Durban hiking club aims for new heights
Chairman of the Amblers Hiking Club, David Hancocks appeal to the public to go on nature hikes and said hiking is all about the outdoors, exploring fault lines and the ruggedness and intense beauty of the natural world.
THE Amblers Hiking Club was started 19 years ago to set up guided hikes for people to explore the outdoors and to increase their fitness levels.
The Highway Mail spoke to its chairman, David Hancocks, who said he formed the club alongside Erica Clark, a psychologist.
Hancocks first climbed the Drakensberg amphitheatre with a friend, Donald, at the age of 11.
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“We hitched to the berg and slept over at the Royal Natal in the camp site. We hid the tent and climbed to the base of the chain ladders, where we slept in a cave. In the morning, we climbed the chains. Deep down I wished I was older and braver, but I persevered. We visited Tugela Falls and then the thunder started. We ran down the mountain, picked up our tent and hitched home during the mother of all berg storms. We arrived home safely that night after the incredible adventure. I guess, after that, the outdoors has stuck with me, but I would not recommend that journey today. Times have changed,” advised Hancocks.
Describing the joy of being an avid hiker, Hancocks mentioned that it is all about the outdoors, exploring fault lines and the ruggedness and intense beauty of the natural world.
“The perks are always the inner peace gained from the outdoors and fabulous health benefits as fitness improves,” he said.
Although he has been on many exciting hikes, Hancocks noted that Mafadi (the highest peak in South Africa), Mount Kilimanjaro and the Everest Base Camp will always be his most memorable.
“Locally, there is exceptional hiking in the midlands and so much other hiking in our magnificent Drakensberg,” he said.
To avoid trail difficulty, the members train hard, but he admitted that a recent quick climb up the front of Rhino Horn, directly from Pillar cave in very cloudy and misty weather, was a brutal climb. “Both up and down in a quick nine hours for us,” he said.
He mentioned that the longest distance they have hiked is over a seven-day stretch on the Wild coast, but the 12-day hike to and from the Everest Base Camp was the longest.
“We mostly prefer short, meaningful hikes,” said Hancocks.
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The club’s youngest hiker to join the adventure was a three-year-old, who was born on a hiking trail The oldest member is well into their 70s.
“We are forever begging for people to join us to improve their fitness and lifestyles. We are here to get them started on their outdoor experience, to show people hiking is safe, easy and most enjoyable. Also peaceful and tranquil, but we do hike hard. Sadly, people join a hike once and often give up. Persistence is the key to success in any endeavour and hiking is no different. The rewards are exceptional,” he assured the public.
He advised hikers to wear comfortable, outdoor shoes, a hat and to always carry a water bottle.
Plans for the New Year
For years, Hancocks and other members have enjoyed truly magnificent hiking destinations that include the Transkei Coast (St Michaels to Gonubie) and the Otter Trail farther south.
“We have also hiked all of the very best parts of Durban’s stunningly gorgeous outdoors, at least 18 times. We have almost camped at the Kloof Gorge and Giba Gorge as we have spent much time training there,” he said.
The three peaks at Giba Gorge have provided the members with an awesome mountain training ground and they visit the two gorges at least once a week when they are training.
This year, the club will continue with its usual Sunday hike and will add in a few exotic destinations that will be chosen specifically for their wonderful outdoor experiences.
“Needed for this year a few more hike leaders. Pick your favourite hike and offer to lead it once or twice a year,” said a delighted Hancocks.
The club also runs a history tour at the Old Whaling Station on the Bluff.
“Another wish for the club is to tackle the Roosfontein Reserve, which snuggles comfortably between Queensburgh and Westville. The reserve was developed into a huge hiking and mountain bike facility that is complete with a game reserve to get people, and the next generation, into our magnificent outdoors and enjoy nature,” he added.
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