Trip Report by Leigh Alchin – June 2018
My Solo Adventure on the Larapinta Trail
I hiked the iconic Larapinta Trail solo over 13 days, spread across a 4-year time frame. The trail spans 12 sections, starting in Alice Springs and concluding at Mount Sonder in the Western MacDonnell National Park, covering 232 kilometers in total. My journey took place over several sections, each consisting of no more than three consecutive days of hiking.
Yes, I took on this challenging desert trail alone. I did carry a satellite phone and ensured I had all the proper equipment.
The Challenges of Solo Hiking
While walking the Larapinta Trail, I encountered several unexpected challenges. Some of these included equipment failures—such as a leaking Camelbak and a water straw bottle that wouldn’t let me drink through the filter. I even got lost once, but managed to get back on track and safely reach camp. Along the way, I received advice from people who had never hiked long distances in the desert. This led me to abandon my first three-day walk and return home, giving me the chance to reflect on my mistakes and learn from them.
I was upset with myself for having to turn back, but I believe it says more about a person’s character to acknowledge when they are out of their depth and make the decision to come home safely.
Lessons Learned from My Mistakes
The main factors contributing to my initial failure were:
- Carrying 6 liters of water (far too much).
- Wearing an Akubra Hut Fur Felt Hat and cotton hiking pants on a 30°C day.
The Hardest Part of Solo Hiking
The most challenging aspect of hiking alone is that, when things go wrong, there is no one else around to ask for help or to provide assistance. And things do go wrong.
What I learned is that, when faced with a problem, it’s essential to take a step back, assess the situation, and determine how to fix the issue with the equipment you have. For example, my water straw bottle stopped working, and despite trying to fix the vent valve in several ways, it didn’t help.
Problem-Solving on the Trail
I had to come up with a solution to get enough water. The answer? I carried water from a nearby water hole in my spare water bladders and boiled it for three minutes before drinking. While this solution wasn’t ideal, it worked for me. Especially before descending into a 3 km gorge—where the last thing I wanted to do was unload all my gear just to get to my stove.
Reflecting on the Experience
Yes, hiking solo on the Larapinta Trail was both satisfying and challenging. There were moments when I considered heading home, but that’s part of the adventure. The solitude, the self-reliance, and the constant problem-solving make it an unforgettable experience.
Safety Considerations for Solo Hikers
While I did hike the Larapinta Trail solo, I understand this is not recommended for safety reasons. Anyone considering such a trip should thoroughly research and seek advice from others who have completed the trail before embarking on a solo adventure.
Find out more about the Larapinta at Larapinta Trail (223km)
