What Happens on Walks

What happens on Walks?

People come together in nature to walk the land and live in community sharing responsibilities.

We bring our own tents and cook and eat together. The camping spots are mostly without facilities or water, so toilets are dug and water brought in. There is a kitchen tent, a fire pit for cooking and where possible a fire to sit around at night and have fun.

How far do we walk?

A typical day's walk is around 15km. It depends on the terrain, the weather, the location, etc. The walk itself may be a loop out of camp and back. It may mean being bussed to the start, or back from the end. Usually there's a pickup after 2 or 3km, and another at lunchtime, about halfway.

Most days we walk to the next campsite. A group of people dismantle camp and reassemble at the next campsite. This group is known as the support crew and everyone is encouraged to take part in this activity at least once during the walk. You pack your own tent up before walking and set it up after arriving at the next camp. The walking distances are varied and flexible with pick ups for children and those not quite so fit and able. You only carry a daypack with your lunch, water, raincoat etc. between camps. If you do not wish to walk it is okay to hang out in camp for the day. Food fare is a carefully thought out vegetarian affair. Yum yum!

All Great Walk camps are drug and alcohol free, so leave them at home, a good opportunity to see that we can have great fun without them.

And how do we know where to walk?

We follow red tags placed by the Front Shepherd. It's their job to walk ahead and mark out the route. For safety, never get ahead of the Front Shepherd! There's another Shepherd who brings up the rear. It's their job to make sure all walkers get through and accounted for, and collect the tags. If you leave the track, leave your backpack in the middle of the way so the Rear Shepherd won't pass you by.

Some Hints and Guidelines

Everyone wash their hands before eating and preparing food If the toilet hand-washing bucket is empty please fill it

Do not destroy vegetation – respect nature & leave our campsites as clean as we found them. We have front and rear shepherds to keep us on track On the track follow the red tags.

You should also remember to sign in and out for each days walk, and pick a buddy to keep an eye on each other. And pay attention at Circle. There may be important information about the day's walk you will need to know.

Pick Ups

Pickup points are clearly identified by 3 red tags grouped together. You may spot the bus and be able to get a ride wherever you are, but to be guaranteed a pickup, make sure you're at the designated point. Because of many factors, times may be very flexible, so make sure you're well prepared for a wait.

And if I get lost?

Stay where you are. Do not panic. We'll have a much better chance of finding you if you're not wandering about. "Buddy up", that is, walk with a friend, and keep an eye out for those red tags! Blow a whistle.

Bring:

Daypack, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, lunch-box,personal plate/bowls /mug /cutlery (ideally marked so you can find it among everyone else's),torch & batteries, water bottle, whistle, fly net, sturdy shoes (with ankle support and good soles), light clothing for hot weather (long light pants and a shirt with collar and sleeves to cover your arms are ideal to protect you from sun, scrub and insects), warm clothing (eg beanie, long underpants),rain gear, Bring personal camping gear (eg.small tent,mat,sleeping bag etc)