I descended from where I camped high on the range through a damp forest, which changed as it lowered from tall gums to huge ferns and clover-covered ground. Ferns lined the path dutifully on my right, while I caught glimpses of the great dividing range to my left.

I was thankful for my waterproof jacket and pants which kept all but my feet warm and dry in the cool and wet conditions.

The next incline was tackled on an overgrown and, at times, vague foot track that pushed through two-metre high bushes, which rained down on me.

I flicked a couple leeches off my clothes on the way. I’d managed to avoid these blood-sucking hitchhikers until now and I doubted they were enjoying the taste of my Gortex jacket.

The undulating terrain continued through a grassy thicket of small trees with speckled trunks, glimpses of the valley peaking through. The sun finally joined me at around 8.30am.

After a long stretch of pushing through dense vegetation and lugging myself over huge fallen trees, I was looking forward to being above the treeline later in the day. My prayers were answered shortly after when the track joined a disused 4WD road where I had space to breathe and walk freely.

After arriving at Barry’s Saddle and filling up water at the tank, I entered the Viking Wilderness area. A foot track with markers led the way through a beautiful forest of tall gums, and the towering Viking could be seen in the distance – an intimidating figure.

The ascent became steeper and rockier, requiring me to pull myself up using tree branches, roots and rocks with every step, while careful footing also prevented me from sliding backwards. The Viking’s name and reputation lived up to the reality. Hardcore!

I stopped for lunch about one kilometre from the top on a sheer long section of rock, which jutted out over the valley below.

When I arrived at the top of the Viking (1,519m), I was greeted by a breathtakingly stunning view of tree-lined mountain ranges occupying every piece of earth that lay before me. I could also see the jagged rocky spine of the Viking. It was an absolute ‘wow’ moment and worth every gruelling moment of the climb up.

After taking in the epic views, I made my way down to the saddle to camp for the night, taking the notorious ‘chimney’ with a rope-pulley on my way down.

After chasing the final bits of sunlight to charge my phone with my solar panel, I enjoyed a fire for a couple of hours before a fine mist set in and I retired to me tent for dinner. I opted not to have a cuppa for the second night in a row to conserve water.