Passionate about nature, the young Blanquefortaise Lillia Benyamina, a native of Bordeaux with Algerian origins, set off on the HexaTrek on August 12. It is a 3,034 kilometer trail – with between 136,000 and 138,000 meters of cumulative elevation gain –, described as “the longest hike in France” which crosses France through its mountains, from Wissembourg, at the border German, up to Hendaye. She also arrived in the Basque Country on December 8 at precisely 3:06 p.m. in the middle of a storm, at Hendaye beach, which was then closed due to the passage of the Darragh storm.
That’s one hundred and twenty-two days of walking at a rate of 25 to 30 kilometers per day. “This incredible journey was much more than a personal challenge for me,” says the young woman upon her return. I wanted to give it a committed dimension by organizing a fundraiser for the benefit of the FERUS association, which works in particular for the protection and conservation of the gray wolf in France. [ainsi que de l’ours et du lynx, NDLR]. My story highlights strong themes: the protection of biodiversity, civic engagement and surpassing oneself. » The aim of this journey was also to raise awareness among those encountered of the presence of the wolf and the actions of the association.
“To express myself”
Lillia Benyamina, who celebrated her 23rde birthday on the trail, thus became the youngest woman in France to have achieved this performance. This former gendarme decided to start this adventure because she “didn't find what she wanted” in her job, which was nevertheless a childhood dream. “The gendarmerie is a great institution, it was a great experience but there are other ways to be useful to your homeland,” explains Lillia Benyamina.
During her journey, the walker was only equipped with a bag containing a tent, a sleeping bag, a stove, a Swiss army knife, ultralight equipment, freeze-dried products and two pairs of shoes without forgetting two phone batteries to be safe. to be able to contact emergency services if necessary.
“This walk was to express myself, I was very angry with the human being, I did not find answers to my questions but I am calm,” confides the young woman. “I met hundreds of people along the way and kept in touch. The region that brought me the most was Alsace with its incredible welcome! » Back to a “normal” life, Lillia Benyamina wants to devote herself to wildlife photography.
Contact by email at [email protected] or on Instagram blondie_wildlife.