How to start a hiking group: five easy steps

I know I usually write about a specific hike with details of where to start, how the trail runs and where it ends. This article is for anyone who loves the outdoors but has no idea how to get started hiking in a group.

In our town, we have an official hiking club that does guided walks on a Tuesday and Thursday. A massive problem for anyone who is working during the week. I decided to try my hand at forming a group which I call #happyhikers.

• In our and other countries, you are required to be a registered nature guide with a valid first-aid certificate to accompany people for nature hikes. 
• If you decide to host your walking group, it should be made clear in the notification that it is a social group with the aim to hike together. Notify the group that NO Guide will be accompanying the group.
• Check your local requirements for indemnity. If someone gets hurt, you don't want to end up in court or worse with a major sense of guilt.

On a personal note and a bit of background about me – I arrived in the Overberg 3 years ago. I had come back to the Cape from Gauteng and was at my most “unhealthiest”. I was very overweight and had terrible IBS brought on by a high paced, stressful lifestyle. Hiking was what grounded me.

Most of the time, I hiked alone – too embarrassed because I was so slow. I would tell my son I am carrying far too many “bags of potatoes” up the mountain with me. I persevered and also had a mentor who sometimes joined me. This special lady is over 70, and she loves Cape Flora. This meant plenty of stops to look at specimens, and through this, I not only got fit, but I also started to fall in love with nature and not just the fresh air and exercise.

With this in mind, I decided to form a group so that we can all appreciate the rich bio-diverse Kogelberg and surrounds. In the hopes that someone who may be feeling the way I felt, would join and also become active in the efforts to educate themselves on how to conserve what we have on our doorstep. 

It’s the small things we do that can make or break a fragile eco-system. Sometimes we don’t even think we do harm.  Example: Obviously, we know that to litter is wrong. Take the trash and bin it properly. But we also believe – this apple core is bio-degradable so that can be tossed in the bush. But it has no business being there. We have to be so careful not to introduce all the things that apple can bring in, e.g. bacteria and disease to that specific eco-system.

This is what I have done to begin building a social hiking group.

I added all the people who commented their numbers as well as friends who wanted to join. Don’t add people who have not asked to be added. We got 30+ after 12 hours!

Below is the note I posted to provide the aim of the group.

#HappyHikers in a nutshell
• We are not a hiking club
• Anyone can post where they are planning to hike, when and where to meet
• You are welcome to join any hike posted - just let the poster know to expect you
• You do not have to be super-fit, but the poster should note if the hike is strenuous
• If a group hikes, you are welcome to post a few pics afterwards - "to make the rest of us jealous :)"
• If you invite others to join you need to ensure you keep pace with your slowest hiker
• Enjoy - Be safe - Be kind