RidgeWalk with NUS Toddycats (Sep - Nov 2023)

Dear friends,

In 2008, a 9-km series of trails, bridges and walkways were unveiled which reconnected the Southern Ridges which had been carved through by several roads. Now, an almost continuous traffic-free walk from NUS to HarbourFront became possible and takes some two hours at a brisk pace.

The NUS community has an excellent way to exercise after a tough week, amidst a unique landscape and much greenery. But it all starts with a walk and we are hard pressed to find the time. To get you going, NUS Toddycats are leading briskwalks for NUS staff, students and friends from outside LT3 / LT4 through to Hort Park.

Your guides include Kenneth Pinto, Leang Yuen Yee, Airani S & N. Sivasothi aka Otterman. If there is threat of heavy rain or haze, we will cancel the walk by email through Eventbrite.

We hope you get to know the route along the Southern Ridges and plan future visits!

FAQs

Why walk the ridge?

We are a group of volunteers - the NUS Toddycats - affiliated with the Department of Biological Sciences and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, and the ridge is our backyard. We walk the ridge to enjoy the greenery, connectivity and good company, and in February, lead a heritage walk. Now we are adding one more reason – for exercise!

How do I get to the start point?

We meet outside LT3 / LT4.

The nearest bus stops for are:

• 16189 (Information Technology)
• 16181 (Central Library)

Can we start later?

We need to meet at the start point at 5.30 p.m. to have sufficient time to reach Hort Park before it gets dark.

If you will be late, you can try to intercept us along the route, perhaps at NUH Tower Block or Science Park.

What is the distance? What is the pace?

The walk to Hort Park is about 5km, with climbs in NUS and Kent Ridge Park. We will walk at a slightly faster than normal walking pace (about 5km/h).

How should I prepare for the walk?

• Get a good night's rest the night before.
• Drink water throughout the day of the walk.
• Have a good lunch, and/or a mid-afternoon snack. Avoid a heavy meal immediately before walking.
• If you can walk at a brisk pace for half an hour, you should be able to complete the walk. If you need to, there are several exit points during the walk. It is I important not to over-exert yourself.

Must I complete the walk?

Certainly not! You can leave at any point. You know your body best, so don't overdo your walk, especially if you are not used to a brisk pace. Just let our guides know before you leave.

Convenient places to exit are:

• Junction of Kent Ridge Road and South Buona Vista Road; nearest bus stops 15131 and 15139; near Kent Ridge MRT
• Reflections at Bukit Chandu (Pepys Road);nearest bus stops 15191 and 15199 or about 0.9km to Pasir Panjang MRT

What should I wear / bring?

• Breathable clothing (arm sleeves or long-sleeved tops and long pants help protect you from mosquitoes) and comfortable walking shoes.
• EZ-Link card and/or bus/MRT fare to get home.
• Some form of personal identification (e.g. NRIC).
• The name of your Next of Kin and the telephone number in your wallet for us to call in case of an emergency.
• An extra t-shirt to change into before you join public transport!
• A small towel (it's so humid, sweat won't evaporate off dry-fit t-shirts!)
• Bring a snack along, if you are the sort who gets hungry quickly.
• Bring at least one litre of water along, you will need it!
• There is always the threat of rain, so pack an umbrella, raincoat or poncho. Or at least a hat.

What is the adverse weather plan?

Sometimes it rains heavily, or haze. If there is adverse weather, we will cancel the walk and alert you via email.

If there is lightning during the walk, we will find shelter at the nearest safe place.

I registered but now I cannot join the walk. How do I cancel my registration?

You can cancel your registration on the Eventbrite portal.

1. Log in to Eventbrite.
2. Mouseover your name on the top horizontal toolbar, then click Tickets.
3. Click the walk for which you want to cancel your registration. (If you have registered for more than one walk, be sure to click the correct date!)
4. Click Cancel Order.
5. You will be asked to confirm. Click Yes, cancel this order.
6. You will receive an email confirming the cancellation.

Or email toddycats@gmail.com

We may not have time to respond to you before the walk, but we will check messages. 

How to get to the start point