LOCATION: Lat -31.2887, Long 149.0048
LENGTH: 14.5km
DURATION: 5-6 hours
ROUTE TYPE: Walking trail
GRADE: 4

I grew up near the Warrumbungles in Coonabarabran and began walking these tracks when I was four years old.

My first memories are of asking to be carried up the hill, and being told I had to walk because my parents were each carrying one of my younger siblings (a toddler and a baby). During Primary School we walked through the Warrumbungles each year for school camp, and at weekends my family walked there with friends.

We moved to the city when I was twelve and I didn’t return to the Warrumbungles until I had primary school aged kids of my own. It was a special moment when I reached the summit of Grand High Tops with my daughter, who was in year 6 at the time because the last time I’d been up there was when I was in year 6, and I reckon it would have been with my mum too.

LOCATION: 36.4492° S, 148.2672° E
LENGTH: 21km
DURATION: 8hrs
ELEVATION GAIN: 835m
ROUTE TYPE: Loop
GRADE: 4

The Snowy Mountains in summer was a revelation to a girl who had spent most of her time in the mountains on skis.

I was secretly delighted when my family declined to join me on a 21km loop of the Main Range, after having walked up Mt Kosciuszko a few days before.

I found myself in heaven – alone in the wilderness, shrouded by early morning mist that bejewelled tiny webs and made the bark of the snow gums shine with exotic colours. When the mist lifted, I was bathed in sunshine at the top of the world and surrounded by wild flowers.

The scenery of ancient hills and grassy moors reminded me of the Scottish Highlands, (which I love) but there is something about the Australian high country that sings to my soul. I don’t know whether it is the wild flowers which are subtle and delicate, or the stories of bogongs and brumbies that speaks to me, but this walk was a reminder that we often travel abroad only to return and find that paradise was here all the time.

LOCATION: 55°56’27.96″ N, -4°19’4.80″ W
LENGTH: 154km
DURATION: 7-8 days
ROUTE TYPE: Walking trail
GRADE: 2

The West Highland Way is one of the most famous long-distance walks in Scotland.

It starts in the lowlands near Glasgow and winds its way along iconic Loch Lomond, into the highlands. The route varies from smooth walking paths to Roman roads and rocky tracks, but the scenery on every day spectacular.

I walked the West Highland Way with a friend in late May 2018. The track was busy and accommodation tricky to find in parts, so book early. We used a Sherpa service to carry our overnight bags. It was well worth the money and made the long days and steep parts of the walk much more enjoyable.

The track is well marked but it is wise to take a guide book and maps with you, particularly if the weather is poor. Anthony Burton’s West Highland Way guidebook, published by Aurum Press, was invaluable for both planning and walking.

I loved the West Highland Way so much, I set my first novel on the track. I’ve spent the years since re-living my trip through photos and stories and I can’t wait to do it all again soon.