Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
With just pair of running shoes, water, and some sunscreen, you can discover the beauty of nature, and at whatever pace you're comfortable, with says certified personal trainer, Brendalee Jackson from Cambridge.
The operator of In Your Home Fitness since 2004, Jackson specializes in health issues, injuries, disabilities, special needs exercise classes, and people who seek a healthier lifestyle.
And since 2011, Jackson has organized a Meet-Up Cambridge Beginner Hiking Group, open to anyone of any age and skill level.
“Everyone can participate. And dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed. We have people in their 80s come out and we have young kids take part too,” Jackson said.
With over 2,500 member hikers, and over 110 hikes completed, Jackson says walks range in participation.
“Right now, I’m running a hike at the Huron Natural Area. And there’s 44 people signed up. Usually, I have about 18-25 people show up. It really does depend on the weather,” Jackson said.
“We hike on trails in Cambridge, Waterloo, along the Grand River, Guelph, Montrose, Glen Morris, and the Cambridge Rail Trail.
The group meets year-round, every four or five weeks on a Saturday morning for an hour-long hike.
“I think it’s a great way to get out and spend an hour. Most hiking groups are two hours or more and that can be too long for some,” Jackson said.
“I try to make most walks doable, an easy stroll for an hour where we do about 3.8 or 4 km in an hour. Some hikes are a loop, so you will end up at your car, and others, we go halfway, and turn around on the way back. That way I can pick up any stragglers too.”
After the hike, participants usually get together for coffee or a light lunch.
“It’s a great way to meet people and see the parks and local trails. It’s very social for them. And you can meet new friends,” Jackson said.
But Jackson says, the meetup is not a dating site. Hikes provide participants opportunities to get out, get some exercise, enjoy the scenery, learn about the trails in the area, and meet a great bunch of hikers.
The group is free to join and a donation of $2 is appreciated for those hikers going on a particular hike, as it helps pay for the cost of the meet-up group website.
Participants are more than welcome to bring guests, and kids under 16 years of age are free.
Directions with GPS are posted along with the hike under the app map.
“We get lots of people who are new locally, from all over including Hamilton and even Toronto. They would like to meet new people and see the area. We get older people too who just enjoy getting outdoors in an organized group, which is a big thing for them,” Jackson said.
“They don’t have to worry about getting lost and they get to go out in nature.”
Jackson says she enjoys giving back to the community whenever she can.
“I think its important to do something for the community. This is great for beginners, people getting back into it, experienced hikers, or people just wanting to learn the hiking trails in the area,” she said.
“You can see all of the different trails in the area and the security is there because it is an organized group. You are never by yourself.”
Hiking locations are scheduled until October and are posted on the meetup page.
“And for anyone who needs a lift, someone from the group will help. Just post it and someone will give you a ride,” Jackson said.
Feedback from group, Jackson say, is always positive.
“It’s 100 per cent. They just love it,” Jackson said.
“This is a great way to get out, meet new people and enjoy the beautiful scenery.”
