Tough Girl Podcast Claire McCall: Hiking the Hexa – A Memoir of Adventure, Fear, and Finding Joy in Midlife
Claire McCall is a Kiwi journalist, author, and self-described "not-so-tough" adventurer who took on a life-changing challenge in her 50s. Born in South Africa and now based in New Zealand, Claire didn’t grow up sporty, but in her 40s, she discovered a love for hiking and new physical challenges, including climbing Kilimanjaro with her son.
In 2022, Claire and her partner James set out to hike selected stages of the Hexa Trek, a newly established long-distance trail through France.
Covering just a portion of the trail, the journey became the inspiration for her book, Hiking the Hexa—a candid, warts-and-all memoir that captures the highs, lows, and reality of long-distance hiking.
In this episode, Claire shares her experience on the trail, from fears of failure and embracing the unknown to the joys of connecting with people along the way and the challenges of hiking as a couple. She reflects on her midlife decision to tackle big dreams, the logistics of planning such an adventure, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Claire’s story is one of stepping outside comfort zones, overcoming fear, and finding purpose through nature and adventure—reminding us all to ask the ultimate question: “If not now, then when?”
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Show notes
- Based in New Zealand, originally from South Africa.
- Journalist specialising in architecture and design.
- Began hiking in her 40s, climbing Kilimanjaro with her son as one of her first major adventures.
- A self-employed creative balancing life as a mum and adventurer.
- 2022: Set out on her first long-distance hike with her partner, James.
- Discovered the Hexa Trek, a new long-distance route through France.
- Decided to hike selected stages.
- Initially wanting to start in the Pyrenees Mountains.
- Studying French as part of her preparation.
- Early fears of failure and overthinking the trip.
- Facing logistical challenges: savings, renting out her house in Auckland, and planning the hike.
- Experiencing the reality of long-distance hiking: physical struggles, weather, and the emotional ups and downs.
- The unique rules of the trail and unexpected encounters—let’s talk about cows!
- Slowing down the pace and adapting to the demands of the journey.
- The dynamics of hiking as a couple—how they navigated challenges and strengthened their connection.
- The importance of stepping outside comfort zones.
- Finding joy in connection: the people they met along the way.
- How the experience has changed her perspective on life.
- Why Claire chose to write a memoir (not a guidebook!).
- The creative process of blogging throughout the journey and turning it into a book.
- Considering another long-distance hike.
- Reflecting on the adventure and how it shaped her life.
- Final Words of Advice - “If not now, then when?”
- Don’t let fear or overthinking hold you back from adventure.
- Learn more about Claire’s journey on her socials or grab a copy of Hiking the Hexa.
Social Media
Website www.clairemccall.net
Instagram @hikingthehexa
Book: Hiking the Hexa: Up, down and (almost) over the hill on France’s newest long-distance walk