While most non-essential travel has been restricted, you can still head out into the open air for exercise. Porch Sessions founder and freelance bushwalking instructor Sharni Honor gives us some tips for stretching our legs during iso.

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19 ADELAIDE

We’ve long known Sharni Honor as the founder of the much enamoured Porch Sessions and Porchland events, as well as co-owner at Summertown Studio (sadly now in COVID hiatus).

But we also learned during a conversation not so long ago that before she’d found a professional home in the music industry, Sharni worked predominantly as a freelance bushwalking instructor.

Here at CityMag (which is now more of a concept than a physical space, spread across many people’s ad-hoc home offices), the current social distancing practices are beginning to weigh heavier on our minds with each passing day – what we would give to be amongst people and not be able to hear ourselves think in a noisy, echoey café.

In an effort to ward off cabin fever, we’ve reached out to Sharni for some recommendations on where to get into nature for some much needed exercise, given it’s our only option for getting out of the house for an extended period of time and going anywhere except a supermarket.

SA Health’s guidelines must, of course, be strictly followed: so only go hiking by yourself, with one other person, or with the people you live with; and be sure to remain 1.5 metres away from anyone else you encounter on your travels. Remember that if you need to cough or sneeze, please do so into your elbow.

If you are sick, if you suspect you’re sick, or if you’ve been given an order to quarantine or isolate, just don’t leave the house. Take a hike in a few weeks once you’re feeling better or your period of enforced isolation is over.

And finally, try to remain as close to home as possible. Pick the trail that is nearest to you.

Over to Sharni.

Marion Coastal Walking Trail (Hallet Cove Boardwalk)

5.1km one way, 3—4 hours return

“Recently re-opened. Good news, you can bring your hound (excluding Hallet Cove Conservation Park). This is Craig’s favourite trail.

Get that heart rate up with more stairs than you can poke a stick at. Stunning views and vantage points for that salty wind to smack you in the face.

Super close to city, this is a beautiful almost Mediterranean walk.

Adelaide’s best kept secret.”

Belair National Park

Waterfall Hike

BYO HOUND.

“Super local walk, 20 minutes from the city, and feel like you’re miles away.

Choose the Waterfall Hike, stroll through the beaut parks of Belair to begin, and then get lost in the Lofty Ranges scenery.

Relatively easy stroll. Delightful. This is Craig’s second favourite trail.”

Head South — The Fleurieu:

Newland Head Conservation Park

Heysen Trail – from Waitpinga Campground // Car Park.

“Head East on the Heysen for a delightful inland stroll to begin, then find yourself tracing the incredible coastline, right on the clifftops, overlooking the rugged Encounter Marine Park & Southern Ocean.

Walk right through to King Head & King Beach. Bloody magic.”

Deep Creek Conservation Park

“The Heysen trail down to Blowhole Beach is a beautiful walk, get up early to spend time at Blowhole here.

One of my favourite beaches in the state, great for fishing, and surfing when there’s waves.

Alternatively, the Deep Creek Circuit Hike is a ripper, a full day walk, 10.9km in 7 hours return. Classified as the hardest trail in the park, but achievable for anyone who is healthy and is keen to move their legs.

Great little sandwich spots, bit of ocean, bit of inland, quintessential Australiana Flora and Fauna on route. (That’s probably the most bushwalky thing I’ve ever said.)”