Hiking, Health, and an Unexpected Seizure on the Sphinx to Bobbin Head Trail

Hiking has always been my reset button - a way to clear the mind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. But sometimes, even the trails we love can present unexpected challenges. Recently, while walking the Sphinx to Bobbin Head track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, I had an experience I’ll never forget: my first seizure.

I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but because I think it’s important. If you love hiking, live with health concerns, or simply wonder how quickly things can change out on the trail, this story might help you prepare - or at least reflect.

The sun hides behind the clouds at the top of Bobbin Head

The Day It Happened

We’d just left Empire Marina and begun the climb towards Bobbin Head. The weather was perfect, and I was hiking with my wife, Renée and a group of friends. But as we neared the top of the hill, something didn’t feel right.

The ground shimmered. The track seemed to move. I kept seeing what looked like computer screens flashing images from the past 24 hours. I told Renée, “I’m seeing things,” just before everything went black.

According to Renée I collapsed “like a sack of potatoes,” fitting for around two minutes. I was unconscious for 20–40 minutes. They called for help, and a 4WD ambulance drove up the fire trail to reach me transferring me to a regular ambulance. It was there that I was joined by my brother Andy, who had been on his side quest trying to find the right trail, and I was transferred to local Hornsby Hospital.

The trail takes a beautiful, winding path through lush bush

The Aftermath

The hospital team ran tests immediately. A CT scan showed no bleed, no mass. Bloodwork was clear too - liver and kidneys all okay. Next up this week: an MRI, EEG, and more tests to try to understand why this happened, as well as a visit to the epilepsy clinic.

For context, I’ve never had a seizure before. I’m 51, fit, and spend a lot of time outdoors (and in the gym). So this was a bolt from the blue.

Reflections from the Trail

A few thoughts I keep coming back to:

• How quickly things change - one moment I was walking uphill, the next I was on the ground with no memory of what had just happened.

• The importance of your people - without Renée and the wider group there in support, the situation would have been terrifying. And I have done that hike on my own. Their calmness and quick thinking made all the difference. Seeing brother Andy at the trailhead was an extremely welcome site too.

• Emergency access matters - trails like Sphinx to Bobbin Head are popular and accessible, but not every track has 4WD ambulance access. It’s a reminder to always consider how emergency services might reach you.

• Listen to your body - those shimmering hallucinations were a warning sign. I just didn’t know what they meant at the time.

Reflecting on unexpected experiences

Hiking with Health in Mind

I’m not stopping hiking. If anything, this has made me more determined - but also more careful. Here are a few things I’ll be doing differently:

• Carrying clear medical information and emergency contacts in my pack.

• Making sure someone in the group knows basic first aid.

• Taking early warning signs seriously, no matter how odd they seem.

• Building in more rest, hydration, and checking in with myself along the way.

Practical Tip: What to Do if Someone Has a Seizure on the Trail

If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s a quick guide:

• Stay calm and keep them safe (clear rocks, branches, sharp objects).

• Don’t restrain them.

• Once it’s safe, roll them onto their side.

• Call emergency services immediately.

• Time the seizure if possible and be ready to pass this on to paramedics.

Final Thoughts

Nature has always been my escape, my therapy, my joy. This experience hasn’t changed that. But it has reminded me that health is fragile, and preparation matters - even for those of us who feel strong and capable.

If you’re a hiker living with a health condition, or if you’ve ever had a scare like this, I’d love to hear how you manage it on the trails. Because ultimately, sharing these stories helps all of us keep exploring safely.

Disclaimer: This is a personal account, not medical advice. Always seek professional medical guidance for health conditions like seizures.