Hill View Bushwalkers has Friday walks from mid-February to mid-November. HVB began in a small way in the early 1980s, growing gradually and retaining a quite informal structure. The spirit of friendship and care that was nurtured in those early years has been maintained, and it is rewarding to be associated with this group.

The two long-time leaders who had guided the group through its formative years retired in 2006, precipitating significant changes in organisational procedures. Most significantly, we incorporated the group and affiliated with Bushwalking NSW. The evolution of the group continued, and we now have walks at three levels of activity led by members who volunteer to lead walks that appeal to them.

The most active group usually has a walk of about 15 kilometres, sometimes up to 18 kilometres, with substantial ascents and descents. The regular walking group will usually walk for 8-12 kilometres, with less vigorous climbs. A third group of members unable to manage the weekly program has a monthly program of social walks, generally under four kilometres. Because we walk on Fridays we tend to have a fairly mature membership that includes many part-time workers and retired people.

A weekend away is occasionally arranged where there is low-cost accommodation and good day walks, such as the Snowy Mountains or NSW South Coast.

The program covers six months, starting with a subcommittee preparing a draft program listing proposed walks. This draft is circulated to members, who indicate which walks they are prepared to lead (two leaders to each walk), and when all the gaps are filled the program is finalised and published.

Walks are all within reach of a one day trip from the meeting point in Turramurra, enabling us to walk in the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Royal National Park areas as well in Sydney. We usually drive with car pooling, but where possible we use public transport. The photos illustrate a selection of our members and of the country where we walk.

The photo below was taken at Anvil Rock in the Blue Mountains and shows a group of our walkers against the backdrop of typical Blue Mountains scenery. They look quite happy about being there!

Walking as a healthy relaxation in Sydney is easy, rewarding, and there for the asking!