Hiker shares her life on the trail with Boksburg club

When Lorin Edgar (46) heads out onto a trail, she knows she is leaving more than the city behind.

For the Bartlett resident and Boksburg Hiking Club leader, hiking has become a way to disconnect from everyday life, spend time in nature and meet people she may never have crossed paths with otherwise.

Lorin started hiking regularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and, almost six years later, has tackled everything from day hikes to multi-day adventures, such as the Otter Trail, Whale Trail and Caminos.

“I used to play netball, so have always lead an active lifestyle,” she said.

But hiking offered her something different.

While hiking alone or with friends can be enjoyable, she found that getting a group together was not always easy, particularly when friends had different commitments.

“That’s why it’s nice to be part of the club because you can easily join a hike someone is arranging.”

This sense of community is at the heart of Boksburg Hiking Club, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

The club now has 166 members and offers a programme that goes beyond ordinary day walks, including slackpacking and backpacking hikes, social gatherings and cultural events.

For Lorin, one of the biggest attractions is the variety of hikes arranged by the various leaders and getting to know one another beyond the usual small talk.

“You have conversations while you are walking and you get to know people on a different level.”

The club has also given her the opportunity to experience places she may not have visited on a conventional holiday.

A trip to Port St Johns in the Transkei stands out in her memory. Here, they hiked through rural villages and spent time at a village homestead.

“You don’t get to experience that on a normal holiday,” Lorin said.

Other adventures have taken the group to places like Magoebaskloof and along coastal routes, such as the Whale Trail.

For Lorin, the destination is only part of the experience.

“The thing I love about hiking is that on longer hikes you can really switch off from everyday life and connect with nature.”

One of her most memorable experiences was the 10-day Sun Gazer Trail in the Free State.

“I completely switched off. So much so that my mother was worried because she was not hearing from me. I was just so relaxed.”

The trails have also created friendships across generations.

The club includes hikers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, with Lorin among the younger members.

Lorin is inspired by the older hikers, particularly when she sees their fitness, balance and confidence on difficult trails.

“It makes you realise that hiking is something you can continue doing for many years.”

Safety is another important part of the club’s hiking culture.

Members are encouraged to stay together on the trail, and if a group has to split, there should be at least four people together.

“You never leave anyone behind,” Lorin said, adding this is particularly reassuring for people who may be nervous about hiking alone.

The club also makes space for newcomers who may not yet have the fitness or confidence for longer routes.

Beginners can start with day hikes and gradually build themselves up, while new-member hikes help newcomers understand the club, learn what to pack and become comfortable on the trails.

Training walks are held in Bredell every Saturday and Sunday, giving aspiring hikers a chance to improve their fitness before tackling longer hikes.

The club’s social side is just as important.

Monthly meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 19:00 at the Atlas Bowling Club, corner Denel North and Atlas roads, Bonaero Park.

Up to 50 people attend, with meetings kicking off with a social bring-and-braai from 17:30.

Meetings cover upcoming hikes and guest talks on subjects including health, diabetes, biokinetics and photography.

Lorin said people do not need to be experienced hikers to discover what the club has to offer.

“Hiking does not have to be about climbing a huge mountain. You can start with a day hike, meet people and build yourself up from there.”

For anyone feeling stuck in the routine of everyday life, she believes the answer might be as simple as putting on a pair of hiking shoes and taking the first step.

“I would say if you want to switch off from your current world and you are longing to connect with nature, then hiking could be for you.”

For more information go to boksburghiking.co.za or contact hike leader and programme coordinator, Hans Kubierske, 082 348 4416.

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