The Best Long-Distance Hiking Experience You’ve Never Heard Of: The Hexatrek Pt1

In this episode on "The Outdoors Station," we explore Ryan Archer's adventure on the Hexatrek, a relatively new 3,034-kilometre through-hike across France. Stretching 3,034 kilometres from the forested Vosges Mountains in the northeast to the rugged Pyrenees in the south, this trail weaves through 14 of France’s most beautiful national parks, following the high mountain backbone of a country affectionately known as l’Hexagone.

Ryan shares his spontaneous decision to hike the trail, his preparation, and the challenges he faced, including resupply difficulties and navigating through varied terrains from vineyards to the Alps.

He recounts the beauty of the French landscape, the supportive local communities, and his strategy for food and camping. Ryan's enthusiasm for the Hexatrek shines through, inspiring listeners to consider this scenic and less crowded alternative to popular trails like the Pacific Crest Trail.

- Ryan Archer's adventure on the Hexatrek, a 3,034-kilometre through-hike in France.

- Discovery of the Hexatrek while hiking the Israel Trail and the decision to switch from the Wales Coast Path.

- Preparation challenges and logistics of starting the hike with limited time.

- The scenic beauty and varied terrain of the Hexatrek, including vineyards, castles, and the northern Alps.

- Experiences with wild camping versus staying in campsites and sourcing food from local villages.

- Resupply challenges, including a seven-day stretch without resupply and calorie management.

- Food choices and the decision to forgo a cooking system for easier meal options.

- Transition from mountainous terrain to desert landscapes, including the unique Ardeche Gorge.

- Kayaking experience as a fun diversion and its challenges during the trek.

- Insights and tips for long-distance hiking in France, including adapting to local customs and gear choices.

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The Outdoors Station

The World's longest running independent producer of broadcast quality podcasts for the adventurer, the long distance hiker, the backpacker, the camper, in fact anyone seeking an independent life in the outdoors as a self powered traveler.

Since 2005 we've produced audio and video podcasts for the self powered outdoor enthusiast in the UK and World-Wide. For people who wants to find out more about getting into the outdoors lifestyle and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

Our range of material goes back to 2005 and dips into many aspects. We talk to others and discuss their trips and experiences big and small, we discuss and review gear, we link associated skills and interests all with the aim to inspire, inform, entertain and encourage listeners to enjoy the natural world around them.

The podcasts are aimed at adventure seekers of every type. Walkers, backpackers, bushcrafters, cyclists, paddlers, travellers, equestrian users in fact anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and skills related to outdoor adventure. Winners of the European Podcast Awards UK Business Category. Current library consists of over 500 podcasts, with more than 14 million downloads to date.

• No. of episodes: 496
• Latest episode: 2025-05-22
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