Walk on the wild side with Amblers Hiking Club
Join a community of weekend walkers with a shared love of the the outdoors. The club organises regular hikes and have something for all fitness levels.
AMBLERS Hiking Club offers guided hikes every weekend at numerous scenic locations in eThekwini.
Why is now a great time to begin hiking?
David Hancock, founder of Amblers Hiking Club says, “Hiking in the Highway area post floods has never been better and it seems that hiking is the most rapidly growing sport on the planet, eclipsing even cycling and trail running! We’ve yet to figure it all out but apparently Covid 19 is mostly to blame, when people realised after lockdown, that being indoors for extended periods is not fun. The outdoors suddenly became hugely appealing. Locally our floods also had an impact because once again we were locked down by wet weather and then damaged infrastructure. All our outdoor sports ceased, while flood water receded and repairs were made.”
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Hiking is a sport or past time which is accessible to everyone.
“Local hiking has a very low capital outlay, as any shoes, clothes, hat or stick will do. Sunscreen in summer is useful and our local hiking destinations await,” says Hancock.
Highway residents have approximately 30 hiking destinations to choose from.
Hancock says, “Kloof Gorge remains closed for the foreseeable future, until repairs can be undertaken after the KZN floods. Giba Gorge has a restaraunt on offer at the conclusion of the day’s exercise. The Palmiet River is an option for someone wishing for a more strenuous route. Several local hiking clubs offer trails for those preparing for more serious expeditions in the Midlands and the Drakensberg. Experienced hikers can join the Mountain Club if they’d like to attempt rock climbing.”
Hancock says the KZN floods opened up many of the river systems and carved gulley’s on steep hillsides.
“Most of these are available for cautious exploration, climbing and essential traversing as they supply new pathways. Go join a hiking club, explore the magnificence of your extended local neighbourhood and enjoy the peacefulness of your very own district. You will be more than pleasantly surprised!” he says.
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AUGUST 2022 HIKING PROGRAMME
Sunday, 7 August – Honey Trails. Inchanga Hill, Monteseel. Hike cost: R30.00 and entrance fee.
Sunday, 14 August – Umdhloti Beach. uMhlanga/Hawaan Forest. Meet at Umdhloti Beach, adjacent to the main traffic circle at 09:30.
Sunday, 28 August – Whaling Station. Meet at the military base. Hike the Bluff beach to the abandoned whaling Station. Hike cost: R30.00.
26, 27, 28 August – Royal Natal National Park. The 22 hikers are accommodated at Sandford Lodge. Cost: approximately R800, DBB per person, per night.
For further info on planned future hikes or joining the club, contact David: 072 615 0559, the Amblers Hiking Club FB page or amblerhike@telkomsa.net
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