ActiveforAdventure

Had the fortune of being down south over the weekend which of course meant a trail opportunity along the spectacular Sapphire Coast. Wharf to Wharf from Merimbula to Tathra is a fabulous hike that delivers copious servings of natural beauty for 27km from yes, you guessed it Merimbula Wharf to Tathra wharf. Stretches of golden sandy beaches, forests of shaded melaleucas. The sound track includes tumbling ocean swells, the unique chatter of black cockatoos, bell minors in deep conversation, the odd rustle amongst the leaves (2 x monitors + 2 x red belly blacks in my case), lakeside lappings and depending on the winds, the woodwind orchestra beneath the swaying forest. There are a few logistics to consider for this hike.. It is a one way trip so a bit of a car shuffle is required (the drive between the two is 30mins). There are public busses also running. Check the tides at Back Lake, Bournda and Wallagoot. There are alternate routes available for all but can blow your distance out by an additional 10-12km. The hike around Wallagoot does require a short distance on a busy road but is doable with care. Highly recommend this hike for anyone looking for a one or two day escape to the south coast wonderland. Camping available on route, as are toilets and bbq areas. A very civilised weekend on trail can be had!

There’s nothing like escaping to the trails to recalibrate, re-centre and reflect. The Te Araroa trail in NZ offers the full package. Running the full length of NZ from Bluff on the southern tip to Cape Reinga in the North, the 3000km journey draws in curious adventurers from around the globe, connected by a common purpose, each with their own inner journey unfolding. It’s a privilege to feel small in the vastness and rawness of the diverse landscape on offer on the TA. Stage 1 took us from Bluff on the South Island, north bound to Lake Hawea, 500km from the southern tip. Terrain underfoot was as variable as the weather. The term ‘tramping’ increasingly featured in our vernacular as we navigated our way through forests akin to those harbouring hobbits in the Lord of the Rings, beaches that faded into the horizon, tussocks so high sunglasses were required to protect the eyes. Hopping across rivers, around cowpats, and as lightly as possible over water sodden valleys and plateaus, we danced our way up through the Longwoods, Woodlaw and the Takitimu mountains. A refuel and re stock in Te Anau propelled us back onto trail along the Mararoa River and Mavora Walkway. Nestled on the riverbank of North Mavora Lake was one of many huts that can be found on trail. Picturesque in the pastel hues of sunset, Carey’s Hut was home for the night, just us and one other NOBO (northbound) hiker we had fallen into rhythm with. Greenstone Valley offered up a blanket of yellow and orange broken by the snaking river and shaded by the surrounding mountains , complete with an unexpected allotment of cattle (managed by local tribes re-educating on sustainable farming and land management). Our final stretch took an unexpected turn with weather warnings keeping us off the Motatapu Track. They say every cloud has a silver lining. Staring skyward from the beach in Wanaka, there was no cloud to be found. Just a sense of calm (and perhaps a nagging thought of when we might be back to tackle the Motatapu and Stage 2). Feeling very grateful for the support and friendship that enabled a spectacular finish to 2025. If you made it to the end of this post, thank you : )

Gerringong to Kiama. Always a favourite. Add whales and a fur baby who loves to run and it’s a perfect morning on trail. 11km one way. Rolling hills, beach side rest breaks, views out to the horizon ☀️🐾❤️

It must be spring!! All within an hour drive of Sydney Harbour Bridge! It’s reported to be a big tick season this Summer.. count is at 1 thus far. Keep an eye out and treat your 🐾 kids.

Seven mile beach - Gerroa to Shoalhaven. 11km of coastal breeze, nesting shorebirds, reflections and slapping shorelines. Oh, and sand! The perfect spot for a bit of loaded hike sand training. Rewarded with a flyby of dolphins off the beach at Shoalhaven. Less than 2hrs from Sydney!

A week in Cornwall with family afforded a couple of small skips on the trails that together make up the South West Coast Path, most recently made popular by the book, and now movie, The Salt Path. This 1000km journey around the Cornish coast has been firmly planted on my bucket list for over 10 years (!) making this the perfect opportunity for a small exploration of what to expect. Undulating can only be described as an understatement judging by the sheer cliff coastlines, and the deflated faces of two young hikers I got chatting to at Tintagel Castle, laden down with packs and perhaps feeling the heat of the unusually high English summer temperatures. The sights more than made up for the challenges that nature will offer up in spades. Small coastal fishing villages to historic castles. Gin distilleries in old refectory’s to Cornish pasties and the obligatory Cornish tea (not to be mistaken with a Devonshire tea. Make sure you know whether it’s jam or cream first if you want to keep the locals on side!). Open air theatres carved into cliff side gardens and secluded sandy beaches offering up instant cooldowns post run. All intermingled with precious family time creating memories to treasure and ideas to ponder (as plans come to fruition).. until next my soles land on Cornish shores…

A cycle ride around Lake Annecy is a must do if you make it to this part of the world. Aqua waters crystal clear and fed by mountain streams are the perfect way to cool off. The 39km loop offers mostly flat bike path with the occasional road ride and hill climb. Starting and finishing at the old town, and heading clockwise around the lake (hot tip!) The city’s Old Town, with its cobbled streets and pastel-hued buildings, offer an array of restaurants, cafes and laneways to lose one’s self in.l

Anyone of a good wine vintage will remember ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. Heights and I have a tenuous relationship, it is a work in progress that requires persistent and consistent attention. La Tournette was one such hike. From the placid aqua lake of Annecy it towers above the landscape calling hikers to its playground. A 14km circular from the hamlet of Montmin, with an elevation of 1400m and an altitude of 2351m it offers shady forest trails (to hide the steep incline), rocky scrambles, wildflower bordered hard packed paths (just add water for mud), alongside metal chains and ladders to help you join the dots between the undulating (in the extreme sense) greenery and the harsh peak reaching for the sun. It is a strange sensation to see your trail diminish and morph into what seems to be a shale laden cliff face with no apparent track, yet, there, amidst the ridges at the top, small moving figures of the bipedal kind traverse. To distract the mind and remain in the moment, young ibex skip across the landscape, curious at the folk who awkwardly share it with them. The blue skies were broken by paragliders, floating by at eye height. An amazing day on trail. For a long time I have wondered how mountain rescues took place in these ranges. Unfortunately for one hiker, I bore witness to just that with the paramedics landing just metres in front of us to aid and pick up a fallen trail goer. It was quite the experience. The finish line was once again a fabulously adorned Swiss looking chalet, offering tables with a view, and a menu to go with it. Rewarded with a raspberry tart and a Monaco (the perfect refreshment of beer and grenadine), don’t knock it til you try it. Tastes best after an active day outdoors!

Staying active for adventure 💚💛❤️

The Midway station on the Aiguille du Midi cable car line, known as Plan de l'Aiguille,at an elevation of 2,310 metres was the starting point for a short 7km hike ‘Grand Balcon Nord’ down to Mer De Glace ‘sea of ice’ glacier in Chamonix. The clear blue skies and sunshine broken only by the ridges of the dominant Mont Blanc mastiff, extending 3 borders across France, Italy and Switzerland. The trail is very achievable for anyone with base fitness. Less than 300m elevation on the traverse, and a restaurant / refuge at either end to reward happy trail hikers! If you find yourself there, leave time, and appetite for a cake at the refuge just 10mins walk from the midway station! At its highest point, Mont Blanc holds court over the land at over 4800m, emerging and fading from view with the movement of the clouds. If Chamonix is on your travel list, grab the multi pass and get there with a full day up your sleeve. Book ahead. Times are allocated for a trip to the top! It’s a 1hr drive from Annecy where I’d recommend a few days to soak up the vibes, explore the surrounds and stock up on gastronomic delights!

With just one free day in Perth there is no prizes for a great way to spend it. If idyllic beaches, bike rides, and happy little animals fill your soul food bucket then Rottnest island ticks all the boxes. A 28km ride around the island in search of a secluded beach (yes we did find one) and a conversation with a quokka (I’m not really one for selfies), topped off with a swim, a snorkel, and an ice cold beverage was just the medicine to refuel. Highly recommend as a day trip. Book the ferry in advance and take advantage of a full day out there. You will be surprised how quickly the hours wash away. Take plenty of water. Refilling is limited on the road. Allow time for an icy cold beverage at one of the bars before you hop the ferry back to the mainland.

Who’d have thought you could find yourself amidst serenity (and sanity) just an hours drive from Sydney. A non-descript path off a rural Bilpin Road wedged between properties leads to a well hidden national park sign at the foot of a non technical 6km fire trail. Follow the trail to the end and if you’re lucky a small cairn will invite you to descend into the valley. It’s worth the slightly technical scramble and choose your own adventure route to the bottom, where, with some creek hopping and fairy spotting (we thought it very plausible) you will eventuate at Wheeny Gap Falls. A world away and yet, just a stones throw.