Lion's Head is notabily becoming more and more popular by the week, both for runners as well as hikers, I have read recently that over 200 000 people climb Lion's Head every year.  I’ve even heard postulate that the figure is closer to around 3 million.

Most people go hiking to get back to nature, most people when they go hiking want to leave our mountains unmarred, the way they found it. However, in the words of Barbara Ward, we have forgotten how to be good guests, to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.

Sadly not all people think alike and that too is very evident when walking "the Lion", cigarette butts, water bottle caps, water bottles, fruit skins/peels and cores are left unashamedly.   In recent times we have picked up a cricket helmet metal grid, a sixpack of beer (still with three full bottles), blankets and caps, tissues.............let's not forget tissues.

As a human, you have the power of choice and your intelligent brain to guide you. Here are a few tips to avoid littering on a hike.

1. Choose Recyclables and bring out what you take in, also remember to take it home and add it to your home recyclables.

2.  Go Reusable The best way to avoid littering on a hike is to pass on making trash so consider using a reusable water bottle.

3.  Wear Clothes With Pockets, choose your attire wisely, and you’ll have plenty of space to stash empty energy bar wrappers.

4. Carry a Backpack, a backpack can be your best friend who helps you avoid littering on a hike. You have a ready-made space to stow everything you take with you so you can do an even kinder deed for the planet by leaving some space when you pack. That way, you can clean up any litter you encounter as you go.    CITO

5. Take Something Out.  Maybe you didn’t make the mess — but if you don’t clean it up, who will? Make it your mission to pick up at least one piece of litter every time you head out to the trail. Consider it your ticket price of admission to nature’s playground.

THIS CITO:

I will start walking between 16h45 and 16h55 depending on traffic getting to town. If you log a "WILL ATTEND"  I  know to wait and be on the lookout for you.

To summit is not essential but a few I am sure will be summiting  (weather permitting) and anybody is welcome to join, take note that if you choose to summit our estimate time of ending would be roughly 19H00.

If however you are keen to push for the summit please come prepared with warm gear, and a torch just in case it takes longer to descent than anticipated.

Due to the nature of litter etc I would suggest gloves, or in my case a tongs (there are certain items I do not want to touch by hand).

Please also remember bags, I use recyclable shopping bags as they are small enough to carry in your hand whilst hiking.

Please note that the sun will set at 18h23 so we should be fine descending, however please bring a torch just in case you decide to summit and the dark catches us on the mountain, a cellphone torch is not ideal so if you have a headlamp that will be the best.

I will not be summiting and will go as far as the gravel road end.

Lastly, If you log a will attend I will be on the lookout for you at the start, so please if you commit and for some reason can not make it anymore, just let me know and I will know not to expect you.

Thank you and remember when on the trail (any trail)     TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

Cache In Trash Out^® Events

Cache In Trash Out^® is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers around the world have been dedicated to improving parks and other cache-friendly places.