What is a Volksmarch?
A Volksmarch is an organized walk, held in all types of weather, along a predetermined route. The walks are usually 10 kilometres long but walks of other distances are offered occasionally. Five kilometre distances are also available at most walks for those unable to complete a 10 kilometre distance. Three types of Volksmarches are usually offered in Canada: Guided/Map Walks, Year-Round/Seasonal Event, and Annual Events.
Guided/Map Walks are simple forms of volksmarches which use either a leader or a map, or both, to guide participants on the predetermined route. If no map is given to walkers, the participants all start at the same place and time and cover the route as a group. If a map is used to guide walkers, the finish point is left open until all walkers are accounted for. These walks can be enjoyed at your own pace as club members will ensure the slower walkers are accompanied.
Permanent Trails/Seasonal Events are open to participation all year long. A set of instructions and route directions are provided in a “walk box” at the start point. The instructions outline how participants register and how they receive credit for the event. These events can be completed as often as desired and are an excellent way to accumulate distance credits.
Annual Events are organized by local clubs and scheduled once a year. These may be one-day or weekend events and may include several different routes and distances. Routes are marked and usually there is an open start time which is specified in the event brochure. In past years our club has hosted a Wine Walk weekend in the Okanagan.