Surf Coast Hiking Group sets off

THE Surf Coast’s newest hiking and walking group set off for their first trek on Sunday with around 20 people making their way from Jan Juc Beach to Bells Beach and back.

Tam Reade started the Surf Coast Hiking Group. Passionate about the outdoors and with a love for hiking herself, she designed the group to be as inclusive as possible.

“The idea behind the group is to inspire others to get outdoors and explore the environment around us,” she said.

“It’s a great way to make new interpersonal connections and a way to decompress and relax after a busy week at work.”

Little equipment and experience are needed for those wanting to participate with hikes and walks offered at different distances and difficulties.

The group will offer both day trips and overnight journeys with the aim of running between two and four hikes every month, depending on weather and availability.

Ms Reade said the day trips are planned so people who are time poor, or those without the right gear for an overnight hike can still find a way to participate.

Hikes will be held in a variety of locations across Victoria.

“Over the warmer months I plan on running more hikes along the Surf Coast as well as at Werribee Gorge, the Otways, You Yangs and the Great Ocean walk.”

Different hikes will also depend on how far people are willing to travel and the number of people with the right equipment for overnight hikes.

“To ensure we still remain inclusive to people who are maybe less fit, have less time or do not have the means to buy suitable gear, we will of course continue to run day hikes,” Ms Reade said.

The next hike will take place this Sunday, August 11 from Aireys Inlet to Urquhart Bluff, meeting at the Aireys Inlet reserve.

To join the group or find out more about coming hikes, head to the Surf Coast Hiking Group Facebook page.