We spoke with Lesley Hamilton, President of the Western Walking Club, about what makes the club unique, why she joined the club, and her favourite places to hike.
How would you describe Western Walking Club to someone who’s never heard of the club before?
Western Walking Club (WWC) is a friendly and caring club made up of like-minded people who enjoy walking in our unique bushland. It is a great club to join if you are a solo walker, or a couple who would like to join others on a walk, or someone who has always wanted to try bushwalking. Good friends can be made. You will hear many walking travel stories and, at the same time, take care of your fitness while enjoying being out in the fresh air.
Why did you join WWC?
I joined the WWC in 2010. I enjoyed turning up on a Sunday morning and participating in a walk led by amazing leaders and heading home knowing that I had walked a good walk with new-found friends. As the time passed, I decided to attend the leadership course so I could help the club by leading walks. I then joined the club committee and was the camp coordinator for several years. Last year at our AGM, I put my name forward to be president and was elected. I find that it is an excellent way of giving back to the club which has given me so much. We have a good committee and of course great members.
What makes the club unique?
WWC is the oldest walking club in Western Australia, established in August 1937. An annual subscription back then was set at five shillings. A program of walks and activities was drawn up and the club was under way. The first club walk took place with a group of three men and six women walking from Subiaco at the edge of suburbia, along the “Old Plank Road” and through the sand hills to City Beach. The club lives on. It is a welcoming and inclusive club with its variety of walks offered. We have around 130 members.
How many walks does WWC offer each week?
The club organises walks throughout the year, mainly on a Sunday. The winter hiking season runs from May through to October. During this period, we offer two walks each Sunday. These walks are pre-surveyed and led by two experienced and trained members of the club. Each week we have an easier walk, which is usually between 10km to 14km, mainly on track with no difficult terrain. The medium and harder walks can range between 12km to 20km, and may include steep and rough terrain, with some off-track through the bush sections. During summer we have one walk each Sunday starting earlier and we walk along the river or coastal foreshore and through some of our larger metropolitan parks. These walks are usually around 10km and are easier than the winter walks.
What kinds of social activities does WWC offer?
We have two camps a year, one in autumn and the other in spring. These camps have hikes scheduled each day, and a shared meal or two out. They are held predominantly in the south-west of WA. There are also more formal weekends away organised, along with social events throughout the year. An end-of-year function is held each year in early December, with a Christmas theme. At this function our annual club magazine is distributed.
What are your favourite places to hike in Perth and WA?
My favourite places to walk would be down south in Denmark and Walpole. Around Perth, I enjoy Dave Osborne’s walks found on Walks GPS as I enjoy walking amongst the wandoo trees. The Perth Hills offer many walks to enjoy, and are even better after rain. We are lucky to have such a choice of walks in so many places in our state.
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