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Frequently Asked Questions

None. This can be your first hike if you’re willing to execute the training and preparation requirements to get you ridge ready. Completing the Stirling Range Ridge Walk is an achievable goal for a broad range of people with varied hiking experience, but most successful crossings only occur after many weeks or months of consistent training. We have guided a broad range of hikers across the ridge from courageous teens to adventurous adults, age is no barrier.

A base level of fitness and mobility is required to begin the training program. Individual performance in the Stirling Ranges and the performance of the team is linked to basic aerobic fitness. Hiking in small, guided teams involves a high degree of co-dependency between you and your guide and we cannot maintain an adequate safety margin on the Ridge Walk unless we are confident our clients have the physical and mental capability to complete the hike.

The fitness evaluation measures strength, endurance and aerobic capacity. A gym based fitness test and timed weighted pack march must be successfully completed prior to commencing the ridge walk. Our aim is to build a strong group of individuals with similar physical capabilities who can work together to achieve a successful outcome and the most enjoyable experience for all involved.

South Peak is a small business providing the only commercial guiding services of the Stirling Range Ridge Walk. We guide a broad spectrum of clients with diverse objectives from corporate groups to individuals training for military/law enforcement selection. We aim to make every Client's experience as safe, positive and enjoyable as possible.

Most people book several months before their hike and you can achieve a huge amount in that time. Unless you regularly hike and are used to long days carrying a heavy pack you will need to train for this. Your training should be volume based and a blend of long duration, low to moderate intensity training to shorter high intensity training.

The Ridge Walk is primarily an endurance based aerobic activity. While strength plays an important role it is more important to train your aerobic fitness and this can only be achieved over months of training.

Clients who cannot meet the required minimum physical standards will be issued a credit for a future Ridge Walk providing a spot is available and they pass the Fitness Assessment.

Pack weight on day one of the hike will be approximately 20kg. This is a combination of water, food, clothing and cookware, your sleep system (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent or bivy bag) and any other comforts or miscellaneous items like a personal first aid kit, phone, head torch etc.

There isn't a reliable source of portable water on the Ridge Walk and a general recommendation is between 8 to 10 litres. This should be split between a mix of electrolytes and water. The amount of water you carry is be based on your individual consumption requirements to stay hydrated over 1.5 to 2 days of solid hiking. Allow for cooking and other variables like terrain, weather conditions and level of exertion.

We run small group hikes, including your 2 guides, there will be a maximum number of 10 people. We have found keeping the group numbers small is the best way to ensure everyone has the best time.

Weather in the Stirling Ranges changes rapidly and clients should be prepared for a wide range of conditions. If the objective is not possible due to bad weather an alternative hike may be offered. If your hike is seriously affected by bad weather, we may offer a credit on a future Ridge Walk with South Peak. This is at the company’s discretion.

We get asked this a lot and the short answer is both options are good. The majority of guides and clients wear trail runners because they're more breathable and lightweight and generally less expensive. There are pros and cons for both and if you already own a pair of hiking boots you're happy with these will be fine. If you're unsure or have any questions about gear please contact us at the time of booking.

Yes you can. A single day crossing of the Stirling Range Ridge Walk is a premium product and is only available to South Peak clients who have been vetted as suitably fit and experienced.

If you're a travelling international or interstate client and want to save on luggage space or just want to skip the hassle of food shopping we can put together a meal plan for you based on your preferences and dietary requirements. This will be limited to what we can access locally and will include a mix of freeze dried main meals and plenty of snacks. If you want to know more about our food package prices contact us.

The gear we hire is the same as the gear we use. It has been tried and tested, is high quality, lightweight, warm and practical so you have the best outdoor experience possible. Gear available for hire includes, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, bivy bags, mats and hiking poles. If you want to know more about our gear hire options and prices contact us.

Contact Details

SouthPeak HQ,
PO Box 325,
Esperance 6450. WA

tom@southpeak.com.au

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Frequently Asked Questions

What level of experience do I need?

What level of fitness is required to commence the 12-week training program?

What does the Fitness Assessment involve?

Why should I book with SouthPeak?

How long should I train for the Ridge Walk?

What happens if I don’t pass the Fitness Assessment?

How much will my pack weigh on the hike?

How much water should I carry for the Ridge Walk?

How many people will be on my trip?

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

Should I wear boots or trail runners?

Can I do a single-day traverse of the Ridge Walk with SouthPeak?

How does the food package option work?

What are the gear hire options?

Contact Details