Kom-Emine hike, Bulgaria
Hi, I’m Kylie, and in 2026 I’ll be hiking approximately 650 km across Bulgaria, from East to West, on the legendary Kom-Emine trail.
This is the longest hiking trail in Bulgaria, taking you across the country via the Balkan range (Stara Planina, ie Old Mountain). It apparently takes around 21 days to walk, but obviously that depends on fitness levels and willingness to endure the longer daily kilometers. The elements also play a big role – the Balkan Mountains are known for the rapid changes of weather conditions and unrelenting summer storms that could make it impossible to move forward.
How did this all come about, you might ask!
Well, when my lovely friend Jane asked me to join her as a way to celebrate her milestone birthday, I jumped at the chance.
We both like to challenge ourselves by pushing our limits, stepping outside our comfort zones, and not taking no as an answer. We also wanted a way to give back to a country that has given us so much.
Why We’re Hiking
Hiking has always been my escape and my reset. It connects me to nature and to myself. It grounds me, eases my stress, and strengthens my overall well-being. And Bulgaria is a hiking paradise!
But this journey is about more than just me.
Jane and I want to use this trek as an opportunity to support a cause that’s close to our hearts.
We’re raising awareness and funds for the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation, an incredible organisation dedicated to protecting Bulgaria’s natural heritage – conserving ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and empowering local communities.
A Twist on Tradition
There’s a special tradition for Kom-Emine hikers: they take a small pebble from Kom Peak and carry it across Bulgaria to Cape Emine, where they toss it into the sea.
We’re flipping the tradition!
Instead of taking from Kom, we’ll start our hike from Cape Emine on the Black Sea, where we will pick up a pebble from the beach. We’ll carry it across Bulgaria to replenish the stock at Kom Peak. This small symbolic gesture will remind us that life is a balance and we should give back and not just take.
The Journey Before the Journey
This adventure is also not just about walking a long long way in the mountains! Over the next 12 months, I need to get stronger. Physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The planning will of course be about logistics. However, part of the planning is also about the training to build the physical strength and endurance needed for this journey. It’s also not just our bodies that will be tested. I’ve no doubt that this hike will be a mental challenge!
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. The doubts creep in from time to time: Can I really do this? Am I strong enough? What if I fail and let Jane down?
The moment we announced this challenge, a friend told me how “brave” she thought I was, and instead of feeling proud, I felt fear. Real imposter syndrome kicked it!
But here’s the thing – I won’t let that fear stop me. This is about proving to myself (and maybe even inspiring others) that we are capable of more than we think.
I hope this challenge will show me that I can overcome obstacles and ultimately take pride in the achievement.
How You Can Be Part of This
We want this journey to be bigger than just the two of us. Here’s how you can help:
✅ Follow & Share – Help spread the word on social media: @walk4wild on Instagram. Your words of encouragement mean everything!
✅ Donate – Every contribution, no matter how big or small, supports Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation’s mission to protect Bulgaria’s nature.
Follow the Adventure
We’ll be sharing everything – the training, the struggles, the laughs, and the people we meet along the way. This is a journey for nature, for adventure, and for the preservation of Bulgarian nature.
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