Helping to make walking WA as easy as Py

The expansive, remote and diverse landscapes of Western Australia make navigation a challenge for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. When embarking on a trekking or cycling adventure, having a reliable guidebook is crucial.

A well-crafted guide can enhance the experience by offering clear directions, safety tips and detailed information on local flora, fauna and terrain. Mark Pybus, an avid hiker and cyclist, has made it his mission to provide such resources for explorers of WA’s wilderness, both through his books and his popular website, The Life Of Py.

Mark completed the sectional end-to-end Bibbulmun Track in 2019 and the full end-to-end Munda Biddi Trail in 2021. When asked how his passion for hiking and cycling developed, his answer is slightly surprising.

“I didn’t grow up hiking,” he says. “In my early 20s, I got bored at my office job and decided to trek across Costa Rica for fun.” That trip sparked his passion, leading him to explore trails closer to home in Western Australia, and eventually start his website.

The Life Of Py website has since grown into an extensive resource for those interested in WA’s natural landscapes. What started as a simple platform for sharing hiking guides has evolved into a comprehensive site filled with photographs, reviews and tips for both beginner and experienced hikers and cyclists.

“There wasn’t a lot of information out there,” Mark explains. “So I decided to do up my own little guides, and it snowballed from there.”

This experience with online guides paved the way for Best Walks Of Southwest WA and Best Walks Of South Coast WA, both published by Woodslane Press. These books have garnered a lot of positive feedback for their clarity and usefulness. “I wanted to keep the information concise but engaging,” Mark says. “Not every turn (in the track) needs a marker in the book, but you still want to give readers an idea of what to expect on their journey.”

Mark’s love for hiking extends beyond the written word. His vivid descriptions and evocative photography bring these trails to life, allowing readers to visualise what lies ahead.

“I take all the photos myself,” Mark says proudly, though he admits to accepting contributions from friends for a few shots. His goal is to create an immersive experience that goes beyond dry, factual guidebooks.

Among the many trails he’s explored, Mark has a few personal favourites. “The Warren River Loop Trail in the South West is a stand-out. The sheer size of the karri trees there is awe-inspiring, and the peacefulness of the Warren River is something special.” He also mentions the Le Grand Coastal Trail near Esperance. “It’s one world-class beach after another, with wildlife, headlands and stunning views. It’s all killer, no filler.”

While Mark has also hiked extensively in Tasmania and the Northern Territory, he believes Western Australia’s trails offer something unique. “The diversity of the landscape here is incredible,” he says. “You can go from coastal walks to big hills and tall forests, all within the same region.”

Western Australia’s trails saw a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when locals were unable to travel internationally. Mark noticed a significant increase in traffic to his website during this time. “2020 was my biggest year in terms of website visitors,” he notes, adding that although some of the excitement has waned post-lockdown, interest in WA’s trails remains strong.

In addition to hiking, Mark is enthusiastic about cycling, particularly on trails like the Munda Biddi. He highlights the differences between the two activities, saying, “Hiking is more meditative, allowing you to slow down and take in the little details. Cycling, on the other hand, lets you cover more ground in less time. It’s great if you’re short on time but still want to experience nature.”

With the growing popularity of these outdoor pursuits, the need for well-maintained trails and responsible tourism has become more pressing. Mark is encouraged by recent upgrades to trails and the creation of WA hiking strategy documents. “It’s important to balance accessibility with preservation,” he says, pointing out the ongoing debate about how to manage wilderness areas without causing environmental damage.

Mark’s guides, whether in print or online, help people of all experience levels engage with the natural beauty of WA. His advice to beginners? “Just start small, and don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back. The rewards far outweigh any initial discomfort.”

thelifeofpy.com