We all know exercise is good for us. What you might not know is hiking or simply walking in nature can amplify the benefits of walking.
Benefits of walking in nature
Mental health
Spending more time in natural surroundings can have positive effects on our mental health. Being outdoors reduces stress, stimulates endorphins and releases serotonin. The Japanese have long recognised these benefits, using ‘forest bathing’ to improve their wellbeing. Forest bathing doesn’t mean taking a bath among trees. The term means to immerse your senses in the smell, feel and sounds of the trees.
Social
If you work remotely or generally spend a great deal of time on your own, finding a local walking group can help you build connections and feel more part of your community. It’s true, too, that people of any ability or cultural background will benefit from making connections with others while outdoors in nature.
Some Hills Shire walks to try
We have some walks for you but it’s worth going online to the Hills Shire Council website to see more and download maps.
1. Caddies Creek Walk Rouse Hill
Have a spare two to three hours? If you want a shortish wander through the bush, this is for you. The trail is dog- and family-friendly and is about 10 km to go there and back.
2. Rouse Hill Circuit Walk
At around 9 km, this track isn’t too demanding and it’s surfaced all the way. Wander through eucalypt trees, past the artificial lake filled with aquatic plants, wetland areas, an historic house and more as you cross Caddies Creek.
Download a map from here or download the pdf from the council website.
3. Bushland Corridors Rouse Hill
On this 4.4-km walk along mostly paved paths, you’ll pass by an early farm house, a grave, some Forest Red Gums, waterways and some water birds. Nearby at William Harvey Reserve and Milford Drive Reserve you’ll find children’s playgrounds.
4. Forest Walk Cumberland State Forest Castle Hill
This is a quick walk at just one-and-a-half hours. The Cumberland State Forest, established in 1939, is Australia’s only urban forest. The walk through the forest will delight you with tall trees and cabbage tree palms, birdlife and native plants from The Hills and other parts of Australia. As well as nature, nearby you’ll find toilets, picnic areas, barbecues, café, retail plant nursery and the Tree Tops Adventure Course.
5. Heritage Trail Baulkham Hills
Taking walkers through the headwaters of Toongabbie Creek, this three-hour walk of just under 7 km takes you through a turpentine ironbark forest, an endangered vegetation area.
You’ll also find a playground, toilets, picnic tables and barbecues at Crestwood Reserve.
6. Geebung Walk Castle Hill
This 3.5-km walk will take you through the Sydney Sandstone Transition Forest and Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland and the Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest Cattai Creek. This area is rich in native plant life so you’re likely to see wildflowers almost all year. Rich flora means the area is great for birdwatching. Nearby you’ll find toilets, picnic tables and a children’s play area.
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.
