SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The Garden Route Walking Festival, which consists of 52 walks in the coastal area from Mossel Bay to Storms River, takes place this weekend from today 14 April until Monday 17 April.

 

The festival is touted as having "inspiring, celebratory, wild and unusual" walks.

 

They range from easy to strenuous and from a one hour to a full-day adventure. Registration is free, but a donation is suggested.

 

The walks will be led either by volunteers or by professional guides. Professionally guided walks may include a guiding fee, but all relevant costs are indicated in the walk programme.

 

The George Peak Challenge walk is part of the Walking Festival:
This is South Africa's only walking festival with more than 52 different walks to choose from and is held over four days in the Garden Route.

The festival supports local conservation and environmental charities. As it is free to register for the festival, the organisers encourage participants to make a donation to nature when you make your first walk booking.

There are good reasons to discover the Garden Route on foot - it is a way to discover new walks and get off the beaten track in nature with knowledgeable insights from locals and professional guides.

It is also a way to make new friends while burning off fat, strengthening your heart and boosting your immune system. Some of the hikes are guided. For more information phone the info line 082 888 8181 or send an email or visit visit their website. The event is organised through CapeNature and SANParks in conjunction with Hi-Tec.
 

• Walk to the Lions takes place at the Hakuna Matata Game Reserve, Great Brak. The starting times are 09:30 and 16:00 on Friday, 14 April to Monday, 17 April.

 

• The Island Bird Walk on Great Brak Island takes place on 14 April at 09:00. It leaves from Transkaroo Restaurant in Great Brak.

 

• Also on 14 April, the Underwater Walk at 15:00 will involve snorkeling at Santos Beach. The "walk" is free, but gear can be hired at R150.

 

• The St Blaize Trail Walk will take place on Saturday, 15 April at 07:30 and leave from the lighthouse in Mossel Bay.

 

• The Great Brak Island Dog Walk will take place on 15 April at 07:00 and of course, doggies are welcome.

 

• On Monday, 17 April, the Groot Brak 103 Steps Walk starts at 07:30 on the Sandhoogte Road.

 

• Also on the Monday, the Great Brak River Museum Walk and Talk on the Bridges of Great Brak River, takes place.

 

Walkers will traverse under and over the bridges of Great Brak River and there will be a "little bit of Great Brak ancient geology" thrown in.

 

Walkers will start at the museum, visit the Charles Street bridge, continue down Station Road to the bridges crossing the Great Brak River, walk on the Island Bridge and then finish on the beach. Registration is at 09:00 and the walk starts at 09:15. For more information about this walk contact the museum (044-620-3338).

 

All who register for any of the Garden Route Walking Festival walks stand a chance of winning a Hi-Tec sports gear hamper.

 

For more information on all the walks click here or email info@walkingfestival.co.za or call 082 888 8181. It is best to double check dates and times beforehand. Also, more walks could be added to the current list.