An intrepid solo traveller from Scotland has made history by becoming the first documented person to walk the entire length of Saudi Arabia, sharing the profound highs and formidable lows of her epic journey.
A Lifelong Adventurer's Ultimate Challenge
Alice Morisson, a 62-year-old adventurer, author, and TV presenter from Edinburgh, has spent decades exploring the globe. Her path, from a childhood in East and West Africa to teaching in Egypt and launching a journalism career in Dubai, culminated in an unprecedented feat: a north-to-south traverse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia entirely on foot.
On Monday, 15 December 2025, Morisson completed her gruelling expedition, having covered a staggering 2,195 kilometres over 112 days. She set off from the north on 1 January 2025, accompanied by a small support team and her two camels, Juicy and Lulu. The journey was split across two winter seasons to avoid the nation's extreme summer heat and the holy month of Ramadan in late February.
Confronting the Physical and Cultural Landscape
The trek was far from a simple stroll. Morisson walked an average of a half-marathon each day, crossing six provinces: Tabuk, Medina, Mecca, Al Baha, Aseer, and Najran. She faced relentless physical trials, from severe, bleeding blisters to encounters with scorpions and temperatures soaring to 39°C. Her dedication was such that when her camel Lulu developed blisters, Morisson designed and crafted a protective shoe for her.
Morisson admitted she undertook the challenge despite pre-trip criticism from loved ones concerned about Saudi Arabia's human rights record and women's freedoms. Driven by curiosity, she wanted to experience being a Western woman undertaking a "very unusual thing" in a nation often viewed with global suspicion.
She insisted on using camels for the journey, noting they are intrinsic to Saudi culture and essential for authentically travelling ancient pilgrimage and caravan routes, despite a backup truck being available.
Moments of Joy and a Cultural Revelation
Amid the hardship, Morisson found profound beauty and connection. She camped beside millennia-old rock carvings, savoured cardamom coffee in Bedouin tents, and was consistently moved by the vast desert landscapes. She described the walking motion as almost meditative, allowing her to "see and feel every detail" of the land deeply.
The warmth and generosity of locals were a crucial motivator. "I've walked across a country full of wild landscapes, history ready to be discovered and the most hospitable people in the world," Morisson told Edinburgh Live. She highlighted a particular revelation: "One of the revelations has been the women I've met who are instigating a quiet cultural revolution."
The emotional conclusion of her solo female traveller saga came on 15 December upon arriving in Najran, near the Yemen border. With four travel books already to her name, Morisson now plans to write a new book and produce a film documenting this groundbreaking Saudi Arabia trek.
