Great North Walk food question.

[Shaylee23]

Hi guys,

New to this forum...so hello
Just wondering, my husband and I are planning to hike the great north walk soon, hoping to do it in about 12 days.
Looking for some opinions from anyone who has hiked the whole thing, how much food should you take verse how much can you rely on the shops/cafes along the way.
We are trying to find ways to minimise weight. We've done lots of 1-2 night hikes but never this long, and we're a little worried about the amount of food we'll need....

[wildwalks]

Hi Shaylee23

Sounds like a great adventure -- welcome to bushwalk.com
I found that the shops along the way are great for the meal whilst you are there (EG I have hade both breakfast and lunch at Somersby Store on different trips). There are basic supplies at Somersby and Yarramalong.
I think you will find it easier todo a couple of food drops before you set off, Cache the food somewhere you will find it again -- but that will be safe from animals and curious people.

You can still plan on stopping at the cafe's for lunch or an ice cream.

Aim to keep your meals simple but still yummy -- you can carry 12 days of food in a pack -- but I would do a couple of food drops with a few treats to make the walking a bit more enjoyable.

Hope that helps.

Happy walking

Matt

[Shaylee23]

Thanks Matt. I think I'll look into the food drop option. I'm sure it's a bit of a boost knowing you're walking to an awaiting mars bar lol
And the stores along the way I'm sure will bring some much needed hot meals for a bit of a boost.

How did you find the days walking wise?.... Is it fairly easy going? The 12 days hike averages about 20km a day. My husband and I just finished the blue gum loop in the blue mountains, the second day was 10km (but most of it was straight up a hill) and it was brutal! I'm wondering if its worth stretching it out a little bit....

[wildwalks]

Yeah it is nice finding a food drop with a few treats. Also plan to leave fuel and some water as well.

12 days is a fast pace do-able but averages to 8-10 hours of walking each day. The walk seems to lend itself nicely to a 18 day when you look at campsite locations and hills - this is more like 6 hour days on average. It depends on your goals. A few section I have done in 30km days -- but that was more out of need then my normal style of walking. More time means you are not rushed or over tired and get to enjoy the places along the way. Some sections are very hilly and 20km makes for a big day with a full pack.
The Bluegum walk in the mountains is a big climb out
Another option to get the days down and packs (and wallets) lighter is to do it Inn-to-inn -- carry a smaller pack and stay and B&B's along the way -- again depends on the style. The thing with the GNW is that there is great public transport options so you may want to do a bit of a mix -- Inn-to-inn at the Sydney end then tents from there.

Hope that is helpful and not confusing

Matt