Trees in autumn colour, views of distant mountains and the company of rural women are the attractions of a fundraising walk on farmland east of Whanganui on May 13.
It's the annual walk organised by the Fordell-Mangamahu branch of Rural Women New Zealand.
It will take walkers across private farms most people don't get to visit.
The walk starts at 9.30am at Clare Adkins' house at 171 Waikupa Rd. She said it heads along a valley, up a 90m hill, along a "pancake flat", down into the Matarawa Valley and then over a dividing ridge and back to where it started.
Attractions include a look at two detention dams in the Matarawa Flood Control Scheme, views of mountains and perhaps Kāpiti Island and a look at a former railway incline near Fordell.
Only moderate fitness will be needed, Adkins said, and there will be road access in places if people want to only walk part of it.
It will all be on farm tracks. They could be muddy and slippery so walkers should wear clothes suitable for wet and dry weather and waterproof footwear, and bring a walking pole if they use one.
They should also bring water, snacks and a lunch to eat outdoors. The "fairly cruisy" loop should take about five hours and will end with afternoon tea back at Adkins' house.
The $7 cost includes a raffle ticket. Money raised will go to Associated Country Women of the World, to help women in other countries. The organisation funds water and sanitation, health education, agricultural training and many other projects.
The walk goes ahead, weather permitting. People are asked to register by contacting Clare Adkins - grantclare@farmside.co.nz or 342 4788, Leonora Spark - ljnajspar@gmail.com or 3427575 or Lesley Matthews - lesley.fordell@outlook.com or 06 213 0201.
The Fordell-Mangamahu branch of Rural Women has about 25 members. They are from all over the Whanganui area and meet once a month.
It's a social support group that sometimes has speakers and does fundraising. It also gives grants and scholarships, and it welcomes new members.