Megan Cleverley finds the goal of walking 1200km motivates her to walk every day.

Walking has become vital to Megan Cleverley since she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis three years ago.

Megan’s from a family of surf lifeguards and fell in love with tramping in her forties. The 55-year-old was already on a mission to complete one hike a week for a year when she took on the Walk1200km challenge.

Having a goal has been motivating.

“Walk1200km has meant I have the goal in place every day,” Megan says. “Previously, I thought I could only do one walk a week, so I’ve become stronger.”

Some days are better than others, but she walks as often as she can. 

“You have to be realistic – some days you just can’t do a big walk.”

Megan says fellow trampers have been great, recognising her discomfort and offering to carry her pack or make her a cuppa.

Her “competitive” family are also learning to enjoy the slower pace of walks with Megan, who needs to take breaks along the way.

“Some people say they take it one hour at a time, but for me, it’s one step at a time,” she says

Megan says managing her condition means investing in good tramping equipment, and she swears by her walking poles.

Join Megan in walking 1200km in 12 months. Register here.