Back Roads presenter Paul West takes on the formidable Heysen Trail, the longest marked walking trail in Australia, spanning 1,200 kilometers of breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain. This week’s episode sees Paul embark on an epic adventure as he tackles a portion of this renowned trail, located in South Australia.
Named after the famous painter Hans Heysen, who fell in love with the region’s natural beauty, the Heysen Trail is not for the faint of heart. It takes an impressive 60 days to complete, winding its way from Cape Jervis in the south to Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges. Paul’s journey focuses on the southern section of this iconic route.
Along the way, he encounters a range of different people, from those who take on the trail in large groups to brave individuals who embark on the journey solo. He meets the “End to End” group, who tackle a portion of the trail each year, forming lifelong friendships and a supportive community. Paul learns about the advantages of tackling such a challenging hike with a group, providing both safety and camaraderie.
However, some prefer the solitude of a solo hike. Paul interviews Vicki Shaw, who has just completed the entire Heysen Trail. Her story is deeply personal and inspiring. Vicki undertook the hike to cope with grief after the loss of her daughter. Her goal was to find solace in nature and challenge herself physically and mentally. The trail became a therapeutic journey, providing Vicki with stunning landscapes that aided her healing process and a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Back Roads: Heysen Trail, SA airs on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, at 8.00 pm on ABC Australia.
