your mind through the beauty of nature and the camaraderie shared with like-minded adventurers.

Helen’s love of exploring and travelling shines through with every hike that she plans. With a knack for the quick break, she inspires others to discover unique experiences and hidden gems close to home.

Her thorough research ensures each hike combines great trails, scenic spots and the best food stops. Safety is always a priority for Helen, thanks to her background in risk management. This guarantees that every adventure is not only inspiring but also safe and well planned.

As an integral member of our team, Helen’s dedication and expertise enrich every journey, making each hike an enjoyable and well-thought-out experience.

Kay is an adventurer at heart. With an unquenchable thirst for exploration, she has travelled the world, immersing herself in the wonders of hiking and discovering breathtaking trails. Her strength, determination and love for the outdoors inspire everyone around her to embrace their own sense of adventure, while her quirky humour and fun-loving nature make every hike a truly memorable experience.

Beyond the trails, Kay channels her passion into her corporate career, where she is committed to empowering and uplifting women. She’s a strong advocate for creating opportunities that foster growth and development for women, both personally and professionally.

Whether she’s leading a hike, sharing a laugh, or championing women’s empowerment, Kay’s energy and dedication are unstoppable.