The state of our general health is discussed daily in the newspapers and other media, and conventional wisdom has it that we need to remain active to enjoy our lives. Walking is the most natural and simple form of movement, and an excellent all round mode of exercise, yet as a nation we are walking less and less. This course will show you how easy it is to start and to include regular walking in your lifestyle. Walking permeates our lives in all sorts of ordinary, yet necessary ways... [More]

One of the best ways of exploring the history, culture and landscape of Britain is to walk it. Walking gives us the opportunity to slow down, to appreciate the world through which we normally race. The physiological benefits of longer distance walking are many, including an increased sense of well-being. If you have ever wanted to go on a walking journey in Britain, but have been reluctant or unsure about how to start, this course will help you to prepare for it. Course Content Intr... [More]

The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America. Also known as the American War of Independence, this period lasted from 1775 to 1783 and brought about major changes to the European sphere of influence around the world. Join us on a 1700km journey through the heart of the American Revolution, v... [More]

Travelling the Road to Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St James are said to be buried, is one of the oldest and most interesting journeys in Europe. The idea of pilgrimage seems to touch a chord in us and pilgrims on the road to Compostela are as taken with the journey as with the destination. These days, pilgrimage is an exciting and challenging opportunity to depart from our usual lifestyles and experience the world beyond the horizon. Walking gives us the opportunity... [More]

Travellers throughout history have found that the very best way to see a country is on foot, following paths both less and well travelled, experiencing the daily rhythm of the land, its wildlife and the rich culture of its people. This course looks at some of the best treks available, including The English Coast to Coast Path, New Zealand’s famous Milford Track, exploring Colonial Sydney and the pilgrim’s path to Santiago de Compostela, looking at the history, the idea of the “journ... [More]

Sacred sites and pilgrimage trails dot and cross France. In this course we will look at some of these sites and explore one of the best known pilgrimage trails, Le Puy to Conques. Pilgrimage is an exciting and challenging opportunity to depart from our usual lifestyles and experience the world beyond the horizon. Walking gives us the opportunity to slow down, to appreciate the world through which we normally race. The physiological benefits of longer distance walking are many, inclu... [More]

Sydney’s towns and villages are Australia’s best sites for exploring our colonial heritage. In this series of four sessions we will look at Sydney’s colonial history in the Macquarie era and explore the same on foot. Colonial sites at Windsor, Liverpool and Parramatta provide us with some superb examples of our heritage. This course is for people who enjoy exploring history by walking through it. The course is also suitable for those who are new to walking. The walks are around thre... [More]

We embark on a walk along Hadrian’s Wall in England, 80 Roman miles from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway. Hadrian was a new type of emperor. He was interested in his entire holdings, and particularly in the provinces. One of the most traveled of emperors, he delimited the empire with walls. We examine his rule as emperor, his most famous wall and his travels. Course Content The Romans in Britannia Roman Legions Roads and forts The Stanegate Roman sites on British walks Hadrian’s Wall... [More]

Colonial Tasmania was once known as Van Diemen’s Land. For some, the life was good, for others not so. Yet communities survived and later prospered. Lachlan Macquarie, governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821 visited his distant island colony twice, travelling the route between Launceston and Hobart, naming most of the places along the way. We explore the early history of the colony and join the Governor as he journeys across this most distant outpost of the British empire. Cou... [More]

Want to regain your fascination with Sydney’s history? Are you a visitor to Sydney, or have you moved from another capital? Then the six historic walks covered in this course will whet your appetite for exploring the heritage of this beautiful city, looking at its history, wildlife and geography. Walking is a great way to regain fitness and stay healthy. This course will assist participants in planning walking excursions and it will discuss the appropriate walking gear needed. Cours... [More]