The Chebucto Hiking Club has been walking all over the Halifax Regional Municipality for more than 11 years, but their main goal has remained the same, introduce people to new and exciting trails in their own backyard.
On Feb. 22, they did just that by walking across the Angus L. MacDonald Bridge to Dartmouth. It's a tradition now, the walk happens the last Friday of every month.
"We go up Citadel Hill from here, down North Street, across the MacDonald Bridge, down to Lake Banook and then we take the ferry back," longtime member Judy Everard said, while walking down Barrington Street.
The group of hikers was about two dozen strong; most of them well bundled for a blustery, wintry day.
"People hear about us primarily through word of mouth," Everard said. "Everyone is interested in fitness today, trying to get some exercise and fresh air, but a lot of people don't want to walk by themselves. We solve that issue."
There is no fee to join the walk, but memberships are sold in order to pay for administrative costs like bulletins and pamphlets.
"Some people who join us are new to the area and they want to get out with a group like this to meet new people and to explore their new home," she said.
"In the wintertime we walk mainly in the metro area, but come spring we'll start moving out into the woods," she said.
The group walks regardless of weather; only cancelling scheduled walks if the weather makes the route too dangerous, like freezing rain or blizzard-like conditions.
The average size of a walking group is 25 - 40, but they've had up to 100 at one time. They also take a road trip once a year outside of the city, this year they'll be heading to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
The Chebucto Hiking Club began in 2001 with around 30 members, now it's close to 200.
One of those members, Don MacLeod, has been walking with the group for almost seven many years.
"I just like to keep active and I try to get out once a week with the group since I retired," MacLeod said. "I just enjoy every walk, there's no particular one that stands out, although I do like this walk here, the city-to-city.
"It's always better than sitting home on the chesterfield watching TV or sitting in front of the computer. I don't think there's enough people getting out to do this, they don't know what they're missing."
