South Coast Track

[Annakilda]

Hi there,
I am coming from the UK and interested in doing the South Coast trail this year - late November or early December.

I am debating whether doing it on my own (or with a friend or someone else), or use a company with an small group.
Do you know any companies doing it in less than 9 days? The one i have found tend to do it in 9 or 10 days, but i won't have that long.

If doing it by myself, is it easy enough to find people / companions to do it with, either on this forum, or at the start of the trail?
Will the trail be completely empty at that time of year? And is it a bad time of year for rain and mud?

In terms of difficulty, could you tell me are there some very exposed sections. I know this is a challenging trek, and I am an experienced hiker, and used to mud and rain, but suffer from mild vertigo. I have looked at a few detailled videos of the trail, but find it difficult to see how "scary" it might be for someone suffering vertigo.
Has the trail has been upgraded / improved recently to make the river crossing easier?
Many thanks for your help!
All the best from Scotland

[Mechanic-AL]

I cant think of anywhere along the South Coast Track where Vertigo may cause problems. The steps up the Ironbounds look far more daunting from Louisa River campsite than they actually are once you start climbing. There is a very short easy little scramble up the rocks to get to the Granite Beach campsite and anywhere else where the track follows the cliff tops it is possible to stay well away from the edge.
Finding company shouldnt be a concern. Quite the opposite I would imagine.
If you only have a narrow window of opportunity to complete the walk the weather could probably be your biggest concern.
No fun being down there when the weather is coming at you sideways.

[Annakilda]

thanks! Much appreciated

[durks]

If doing it by myself, is it easy enough to find people / companions to do it with, either on this forum, or at the start of the trail?
Will the trail be completely empty at that time of year?

There will almost certainly be other people en route at the same time as you.

In terms of difficulty, could you tell me are there some very exposed sections.

Nothing to be concerned about at all.

Has the trail has been upgraded / improved recently to make the river crossing easier?

Which river crossing are you thinking about? What I wouldn't want to do by myself is the crossing of New River Lagoon: manhandling the boats single-handed would be heavy work.