The Dungog Walkers are striding out into 2017 with an exciting range of planned walks and want to encourage others to join them.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About five years ago a group of eight Dungog area residents responded to an invitation from National Parks to be trained up as volunteers to lead walks.
From there the Dungog Walkers Walking for Pleasure group, under the guidance of Sport and Recreation Division was then created and has now grown to a group of around 90 members who say it’s a fun, easy and social way to exercise.
Around 20 people attend the (approximately) fortnightly walks with a six month cardinal offering a variety of walks.The next walk is on Thursday, February 23, meeting at Dungog Railway Station to then walk from Adamstown to Merewether via the Ferneligh Track.
There is a great emphasis on the social aspect with new members warmly welcomed. Under 18 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
“We are the Dungog Walkers but have been known to call ourselves everything from the Dungog Dawdlers to the Walk, Gawk and Talkers,” laughed Allen Shrimpton.
“If you want to meet new people and see new places, come and join us,” he said.
The walks on the program are graded so participants know before they start what might be involved.
They range from “very easy” which is suitable for wheelchairs; “easy” which is relatively gentle and suited to most people; “medium” which can include some rough or steep sections which may require clambering over natural obstacles and” hard”, which is a strenuous walk involving steep and rough terrain and is suited to fit and experienced walkers.
Ros Runciman said the walks were a great way to keep fit, but that was only one of the many benefits.
“We get to see some really nice spots around our area which we would be otherwise too busy to see or didn’t even know existed,” she said.
The group’s program is on their Facebook page and more information can be obtained from Allen Shrimpton on 4992 2091.
We get to see some really nice spots around our area which we would be otherwise too busy to see or didn’t even know existed."
- Walker, Ros Runciman