In an extraordinary feat of endurance, a British adventurer has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first person ever to traverse the entire length of Saudi Arabia on foot.
A Historic Trek from North to South
Alice Morrison, a 62-year-old explorer from Edinburgh, has successfully completed a monumental journey, walking from the northernmost point of Saudi Arabia to its southern border. The epic expedition saw her cover a staggering distance of 2,195 kilometres over the course of 112 days. She was not alone on this vast undertaking, accompanied by her two trusted camels, named Juicy and Lulu, and a compact support team.
To make the formidable challenge more manageable and to avoid the kingdom's most extreme summer heat as well as the holy month of Ramadan, Morrison wisely split her adventure across two separate winter seasons. The long walk finally reached its conclusion in the city of Najran, situated on the sensitive border with Yemen.
Blisters, Heat and Unwavering Hospitality
The journey was far from a simple stroll. Morrison confronted significant physical trials, including battling temperatures that soared above 39°C and suffering from severe blisters on her own feet. Her steadfast camel, Lulu, also experienced foot troubles, highlighting the shared hardship of the trek.
Yet, amidst the arduous conditions, the explorer consistently praised the overwhelming kindness and hospitality of the local Saudi people she met along the route. She also spoke passionately about the breathtaking and unexpectedly wild landscapes she discovered, which dramatically reshaped her prior understanding of the country.
A Story to be Told: Book and Film Plans
Reflecting on the experience, Morrison described the expedition as being intensely challenging both mentally and physically. It served not only as a test of human resilience but also powerfully shattered many of her preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia and its culture.
Eager to share her unique perspective and the untold stories from the trail, Morrison now plans to write a book and produce a film dedicated to her record-breaking journey. These projects will aim to bring the sights, struggles, and profound human connections of her Saudi Arabian odyssey to a global audience.
