INTO THE WILDERNESS - AAWT

I’m a Midlands based film student, in my final year of studying BA Media Production at the University of Northampton. I’ve had ambitions for many years to complete a personal challenge, and have decided, after graduating, to attempt a solo, long-range hike. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere in the UK that offers the remoteness that I’m looking for, so after extensive research, I’ve decided to attempt the Australian Alpine Walking Trail (AAWT).

 

The AAWT starts in Walhalla (150 miles east of Melbourne), and ends just outside Canberra. The track is roughly 400 miles (650km), and takes an average of 5-6 weeks to complete.

The AAWT is known for its mountainous terrain, involving steep climbs, descents, and hiking at altitudes of up to 2500m. It’s therefore important that I’m in the best possible physical condition before I go. Over the next year, I’ll be working primarily on cardio-vascular performance, with a little strength training, which I feel will put me in the best possible condition to attempt this arduous trail.

Currently, I’m planning to begin the trail in mid-October 2015, which means I should complete it around early December 2015. I’ve chosen this as it will be Spring, so the weather shouldn’t be too extreme, and also this gives me plenty of time to train.

I will be completing this challenging walk for charity, and have chosen to support Terence Higgins Trust (THT), who do fantastic work supporting those with HIV/AIDS. Click the logo on the left to find out more about the work that THT does. I will set up an online donations page nearer the time.