Lucy Barnard has already walked 20,000 kilometers on her way to becoming the first woman to walk the length of the world. Starting back in 2017 from Ushuaia (the southern tip of Argentina), she’s made her way through South and Central America and is now almost done crossing the US. Next up? Canada and Alaska.

Along the way, Lucy’s tackled everything from scorching deserts to remote jungles, she’s walked through villages and volcanos, hiked along highways and thru trails, only with her trusty Blue Heeler, Wombat, by her side. Starting walking pre sunrise and averaging 40km days, she’s battled temperatures from -17 in snowstorms to 50 degrees celsius in the desert, she’s already worn through 21 pairs of shoes and you can see her progress on her live map on her website.

She’s recently been named as the Adventurer of the Year by the Australian Geographic Society, a very well deserved title. We were lucky enough to catch up with her to hear more about her incredible journey.

Growing up, did you spend much time outdoors?

Like many people my age, I spent my childhood exploring the suburban streets of Brisbane, with the only rule being home before the streetlights turned on. Family travel holidays weren't common, so we often went camping or on "short bush walks" (which never felt short to my siblings or me). These experiences, considered ahead of their time for parents in that era, introduced me to adventurous environments.

However, it wasn't until after university, when I could afford rock climbing gear, that I actively sought out adventure. The cost of the equipment motivated me to get outside as much as possible, so I started planning and leading trips.

What's been the most memorable place you’ve walked through so far?

Hiking through the Peruvian Andes was my first true thru-trail experience, following 500-year-old Incan paths. The breathtaking scenery, the new experience of high altitude, the fresh, cool air, and the expansive mountain views were incredible - they rolled out before me like the water does across an ocean.

After a multi-day stretch the local communities were a delight to encounter, especially at the markets, where bemused women would always want to know everything about me while serving me fresh juice, soup, and a hot meal.

What's been surprising about the trip?

I thought I would be fluent in Spanish within the first year of hiking, however I’ve spent most of my time in areas where the language wasn’t Spanish but rather the Indigenous languages.

What’s one of your must-have items?

Definitely having a satellite beacon and knowing that I am able to access help and reach my loved ones at any time.

What's the best food you’ve had yet?

My fondest memories are from when I was passing through estancias, which are very large farms in Argentina, where it was very common for the gauchos (cowboys) to bake fresh bread which they flash-fry in pig fat and eat with home-made jam.

What’s the hardest part of the trip so far?

Managing logistics, risk, and time. The physical challenge is significant, particularly crossing through weather extremes, hostile areas, securing clean water and avoiding illness, and facing novel risks like large predator populations in the States. 

The reality of any large scale pursuit, is the majority of time is focused on looking ahead to prepare for the next stage - sourcing food and medical supplies, honouring visas, familiarisation with local laws, including agricultural requirements for my dog, finding out if there are areas I need to avoid or have permission to enter, and coordinating permits.

What has stood out to you most?

The remoteness. It’s not so much about the specific countries, but the feeling of being completely immersed in nature.

What’s the biggest challenge ahead for you?

Cold weather is definitely my biggest concern. The risk of frostbite is especially heightened for me, as I have a condition called Raynaud's disease that makes me more susceptible to extreme cold. Minimising the risk is all about education.

I have been working with educators, and experienced arctic adventurers to learn how to manage the cold and adjust my equipment to put me in the best position to thrive. The vast distances between towns in Alaska will also add to the difficulty to that section, as I will be hauling a sled, extra food, and safety equipment.

Where do you dream of going on holiday? 

Home. The more I adventure, the more valuable time with family has become.

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of doing something big but isn’t confident about starting?

To lean into Forrest Gump, getting used to new things is a lot like a block of chocolate—if you set your mind to eating one square, before you know it, you’ll have eaten a row, and it will feel far too soon when it’s over. But universally, it always starts with a taste.

And lastly, what’s the next challenge after this journey?

Adventure wise, I will never stop. I have a list so long the greatest challenge will be to choose what to do first. Professionally, I’ll be focusing on building my film company so that I can revisit the special places I have been, and do justice to the stories of small communities who are eager to share and celebrate their story with the rest of the world.

We’re so inspired by Lucy’s journey, tenaciously chasing her dream, putting in the km day after day, working towards her goal of becoming the first woman to walk the length of the world (whilst inspiring countless others).

We’ll be eagerly following her journey to the Barrow, the northern tip of Alaska and can’t wait to see her achieve her goal.

Follow and support Lucy on her journey via her Instagram, Youtube, Website, Donate, or on Patreon.