‘I DIDN’T KNOW HOW STRONG I WAS’

Heather Miller, 50, lives in Streatley, Berkshire, with her husband James, 54, and their children Jay, 14, and Toby, 12.

With my 50th birthday approaching, friends asked whether I was having a party. But I didn’t want one. I wanted to travel and challenge myself. I’ve always enjoyed cycling, so when my old university friend Suzie recommended a Korean drama, that led me to suggesting we cycle across South Korea.

My husband was enthusiastic about the idea. Caring for elderly relatives, our two kids and running my online shop, The Artisan Tree, I’m one of the sandwich generation, which made doing something for myself all the more important.

Suzie and I chose the most well-known cycle path, which runs 614km from Seoul in the north to Busan in the south. It follows an ancient trading path along the Han River before twisting through mountains, sleepy villages and rural farming communities. We cycled past persimmon orchards and paddy fields, and ate local cuisine, and everyone we met was so friendly and helpful.

I’m not particularly fit and I don’t have a fancy bike, but most days we clocked an incredible 100km. I never knew how strong I was until now, both physically and mentally.

Coping with navigating a new country without Google maps or any English signposts, my confidence soared. I’m now convinced that every adventure opens the door to the next. And I’ve got my eye on a canoe and wild-camping expedition in Sweden.

I want to show that women are capable of anything they set their mind to.

✱ Follow Heather on Instagram @hethgoesbiking

‘Women are capable of anything’