Recommended parking at Rosebank Mall: Drive on Bath Ave (which runs North to South this section of Bath Ave) and you will see the entrance to the parking on your left. R10 all day (other parking lots in the area are much more expensive)🅿🚙🚘 From this parking you can easily reach Cinema Nouveau where we meet. Rosebank Mall. Safe parking – R10/ day all day.
Introduction
The Westcliff Stairs Walk is one of Johannesburg’s most enjoyable outdoor fitness walks, combining:
- stair climbing,
- cardiovascular exercise,
- scenic views,
- and social walking.
Located in the beautiful suburbs of Westcliff and Parkview in Johannesburg, the route has become popular with walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a challenging yet rewarding urban walking route.
The walk includes numerous staircases, hills, tree-lined streets and panoramic views of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
The Route
The total distance is approx. 11 km. We start at the entrance to Cinema Nouveau, Rosebank Mall, we walk along Saxonwold Drive lined with charming high-end residences both sides of the road, we continue walking past the outside of the Anglo-Boer War Memorial, The South African National Museum of Military History (Second World War Memorial), the Johannesburg Zoo, the walk continues in uber-luxury Westcliff, up and down the Westcliff Stairs, we then walk past a quaint restaurant strip in Parkview, we walk around Zoo Lake and back to Rosebank Mall. We then enjoy a brunch and social at the Mugg & Bean, Rosebank Mall.
Westcliff has many heritage sites and kudos to the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for all the work they have done over the years.
Our Next Westcliff Stairs Walk – Start and End, Distance
We meet at 8am at the entrance to Cinema Nouveau, Rosebank Mall. Join us for brunch afterwards.
Pace and Duration
Moderately brisk pace. We do not run but we do not walk slowly either. A degree of fitness is important. This is a 11 km stretch that includes the Westcliff Stairs. We do the walk in about two and a half to 3 hours.
The Highest Point
The highest point on this walk is the top of the Westcliff Stairs at 1736 meters above sea level.
A Good Workout – 14,000+ steps, you will Burn 800+ Calories and get 300 Vitality Points
This is a good workout. You will be burning 800+ calories and you will be able to put them all back again at Mugg & Bean.😁 You will get your 300 Vitality points should you be on Vitality.
Brunch & Social
After the walk join us for brunch and a social at the Mugg & Bean, Rosebank Mall.
What Makes the Westcliff Stairs Walk Special?
The route combines:
- outdoor fitness,
- urban hiking,
- and social wellness.
Unlike a normal flat walk, the stair climbing sections provide:
- excellent cardiovascular exercise,
- leg strengthening,
- endurance training,
- and calorie burning.
The route also passes through some of Johannesburg’s most beautiful residential areas, known for:
- greenery,
- heritage homes,
- jacaranda-lined streets,
- and quiet surroundings.
Fitness Benefits of Stair Climbing
Stair walking and climbing are excellent forms of exercise because they help improve:
- cardiovascular fitness,
- leg strength,
- endurance,
- balance,
- and overall health.
Compared with normal walking, stair climbing increases exercise intensity and calorie expenditure significantly.
The route is suitable for:
- walkers,
- hikers,
- runners,
- and people training for fitness events.
Scenic Views and Atmosphere
One of the highlights of the Westcliff Stairs Walk is the scenery. Walkers will enjoy:
- elevated views,
- tree-lined avenues,
- parks,
- and historic Johannesburg architecture.
Social Walking and Community
The Westcliff Stairs Walk is also a social experience.
Group walks create opportunities for:
- meeting people,
- healthy living,
- motivation,
- and community connection.
Many participants enjoy brunch afterwards at Mugg & Bean at the Rosebank Mall.
Tips for the Walk
Recommended:
- comfortable walking shoes,
- water,
- sun protection,
- a degree of fitness is important.
Conclusion
The Westcliff Stairs Walk remains one of Johannesburg’s best outdoor fitness walks for people who enjoy:
- walking,
- stair climbing,
- fitness,
- wellness,
- and social outdoor activities.
It is a fantastic combination of:
- exercise,
- scenery,
- and healthy living in Johannesburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Westcliff Stairs Walk?
The walk ranges from moderate to challenging depending on pace due to the numerous stair climbing sections and hills.
Where is the Westcliff Stairs Walk located?
The walk takes place in the Westcliff and surrounding suburbs of Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Is the Westcliff Stairs Walk good exercise?
Yes. Stair climbing provides excellent cardiovascular exercise and helps improve leg strength, endurance and fitness.
How long is the Westcliff Stairs Walk?
2 and a half to 3 hours.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, but you must be reasonably fit. We won’t be running but we won’t be walking slowly either.
What should I bring on the walk?
Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Westcliff has many heritage sites and kudos to the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation for all the work they have done over the years.
Photo Gallery
For more photos please visit the various blog posts on the Westcliff Stairs.
Visit our Wall of Fame >
Walking Has Many Health Benefits
To finalise this blog post Ladies and Gentlemen, walking has many health benefits including:
- Cardiovascular health – Walking can improve your cardiovascular fitness and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Bone health – Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen your bones and slow bone loss as you age. This can reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- Muscle health – Walking can increase muscle strength and endurance, and help ease muscle pain and stiffness.
- Weight management – Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat.
- Mental health – Walking can reduce stress and tension, and improve your mood, cognition, memory, and sleep.
- Balance and coordination – Walking can improve your balance and coordination, which can help prevent falls and injuries.
- Immune system – Walking can stimulate the secretion of short-chain fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and improve your immune system.
- Alzheimer’s risk – A study found that men who walked more than a quarter of a mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than those who walked less.
- Joint health – Walking can help strengthen the muscles in your legs, which can stabilize and protect your joints from further damage.
Do Join Us – All Welcome!
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