Once a month I lead a walk with the Camino Group I am involved with. Our first walk for 2026 was in Blackheath in the Upper Blue Mountains. The forecast was for a hot day and it was indeed a Hot Walk! Heading off just before 9am the sun already had a bite to it.

The first section through bush was shaded with the canopy providing some comfort. I had 23 walkers following me – there was a lot of chatter. The buzz of a new year and new acquaintances.

We always include a small silent section in our walks the idea to create some headspace and allow all our senses to be in the moment. No sooner had the group fallen silent I heard a rustling in the bush to my right. Very much on snake alert I stopped and looked-nothing- a few more steps more rustling I stopped and looked again there staring straight back at me was a wallaby in thick bush just off the track – I turned to the walker behind me and whispered “wallaby” and pointed. Sometimes being quiet and open to what’s going on around brings surprising rewards.

We made our way to a lookout via road. The views out to the valley below hazy with the heat of the day.

A rest pause in a shady spot was reviving and allowed time for more conversations, some about Camino but mainly about plans for the year ahead, Christmas breaks and some pressing gear discussions – socks – poles – packs. For all the simplicity of the Camino much considering is required before we even step out onto the Way.

We pushed on the day now getting hotter the air around us feeling more sauna like. Through more bush and then suburban road we returned to our departure point with relief.

The last 20 minutes reminding me of a couple of tough days in Spain when you just want the walking done!

A shower and cold drink, some food and a sit then some time to contemplate the day.

A great start to the walking year – hot – but a day of joy and surprising rewards.