Hiking the Hexa

In May 2022, at the age of 55, Kiwi journalist Claire McCall and her partner set off on an epic walking adventure to attempt four stages of a freshly minted long-distance trail called the Hexatrek, a spectacular 3034km route, which connects the highest mountains and national parks in France.

This book, which also contains a French translation, is a frank account of the physical and mental journey: a tale of two almost over-the-hill people trying to get over a fair few more. It's a story of highs and lows, miles and milestones, of once-in-a-lifetimes and never-agains.

With a total elevation of 136,000 metres this is no Camino-style pilgrimage. Rather, it could be likened to New Zealand's Te Araroa trail or the Pacific Crest Trail which follows the west coast of the US.

Progressing step-by-step south from the starting point in Alsace on the border of Germany, this is a travelogue of the body and mind. Walking in the footsteps of history and along the precipitous ridges of time, it takes in the landscape, the food, the culture and the people but is also an examination of the human condition – the need to challenge ourselves, and the nature of success and failure. It's about acknowledging that life sometimes pushes you close to the edge and learning that, even in middle age, battling stubbornly upwards is sometimes easier than coasting down.

The author writes with a wry, gentle humour and a refreshing honesty about this great Gallic adventure. It's an awesome (in the true sense of the word) tale of climbing peaks, appreciating the valleys, finding fondues, making friends, navigating cranky cows and ultimately going the distance in one way or another.