Are you looking for a wonderful way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature on the South Coast? Look no further than the Widenham walking club: Strollers & Striders! This vibrant club welcomes Widenham Retirement Village residents of all fitness levels to explore the picturesque trails within Widenham Retirement Village and beyond.
Approved by residents
As part of our myriad of clubs, committees and activities that we endeavour to bring to our residents, the walking club has certainly made a big footprint on one and all. We’ve grown tremendously and we’re always looking to welcome more residents to begin their walking journey with us.
Walking within Widenham Retirement Village is incredibly convenient, offering residents a variety of scenic trails right on their doorstep. Our well-maintained paths wind through the beautiful wetlands, providing a peaceful and picturesque environment for everyone to enjoy. Each person can walk at their own pace, visiting every corner of our lush estate, making walking accessible and enjoyable for all fitness levels. Additionally, we organise regular excursions to neighboring reserves, allowing us to continuously challenge ourselves, achieve new milestones, and explore the stunning natural surroundings. This blend of convenience and adventure ensures that our walking activities are both accessible and exciting for all residents.
Fitness at all levels
Walking offers a multitude of benefits for all our members—Strollers, Striders, and Stragglers alike. For our Strollers, walking provides a gentle yet effective way to stay active, improving cardiovascular health and boosting mood with every step. Striders, who walk at a brisker pace, enjoy enhanced aerobic fitness, stronger muscles, and better endurance, all while soaking in the beauty of nature. Our Stragglers, who may take a more leisurely approach, benefit from improved balance, coordination, and mental well-being, reducing the risk of falls and lifting their spirits.
Walking fosters social connections, providing a supportive community where members cheer each other on and share delightful sights along the way. We’ve marked all our routes for safety and experience level and you should know that when you join the Strollers & Striders for one of our walks, you will be well-looked after.
Short walks filled with adventure
No matter the pace, walking promotes overall health and happiness, making it a perfect activity for everyone at Widenham Retirement Village.
Our walking group is always on the go and this year saw the Strollers & Striders make the trek from Crocworld to the nearby Greenpoint lighthouse. The distance was a captivating 1.6km to the lighthouse where our avid birdwatchers on the trail spotted a Palm-nut Vulture. We marked the halfway point with a well-deserved breakfast at the lighthouse, celebrating the success of our journey before embarking on the return trip to Crocworld.
Another highlight we are exceptionally proud of is our initiative to incorporate engaging history lessons as we explore the area. Recently we walked Renishaw nature trails with beautiful views of the Mpambanyoni valley keeping us company. To cap the day, the group gathered at Renishaw Chapel to indulge in a history lesson about the area.
Walking as a hobby, an art, a science
There is no doubt that walking offers a multitude of benefits for everyone at all ages. It relaxes the mind and brings that sought-after level of mindfulness to the task at hand. Put one foot in front of the other and soon you will find yourself transported somewhere else entirely. Be it the picturesque valleys of the South Coast, the serene wetlands on the estate or enjoying a well-earned drink down by sundowner dam.
Experience the camaraderie
One of the best parts of walking with the Strollers & Striders is the camaraderie we share. As we explore the trails, we cheer each other on and celebrate our progress. The friendly support and encouragement from fellow walkers creates a sense of unity and motivation, making each walk a joyful experience. Along the way, we share in the delightful sights, from vibrant flowers to captivating wildlife, making every step an adventure.
Our village trails are alive with the sounds of friendly chatter and the footsteps of our Strollers & Striders club as they enjoy nature together. We are thrilled to see new faces joining our walks and look forward to welcoming new residents who join the village. We’ve adjusted our times to account for the cooler Autumn weather with our Monday and Wednesday walks starting at 4.30pm and our early morning Friday walks starting at 6.30am.
One of our favourite walking spots?
Sundowner Dam remains a favourite weekly walk. As the sky blooms with fiery hues of sunset the group keeps an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this serene spot home. From graceful birdlife to majestic monitor lizards, each visit offers a delightful discovery. It’s the perfect spot to relax under the watchful eyes of nature’s inhabitants.
Keen to join Widenham Retirement Village and the vast opportunities for nature-filled walks and comraderie? Speak to us about our Life Right opportunities at Widenham Retirement Village. We have 1, 2 and 3-Bedroom cottages from R1,5 million. Contact us to learn more about the unsurpassed lifestyle that could be yours on the prized KZN South Coast.
