Kensington Heritage Walk, Johannesburg (12 km) – Join Our Bedfordview Walking Group

Explore the historic suburb of Kensington, Johannesburg, on this scenic 12 km heritage walk. Discover beautiful architecture, local landmarks, tree-lined streets and fascinating history while enjoying a social walk with our Bedfordview walking group. Suitable for walkers who enjoy fitness, heritage and community.

We meet at 8am at the carpark next to Fournos restaurant at the Bedfordview Mall. We do not run but we walk at a reasonably fast pace. There are a number of steep hills. You are going to have a good workout (get ready to burn 1000+ calories), you will be enjoying the company of nice people and beautiful surrounds.

On this walk you will easily cover your 10,000+ steps. Walking offers a slew of physical and mental health benefits. For example, it can support healthy weight loss, improve joint health, boost mood and brain function and aid recovery. Also, walking is a low-impact exercise that is accessible to most people.

Kensington Heritage Walk Route Overview

• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 2 and a half hours
• Difficulty: moderate

Treasure Throve of Heritage Sites

Kensington is a treasure throve of Heritage sites. We will walk past the following Heritage sites: Jeppe High School for Girls, Dykeneuk Stone House, Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Jeppe High School for Boys, Scottish Horse Memorial, Kensington Castle. This is a most enjoyable walk year-round and it is a free event. Following the walk you are welcome to join us at Fournos, Bedfordview Mall for brunch and a social.😋

Meeting Point & Walk Details

Start and End

We meet in the parking area just outside Fournos Bedfordview (Bedford Mall), Shop U23 & U57 Bedford Gardens, Smith Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2008. Join us for brunch afterwards.

Time

8 am.

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Pace and Duration

Moderately brisk pace. We do not run but we do not walk slowly. A degree of fitness is important as this is a hilly area. We do the walk in about two and a half hours.

A Good Workout – You will Burn 1000 Calories

This is a good workout. You will be burning 1,000 calories and you will be able to put them all back again at Fournos.😁

Brunch & Social after the Walk

After the walk join us for brunch and a social at Fournos.

The Route

Kensington Heritage Walk (12 km) Route Map – Google Maps

Kensington Heritage Walk (12 km) Route Map – Strava

We will walk past various heritage sites including:

What You’ll See on the Kensington Heritage Walk

	Heritage Site
	Jeppe High School for Girls	Established in 1918.
	Dykeneuk (Stone House)	Architect: Sir Herbert Baker (1904).
	Dix House (Tibetan Buddhist Centre)	Built by C.W. Dix (1904).
	Jeppe High School for Boys	Architect: Sir Herbert Baker (1909). The school was named after Julius Jeppe who donated the grounds to the school.
	World War I Monument	Prime Minister Jan C. Smuts unveiled the World War I Monument at the school.
	Scottish Horse Memorial	Erected in memory of men who died during the South African Anglo-Boer War in 1901 – 1902.
	Kensington Castle	Built by Samuel Scott Wilson in 1911. This is a replica of the Rothesay-on-Bute Castle in Scotland
		Source: ILK – Kensington Heritage

Miss E L Cummins, an Oxford graduate, was a Maths teacher and the first Headmistress of the school. She and Mr. Payne worked together on the planning of the building that today houses the school. Mr. Payne did not live to see the construction of the building as he died in combat during World War I.

A study in JAMA Neurology found a possible link between walking 10,000 steps per day and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, 13 types of cancer, stroke, and heart failure. Research indicates a link between walking and improved mental clarity and the creative flow of ideas.

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On Special at Fournos – Easy Breakfast

Daily up to 11am. Value for money👍. Not sure if this is applicable to all the Fournos around the country. This has been on offer at Fournos Bedford Centre for a while… Bacon can be replaced with mushrooms at no additional cost. Talk to the waiter/ waitress.

Gallery – Photos from Our Kensington Walks

Click on image to enlarge and view in carousel

Kensington Heritage Walk Johannesburg – 2026-04-26

Another beautiful morning on our popular Kensington heritage walk in Johannesburg, where members of the Bedfordview Walking Group enjoyed sunny skies after days of rain, a scenic 12 km social walk through this historic neighbourhood, and a relaxed brunch with good coffee, a delicious breakfast special, and traditional South African milk tart. Thank you to everyone who joined us for another memorable Johannesburg walking adventure filled with fitness, friendship, history, and community spirit.

❓FAQ

Disclaimer

Participation in our walks or runs is entirely at your own risk. While we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment, participants are responsible for their own health, safety, and personal belongings. Please ensure you are medically fit for physical activity and consult a healthcare professional if needed. The organisers accept no liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred during or after the event.

How to Join Our Johannesburg Walking Group

👉 Join Our Next Kensington Heritage Walk

• 👟 12 km guided walk
• 🤝 Friendly group
• ☕ Brunch after

Joining is easy and completely informal. Would you like to join? Send me a message on WhatsApp

Who Can Join?

• Walkers and runners of all levels
• Individuals, couples, and groups
• Dog owners (leashes required)
• Anyone looking to meet new people and enjoy the outdoors.

Whether you’re coming alone or with friends, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive and friendly group.

To join: Simply arrive at the meeting point.

👉 New participants are always welcome