The doctor told me to start walking. Actually he said start exercising. My internal process of elimination threw out jogging, weight lifting, Zumba spinning or yoga classes. Basically I got rid of anything that would really cause me to sweat. Once they’re gone, walking is really all that’s left.
However I got there it’s truly become my thing. The alarm clock goes off 45 minutes earlier these days. I hop out of bed, throw the leash on the dog, and the two of us get in the car and drive to Halyburton Park… one of the great walking trails in New Hanover County.
A brisk morning stroll does wonders for the spirit throughout the entire day. That’s true for me and the dog. For the human it provides a sense of accomplishment. There’s an energy that comes with simply knowing that you’ve already done something, that this day won’t be wasted. For the pup, only 14 months old, it does the opposite. It tires him out, calms him down, and makes him more manageable.
The thing about walking (and this is probably true for jogging as well- what would I know?) is it can get boring. That’s especially true if you keep walking the same path, keep seeing the same sights. Every so often you have to shake things up.
And so on a Sunday morning in June, the dog and I changed our destination. We hopped the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and headed to the Brunwick County Riverwalk Park at Belville. It was only a 15 minute drive from Wilmington’s midtown area.
Visiting the park has been on my list of things to do since at least December. That’s when the town of Belville held a grand opening ceremony for recent renovations. They extended the boardwalk that winds its way through the marsh on the western banks of the river, built a canoe/ kayak launch and upgraded the boat ramp. The park also features two playgrounds, several picnic areas, a fishing pier and a commercial produce stand. The recent work and improvements are just the first phase under Belville’s Vision 2030 plan, which is focused on creating a mixed-use development that will serve as a new downtown.
Walkers who live in Belville, or those who make the very short trip from Leland, Winnabow, or in my case Wilmington, are faced with an option. They can pick the Nature Trail, which gives the stroll more of a sense of going on a hike. A dirt path moves its way through a wooded area. There is a feeling of seclusion- a sense that you got away from the hustle and bustle. It almost feels like being up north or in the mountains.
The other option is the boardwalk trail. It starts off just like the nature trail, but then you turn a corner, transition from the dirt path to the wooden planks, and suddenly find yourself in the middle of the marsh overlooking the river. The view totally blew me away!
Neither of the trails are long. Combined they only measure a mile. We had to walk them both twice in order to equal our regular morning routine. Still, it was worth it- well worth it! And so we will hop the bridge again sometime soon. That’s partially because of doctor’s orders, but mostly it’s because the Town of Belville is creating something special. Lace up the sneakers, grab the bug spray, bring along the dog, soak up the sun and take in the views! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Brunswick County Riverwalk Park at Belville is a 15 minute drive from the center of Wilmington, 20 minutes from Southport and Oak Island and just a few minutes from Leland and Winnabow. If you’d like to learn more about these communities give us a call at 910-202-4813