Hiking the Great North Walk - Episode 1 [GNSWT-1]

[@russellmoore1533]

I walked this track solo in Sept 2018, from Sydney to Newcastle at age 66, it was my first long solo walk. The hills were a killer both up and down, especially the descent down into Heaton's Gap late in the afternoon and early evening in the dark! I stayed at the motel there, and bought all the left over hot food the servo had... My pack weight varied from 12kg to 15kg depending on how much water and food I was carrying. I did have two food drops along the way that I had left on a drive up a week before the walk though. I was convinced that the people who put the walk together decided to go up every hill and down every valley that they could find. It took me just over 13 days at an average of 18kms a day. The memories will last me to my grave, it was well worth all the highs and lows, pun intended. Thanks for the video, it brought back so many memories.

[@Jaseinthewild]

Love it Russell - you're abosolutely right about the memories! So many moments that will live on forever.

[@TrailsTrailsTrails]

I've done lots of multi-day walks - that pack weight is insane! On the upside it shows how strong you are - I couldn't walk half the distance with that weight.

[@Jaseinthewild]

Yes it was far too heavy! But, it was my first experience, and a great learning experience. I wouldn't want to repeat that route, with that weight though haha.

[@ozlemguler4324]

I just found your video (I'm a late bloomer) and found it inspirational and helpful. I'm up to day 6 of your series. Well done and thankyou so much!

[@Jaseinthewild]

Thanks for the kind comment! It's been pretty neat for me too, watching these early experiences vs what I've learned since. Plenty of folks who will tell you the absolute 'what' & 'how' - but really, all you can do is try things yourself and make sure that you enjoy it - however you tackle it. You'll learn what works for you :)

[@kia3d]

Would be awesome if you share where to camp and all

[@Jaseinthewild]

In hindsight, I should have done a better job noting my stops, gear and such - but I was still very new to doing a trek like this :) Good thing is, the GNW is really well marked and documented, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding good info online.

[@kia3d]

I am getting inspired by people like you guys

[@craigpaul2902]

Inspirational, man. Read your piece on the we are adventurers site the other day then just happened to jag this vid. Yewww. Also liked how you made your own track to Taree. I wwould love to do that up here (Clarence valley to qld). Would be great to have a trail along the eastern part of Oz for hiking ( Not just the Bicentennial trail). Looking forward to watching the rest of your hike.

[@Jaseinthewild]

Cheers Craig! Yeah - this was such a cool experience and really kicked off my adventures - i'm still always keen for more. Challenge is squeezing that into the busy calendar of life! But, I usually get one solid adventure like this a year - which is plenty to be grateful for. Looking forward to 2023 :D

[@yahooblabberloo2811]

Bro that axe!! Can't be worth the weight.

[@Jaseinthewild]

It was actually pretty handy since i didn't take a stove and prepped fires for my evening meals. But it was a one time deal. Also, it's a vey light axe, but most importantly, as a new thru-hiker at the time, it made me feel badass and if you can't have a little fun, then you're doing it wrong ;)

[@thajafsal]

Oh goodness! This is insane.Watched all your episodes. Well done. I am a 2 times Oxfam trailwalker (100km in Sydney). I have some confidence in doing this, however, I know its just super tough and need extensive planning. Do you mind giving me some details (that I am so bad at planning + reading books to know the details of the trail) or getting in touch with you to know trail specific details (camping sites, number of sections, obvious points where we can lose the trail etc)

[@Jaseinthewild]

Sorry for the slow reply (super slow). The Great North walk is a good one becuase there's ample resources to lean on and the track is well marked. My best advice, just get out there and give it a go. I made plenty of mistakes and took too much gear - but that helped me learn. If you worry too much about the opinion of others you'll never get your boots on the track. So long as you have PLB (personal locator beacon), tell friends & family your route and expected arrival times (roughly) and ensure you have a method to check in regularly then you can't go too far wrong - or at worst you can call in support.

[@ruby.j.cornish]

How'd you find it going in the opposite direction to what the guide book says?

[@Jaseinthewild]

Without having the alternate to compare it against - fine :) I preferred to end in Sydney given that's home. It was a nice way to end! But no doubt the track is an awesome experience in any direction.

[@ruby.j.cornish]

@@Jaseinthewild sweet. and it wasn’t too confusing to follow the directions backwards? I really want to finish up in sydney too because it feels nice to walk in the direction of home :)

[@Jaseinthewild]

@@ruby.j.cornish nah it was very easy 😊 As always, just have some physical or off-line maps in case you lose your way / signal 😊

[@shaunminehan]

Hi - awesome vid. Q - was is well signed? Seriously want to go but done want a walk where I’m staring at a smartphone all day. Hoping you say yes...

[@Jaseinthewild]

Hey, the GNW is well signed. Good to have offline maps to refer to of course, but for the most part it's pretty clear :)

[@reallyfurious]

You gotta touch the obelisk then when you reach the finish line touch the Sydney obelisk.

[@reallyfurious]

I'm planning on doing the GNW again N to S and looking for a decent camping site on night 1 near Swansea. Last time I camped next to a tennis court near the caravan park which sucked. Anyone know a better spot for this location?

[@TheMoMoBigGC]

Can you link me your map please trying to get good info for my trip

[@TheMoMoBigGC]

Gps file if you have one. Would really appreciate it man