Free Trails: A Totally Unqualified Catalogue of Things I Walked (Part 5)

Well, here we are. Part 5 - the final instalment in this increasingly niche series of lists about places I have wandered around on purpose.

I do have other lists lurking in the wings – shaded walks, rock pools, and various other categories that nobody asked for but somehow happened anyway.

But honestly, I feel like we've all had quite enough of this series.

I refuse to become one of those franchises that should have stopped three sequels ago but keeps rambling on because nobody had the courage to pull the plug - you know the ones - I'm looking directly at you, "The Walking Dead."

Anyway, moving on.

Unlike the previous lists, where each hike was added as I completed it, this one required fresh research.

That's right - actual research - you're getting dangerously close to expecting effort from me.

But when I first started this obsession, I had no idea I would stumble across so many genuinely decent trails that cost absolutely nothing - which, given the current price of petrol, may make this the single most important list in the entire series.

So here it is: a totally unqualified catalogue of free hikes worth doing.

As always, these are simply the ones I've personally done. I'm sure there are others. In fact, I know there are others, because I still have a to-hike list....remember that thing? The one I’ve mentioned once or twice before.

Feel free to add them in the comments so we can all pretend we're helping each other rather than just enabling further hiking.

Bishop Bird Park

Delta Park

Fairland Koppies

Field and Study Recreation Centre

Friends of Magalies

Gillooly’s Farm

Horwoods Farm

Huddle Park

Hurlyvale Park

Indwe Park

James & Ethel Gray Park

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Kingfisher Park

Klapperkop

Klipriviersberg

Kloofendal Nature Reserve

Little Falls Hiking Trail

Lonehill Park and Dam

Lonehill Koppies

Melville Koppies (some parts)

Moreleta Nature Reserve

Mushroom Farm Park

Norscot Koppies Kingfisher Nature Reserve

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Rietfontein Nature Reserve

Riversands Farm Village

Roodeplaat Dam

Verity Park

The Wilds

Vaal Marina

Walkhaven Dog Park

Willow Park

Zoo Lake