Gill Tregenna: The 83-Year-Old World Record Walker Who Hiked the Wild Coast

Hiking group posing around the Mtentu Ramble wooden sign on green coastal grassland, Wild Coast South Africa

On our recent Mtentu Ramble along the Wild Coast, we were privileged to host a group of remarkable hikers. Among them was Gill Tregenna, an 83-year-old world record-holding race walker, who showed us all that age is no barrier to adventure.

Gill isn’t just another hiker. She’s a retired teacher, grandmother of two, and decorated athlete who only took up race walking in 2023 under the guidance of coach Oliver Mundell. Within months, she was smashing South African and African 10 km records, before going on in 2024 to set the world record in the 20 km race walk for women 80-84 years (2:39:07), alongside a gold medal in the 5000m. Dive into Gill’s full story here.

Reading those numbers on paper is impressive enough. But seeing Gill in action on our trail was something else entirely. Over three days and nearly 52 km of rugged coastline, she strode across beaches, climbed steep paths, and waded rivers with the same determination that carried her through those record-breaking races. At camp, she laughed with the group, swapped stories, and reminded us that strength isn’t measured only by medals, but by the spirit you bring to the journey.

She wasn’t walking alone either. Hester (79), Annette (77), and Susan (76), her fellow “tannies” as we fondly called them, kept pace every step of the way. Watching the four of them side by side was a living reminder that adventure knows no age limit.

We’ve welcomed people of every shape and fitness level to this coast over the years. What I remember about this particular group isn’t their ages or Gill’s records. It’s the way they approached everything with total curiosity. At the cultural homestay on night one, they were the last ones at the table, asking the host family questions and laughing long after the younger hikers had turned in. On Day 2, crossing the Sikombe River barefoot, Hester stopped to watch a kingfisher for a full two minutes without anyone needing to point it out. That’s the kind of presence you earn by living a full life.

Highlights of the Mtentu Ramble

Hikers climbing a grassy coastal headland above rocky shores and crashing Indian Ocean waves on the Wild Coast

• Mzamba Suspension Bridge: That wobbly crossing had us all gripping the rails and laughing nervously.
• Canoe rides: Paddling across river mouths where the Wild Coast opens wide.
• The Red Desert: Small but striking, its rusty sands seemed otherworldly under the midday sun.
• The Weolmi Shipwreck: A haunting reminder of the sea’s power.
• Mkambati’s waterfalls: Cascades that plunge straight into the ocean. No matter how many times we see them, they take our breath away.

Mtentu Ramble hikers gathered beside rusted shipwreck remains on a rocky Wild Coast shoreline, South Africa

Evenings were filled with shared meals, hot bucket showers, and one wild “sandblasting spa treatment” gifted by the wind itself. By the end, Gill had once again covered herself in glory, not just as an athlete but as an inspiration to everyone who walked beside her.

For us, hosting her was an honour. The Wild Coast trails will remember Gill’s footsteps, but so will we, as proof that resilience, community, and curiosity can keep us all young at heart.

Three Days on the Trail

The September weather was kind, and the group made the most of every hour.

Day 1 started with the Mzamba Suspension Bridge, where Gill walked across steadily while the rest of the group clutched the cables and laughed at themselves. The 18 km stretch to the homestay is the longest day, and by the time everyone arrived at Mnyameni village, legs were pleasantly tired and appetites were serious. The host family’s Mpondo bread disappeared before the tea was even poured.

Day 2 brought the Red Dunes, and this is the section I watch groups most carefully on. The dunes are loose underfoot and the sun hits hard by mid-morning. Gill took her time, picking her line, reading the ground. Decades of competitive walking gave her a body awareness that most people half her age don’t have. Annette and Susan were not far behind, and Hester arrived at the top with her binoculars already out.

Day 3 is the wild one: boat across the Mtentu Estuary, into Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, past the Weolmi Shipwreck and on to the waterfalls. This was the day that silenced everyone. When you watch a river drop straight into the Indian Ocean, there’s nothing useful to say. You just stand there.

Is This Hike Suitable for Older Hikers?

Gill and the tannies are the most vivid answer to that question we’ve ever had, but they’re not the only older group we’ve taken on this trail.

The honest answer is: yes, for active hikers with reasonable fitness, the Mtentu Ramble is very doable. The daily distances range from around 12 to 18 km, mostly on well-worn paths and beach. The terrain is coastal rather than mountainous, so while there are climbs, there’s nothing that requires technical skill. The crossings are either by canoe or barefoot wading. Rest stops are built in. The pace is set by the group.

What it does require is a basic level of active fitness and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Wet feet, uneven ground, the odd steep scramble. Nothing that a consistent walker can’t handle.

We’ve written a fuller guide for anyone wondering if this trail is the right fit: Is the Mtentu Ramble Suitable for Beginners? It covers the daily distances, terrain, rest points, and exactly what to train for.

FAQs

How old was Gill Tregenna when she completed the Mtentu Ramble?

Gill was 83, a world record-holding race walker, and she completed all three days of walking. Her fellow "tannies" Hester (79), Annette (77), and Susan (76) kept pace with her every step of the way.

How many days of walking does the Mtentu Ramble involve?

Three days of walking across a 4-day, 3-night trip. You walk on days one, two, and three, and day four is the transfer back to the Wild Coast Sun where the trail began.

Do you need to be very fit to hike the Wild Coast at an older age?

You need a basic level of active fitness rather than anything special. The terrain is coastal rather than mountainous, so while there are climbs there is nothing technical, the crossings are by canoe or barefoot wading, rest stops are built in, and the pace is set by the group.

Would You Consider This Hike?

Hosting Gill and her fellow hikers on the Mtentu Ramble reminded us why we love guiding people along the Wild Coast. Every group brings their own energy to the trail, and every hiker leaves with a story they couldn’t have imagined at the start.

This isn’t a walk you forget. It’s three days of suspension bridges, canoe crossings, shipwrecks, waterfalls, and wild coastline that test your legs and fill your heart. Whether you’re looking for a challenge, a shared adventure, or simply a reason to step outside your comfort zone, the Mtentu Ramble delivers.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Book Now 2026 and let the Wild Coast write its story with your footsteps.

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