Avid walkers Glynne and Eric lace up their walking shoes almost every day.
Residents at a Ryman village, the pair often walk 12km in a day through their character-filled local neighbourhood. Their daily walks feature sea breezes, bay views, and regular visits to their favourite local cafés.
“We have some lovely walks nearby. This area is so convenient for exploring,” says Eric.
Although they have always had a passion for walking, Glynne says that taking part in an inter-village Walking for Wellness challenge did wonders to boost her confidence after it had taken a knock during the pandemic.
“We honestly thought that we would never travel to the other side of the world again but doing the wellness challenge made me more confident in travelling long distance. And we both noticed feeling brighter and more confident in approaching new challenges.”
With this renewed outlook and knowing their apartment at the village would be in safe hands at the village until they returned, Glynne was able to fulfil a long-held dream.
“Eric and I took ourselves to the other side of the world to walk the magnificent Monsal Trail in the Peak District, with its old train tunnels, its wonderful viaduct and winding river – it was wonderful!”
The 13.5 km trail is an accessible, traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders that stretches from Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale to Coombs Road in Bakewell. Glynne and Eric love walks with picturesque scenery and the Monsal Trail did not disappoint, from hills and dales to the iconic Headstone Viaduct.
Being able to take off whenever they like is important for Glynne and Eric. And their lock-and-leave lifestyle at the village makes it so easy. When they first considered retirement living, the lifestyle they saw when visiting the village stood out.
“I thought it was amazing. Everyone was always happy and doing things,” says Glynne.
And now they’re living a life they love. Filled with friendships and activity, where they can follow their passion for walking and travel without worrying about home maintenance or security. With plenty of walks still on their wish list, they’re in the ideal position to tick them off.
As our days flood with warmth and sunshine, there’s no better time to follow Eric and Glynne’s example and lock up the house, lace up your shoes, and step into nature. We’ve put together some suggestions for walks to try, both in and out of Melbourne.
Walk from the Shrine of Remembrance to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton via the Botanic Gardens, crossing the Yarra over the Morell Bridge, past the MCG, through Fitzroy Gardens, and on to Carlton Gardens. Then reward yourself with coffee on Lygon Street!
Welcome to base camp for East Gippsland’s scenic tracks. The local council and community groups have improved Lakes Entrance for walking by reducing traffic speeds and adding points of interest. Enjoy great walks in town and more a short drive away.
This stunning loop follows the coastal bush track to the actual lake 'entrance'. Watch out for plenty of highlights along the way. Return along the same track or via wildly beautiful Ninety Mile Beach.
Victoria’s alpine region is a popular snow skiing mecca but less well known as a walking destination in warmer months. Stop by Bright for riverside walks or drive to Mt Buffalo to expand your horizons.
This fun walk near Lake Catani features beautiful scenery and rock scrambling adventures. Especially for those happy to squeeze into small spaces! The region is abundant with wildflowers through spring and summer.
Cape Woolamai is an exciting walk for those seeking an exposed coastal experience while the very popular George Bass Coastal Walk is not far away. This dog-on-lead friendly walk will take you 7km one way to Kilcunda.
A calmer walk, this loop explores lovely little Churchill Island with views over Western Port Bay, the first farm in Victoria, and native forested areas. Stop by the beautifully restored 1850s homestead for a history lesson.
This regional centre boasts a spectacular coastline, beautiful parks and gardens, and the unique Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – an extinct volcano with an abundance of wildlife. Visit neighbouring Port Fairy via the Mahogany Trail or an inland rail trail.
Warrnambool Beach Walk - 5.75km return
Journey from the city centre to the Warrnambool Breakwater via the foreshore and beach.