How difficult is hiking the Cape to Cape Track
The Cape to Cape Track is an exhilarating trek open to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. We’ve had clients from 12 to 87 hike with us!
Having said that, it is also a challenging walk at times due to the diversity and nature of the terrain and requires preparation. The experience ranges from extended soft sand beach walks, through to steep (but short) climbs over loose limestone. It involves long, extended hikes that will challenge even the fittest in the group at one time or another. As such, pre-trip preparation is strongly recommended to make the event enjoyable and to reduce the risk of injury.
Read our blog abut inspiring couple John and Ros Steel, aged 87 and 78 respectively, who hiked the Track with us HERE. It’ll answer more of your Cape to Cape Track FAQs!
How much training and preparation do I need to do?
We strongly recommend training regularly at least 2 months out from the commencement of the tour. This should include some back-to-back day walks. And extended walks greater than 15km. We recommend getting off of footpaths and bitumen for as much as possible. Some sand walking and hill walking will really help to build the fitness need on the track.
The main issue to interrupt a walk of this nature is not the fitness of the participants. But problems with feet, socks and/ or shoes. We strongly recommend that all participants have very well-worn-in boots that they have trained in extensively prior to the walk. Issues often emerge even with well worn in footwear after 7 days of back to back walking. This training should also trial any new socks etc. that may be worn during the walk. Training on a range of surfaces and topography will best test gear, shoes – and your body, prior to tackling the diversity of the Track. Having some back up footwear available including runners or hiking sandals often comes in handy on sand stretches. Or if blisters occur with your main pair of shoes/boots.
It’s also important to manage your personal foot care during the course of the tour and address any minor rubbing or ‘hotspots’ straight away. That’s so they doin’t become significant obstacles to completing the walk. You should carry a range of dressings and equipment to assist you to manage minor issues before they become serious. CCET guides carry a kit for feet treatment in the case of an emergency.
Prepare now and reap the rewards during your time on the Cape to Cape Track!
Cape to Cape Track FAQs on terrain and distances
The Cape to Cape Track is a challenging walk at times due to the diversity and nature of the terrain. It requires preparation. The experience ranges from extended soft sand beach walks, through to steep (but short) climbs over loose limestone. Read our blog about how the Cape To Cape Tracks official distance is now 124km, down from 135kmn HERE.
The distances you walk vary on which tour you choose from our range of guided, self-guided and day tours. But our most popular options are the guided and self-guided 8-Day End-to-End tours. They cover the entire 124km length of the Track in 7 days of hiking.
The daily itinerary and distances of these two options are:
Day 1: Cape Naturaliste to Yallingup. 13.75km
Day 2: Yallingup to Moses Rock. 17.75km
Day 3: Moses Rock to Gracetown. 16kms
Day 4: Gracetown to Gnarabup. 20.5km
Day 5: Gnarabup to Boranup Forest. 22.5km
Day 6: Boranup Forest to Cosy Corner. 21.5km
Day 7: Cosy Corner to Cape Leeuwin. 21.5km
What’s the best footwear and what other equipment will I need?
We’ve done a special blog post all about footwear, including interviews with our guides about what shoes they wear on the Track. Click HERE to read it.
Generally we recommend wearing a pair of solid, reliable walking boots. If they’re well worn-in and very comfortable and waterproof, that’s a big advantage!
It’s also a good idea too bring an alternative pair of walking shoes, also well worn-in, in case of rubbing. You may choose to wear walking sandals or trainers/runners on certain stretches. You’ll also walk some sandy beaches, where some hikers like to go barefoot.
A suggested list of clothing and equipment to bring for your hike on the Cape to Cape Track also includes:
Woollen socks (suggest three pairs of quality walking socks, worn-in)
Gators, if you choose
Walking poles (if you feel your knees need them!)
Lightweight clothing for walking – long pants and long-sleeved shirt recommended for sun protection
Sunhat
Beanie
Fleece jacket
Waterproof hiking jacket and pants
All other personal clothing, including warm clothing for evenings
Casual attire is suitable for the restaurant celebration dinner
Swim gear
Personal toiletries
Water bottles / bladder (we suggest carrying 3L/day)
Blister protection (recommend at least one pack of Compeed per person)
Medications (include sunscreen, insect repellent, analgesics and any personal medication). Please remember to advise CCET staff of the location of any medication you may require urgently
Daypack: comfortable daypack to carry your water, lunch pack and personal items while walking (camera, swim gear, sunscreen etc). Prior to the tour, try to take at least a few walks wearing this pack to prepare your body.
