Hiking the Cape to Cape Track is the ultimate way to switch off from the pressures of life and reconnect with nature and the great outdoors.
Just ask Andy Bilson. He’s a emeritus professor at the UK’s University of Central Lancashire. And a world-renowned campaigner for child protection reform. His views are regularly reported on the BBC and other TV, radio and print media around the globe.
But he’s left the pressures of his job behind – briefly – to visit the world-famous wine and ecotourism town of Margaret River. First up is a 7-day end to end trek on the Margaret River region’s Cape to Cape Track. They’ve taken the self guided option with Cape To Cape Explorer Tours assisting with accomodation, logistics and daily drop-offs and pick-ups.
With him is his partner Jenny Kagan, an installation artist. Both hail from England’s Lake District, where they frequently hike together.
reconnect with nature
Epic coastal scenery
Glorious spring weather greeted the couple for their hike. They said they were thrilled by the 135km Cape to Cape Track’s epic coastal scenery and abundance of wildlife.
“We’ve hiked in Yosemite National Park in the United States and dived with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. But we’ve never done anything quite like this,” said Andy. “We’re loving it.”
reconnect with nature
Whale of a time
They were thrilled to see a pod of more than 20 dolphins frolicking at Moses Rock on day three of their adventure. But whale sightings eluded them – until day four.
“Everyone keeps saying they’ve seen whales breaching. But not when we’re watching!” Jenny said. However, that all changed when Jenny spotted an adult humpback launch itself from the water in a spectacular display at Cowaramup Bay.
Spring marks the beginning of the humpback whale migration from the warm waters of Western Australia back to Antarctica.
reconnect with nature
Refresh and rejuvenate
Andy said the hiking had also been a chance to refresh and rejuvenate.
His current research focuses on what he says is the overemphasis of risk in the child protection system and the increasing separation of children from parents through adoption and care.
Last year he played a major role in setting up an advocacy group called the International Parent Advocacy Network.
Rejuvenated by Margaret River, Andy will be working with researchers at the University of Western Australia before heading home to the UK.
For more on guided and self guided hiking on the Cape to Cape Track, click HERE.