If you think the idea of looking for a hiking buddy is daunting, don't panic. There are solutions!
It's often hard to explain to our more indoor-orientated friends that going outside, mixing with bugs, walking up steep hills and eating squished sandwiches is actually a heel-throbbing good time. For a lot of the uninitiated, bushwalking conjures up images of frumpy trousers, sweaty faces and sore feet; or perhaps a less-than-cherished memory of being forced to hike up a nearby mountain on school excursions. Many of us don't find our love for the outdoors until long after we've graduated, but what to do if your favourite people still just haven't got it? Maybe it's time to look elsewhere, so here are some ideas on how to meet like-minded bushwalkers.
Bushwalking Clubs
Jump online and search for 'bushwalking clubs' in your state. These have been around for years and offer free walks for a low-cost annual membership, a dedicated site for your state and lots of ways to get involved.
Facebook
Type 'bushwalking' and the name of your town/city into Facebook's search bar to find a dedicated group you can join to share tips, organise walks and connect with other like-minded folk. These vary a lot and if you don't have one nearby, there's nothing to say you can't start one yourself. More casual than the bushwalking clubs, although many bushwalking clubs have joined Facebook to keep in touch with their members.
Meetup
A huge, free site with meet-ups for everything under the sun – including wandering through forests. Find an activity, a group and an event to get involved.
Go old-school
There's a lot to be said for putting a sign up at your local notice board, community newspaper, cafe, pub or trailhead detailing what kind of walk you'd like to do and see if anyone else is interested. You can ask the owner if people can leave their details with them if you don't want to put your contact details on show.
Take a guided walking holiday
Great if you want to do a long walk, but aren't sure if you're up for walking alone. There are many companies that offer great experiences on every walk imaginable. Not only can you arrange to have your heavy pack trucked to camp for you where a hot dinner awaits, but they are also great places to connect with other hikers. If you're worried about being lobbed in with a bunch of cosy couples, call the companies you’re interested in and ask to be booked on a trip with other solo hikers. For ideas – just flick through your copy of Great Walks!
Your local outdoor store
As well as a place for new pants, they are also often a really great resource. Not only are those working there likely to be well plugged into the local walking community, but many also have noticeboards and brochures with lots of information.
Join a charity walk
Stepping up to help someone else might be just the thing your unenthusiastic friend needs to finally join you. Search 'charity walks Australia' to find one of the many near you – there's many different types to suit every need. This is an easy way to get your work-mates or family involved with a comforting backbone of organisation and good vibes.
Walk for Health
The Heart Foundation has a big initiative to get people walking (visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au and check out their events section). It's generally an older crowd; it's also a great way to get a friend in shape for bigger adventures.
There's a place for everyone
There are lots out there if you look for them, including for those who don’t fit the traditional image of a bushwalker.
For disabled hikers wanting to head deeper into the wilderness, the Trailrider is now available in several national parks Australia wide. Bring a bike helmet and call ahead to make sure someone else isn't already out in it.
For hikers with a mental illness, the outdoors can be a fantastic way to get some headspace. Try your local mental health support network to see if walks already run, or make a plan with your support team to get outdoors. There's lots of walks within easy reach of towns and cities in manageable lengths.
For families wanting to go hiking with kids the internet is bursting with resources – just do an internet search for lots of good advice.
For older Australians, calling your local over-50's social group is a great place to start, or join a Heart Foundation event.