Release your inner calm with these five nature walks
COVID-19 has forced many people to self-isolate and remain indoors. But for the sake of your mental health, why not break free from the walls of your home and get some fresh air while staying a safe distance from others? Here are five of Adelaide’s best nature trails.
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Self-isolating yourself from the world can be a little stressful at times. But it doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to your home day in, day out. Take a break from the Covid craziness with these five, breathtaking nature trails. Your body, mind and soul will thank you for it.
Dry Creek Trail
Distance: 14km
Time: 5 hours
Tie your laces and get set for an adventure through the northern suburbs. The Dry Creek Trail starts at Valley View and runs through suburbs including Walkley Heights, Pooraka and Mawson Lakes before finishing at Globe Derby Park. A great way to get some fresh air first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon. Round up your mates and turn it into a competition – just don’t forget to obey the 1.5m social distancing rule. And no high-fives after.
Pioneer Women’s Trail
Distance: 22km
Time: 7 hours or just walk a section of it
The Pioneer Women’s Trail starts at Verdun in the Adelaide Hills and winds through country roads, laneways and bush tracks before ending at Brock Reserve in Beumont. But this is no ordinary trail – it honours the early European settlers from Hahndorf who, in the 1800s, supplied Adelaide with fresh produce at a time when most supplies had to be imported into South Australia. Women and young girls would carry baskets filled with vegetables and dairy products on their backs, stopping at a stream in the foothills near Beaumont to rest and wash their sore feet. They would then continue into Adelaide to deliver the goods. There’s no better time to take part in this trail – it serves as a timely reminder of how fortunate we are to have fruit, vegetables and essentials that are easily accessible in supermarkets. There was no such thing as stockpiling in those days, and there shouldn’t be in 2020.
River Torrens Linear Park Trail
Distance: 46.5km
Time: Approx 1.5 days or just walk a section of it
This trail follows the River Torrens from Athelstone to the river mouth between Henley Beach and West Beach. Walkers will get to take in the sites of the city and suburbs as it passes through Paradise and Walkerville before heading into the city and out to Lockleys and Fulham in the west. It has a mixture of flat surfaces and steep inclines, but all parts are suitable for prams and children – just don’t take your eyes off them near the river banks that aren’t fenced. If you don’t have 1.5 days up your sleeve, start and finish at any point of the trail that suits you, even if it’s just the city stretch. The fresh air will work wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.
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Heysen Trail
Distance: 1200km
Time: 60 days (full trail) or choose a section and a time frame
The stunning Heysen Trail spans 1200km from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge at Flinders Ranges. Along the way, walkers can take in some of South Australia’s most spectacular sites, from the coast and native bushland to rugged gorges, pine forests and vineyards. It’s designed for both beginners and serious walkers and camping is permitted along the way. For those who aren’t game to trek the full distance, there are plenty of short walks you can do, starting and finishing at different points of the trail. A great way to take your mind off the world’s worries, even if just for a little while.
Belair National Park Waterfall Hike
Distance: 6.5km
Time: 3 hours
If the sound of waterfalls doesn’t put you at ease, I’m not sure what will. This trail, in the Belair National Park, takes you through Echo Tunnel to the rock escarpments of the upper and lower waterfalls. It’s a 6.5km loop and will get your heart pumping and blood flowing with moderate slopes. Just make sure you leave the kids at home – the trail can become slippery when wet.
More information at southaustraliantrails.com