Jul 22 2023
Scroggs Hill Road, Seaview Road, McIntosh Road
Distance from Bush Road carpark: 15 km.
12. 19/07/2023. Hikers. Taieri View . Grade 2.5, Leaders: Jill Dodd, Jenni Wright.
We were to have morning tea at Starfish Gallery, around 2 km from the Surf Club but the owner had an appointment and couldn’t now host us. However, this didn’t stop us choosing a suitable spot just north of the studio.
Brighton- morning tea (photo and caption Jenni)
Mail boxes ( one with succulents on the top) above Brighton estuary (photo and caption Jill D)
We continued up McIntosh Road, the only oncoming traffic being around 20 e-bikers, who were going like the clappers. We made good time and arrived at the intersection of McIntosh /Scroggs Hill Roads where we enjoyed lunch. It never ceases to amaze me the conversations that are had whilst out, they’re simply hilarious.
Great view over the Taieri (photo and caption Jenni)
Heading off after lunch (photo and caption Jenni)
We now got our view over the Taieri, and then proceeded down Scroggs Hill Road mostly single file which had a few more vehicles but all were very responsive to our hikers and reduced their speed considerably. One member was concerned about walking single file as this may impede (his) conversation! There were many examples of retired tractors and cars exposed to the elements and the consequent erosion.
Example of interesting buildings (photo and caption Jenni)
It was fascinating to see the variety of homes in Brighton …. some beautifully restored, other new builds taking advantage of stunning views, and some steeped in history of family times. Liz and Alex, being long-time residents, provided great commentary along the way.
We got back to the cars and enjoyed the walkway along to Brighton Beach Café, for ice creams, coffee and more chatter and laughs.
Brighton Cafe – great service (photo and caption Jenni)
Brighton Cafe (photo and caption Jenni)
Jill and Jenni.
11. 31/1/2018. Hiker. McIntosh/Scroggs Hill Roads. M. Leaders: Alex and Liz.
On a very record hot day 22 hikers reported to Brighton Surf Club to start the weekly Hike. Because of the excess heat to be had it was decided that different hikes would take place to suit individuals.
Three to the beach, Three to meet at a display shop in their car soon after morning tea break. The rest 16 hikers off to McIntosh road.
From here we would judge distance to walk depending on the day’s temperature .Morning tea break was held at the very interesting display shop where we met the three car members.
Cuppa in stable by the gallery. (Ian pic and caption.)
Sun brolly hat? (Ian pic and caption.)
From here we carried on a further distance where some walkers felt it was a bit too warm and 5 decided to head back.
Route map, courtesy Ian, of the five for whom discretion was the better part of valour. The eleven accomplished the round trip of something over 10 km.
Eleven carried on to the top of hill where lunch took place. From here we made a slow walk down Scroggs Hill road till we arrived back at car park and of to the new Brighton Beach cafe and a well deserved rest. – Liz and Alex.
Route
Horse
Lunch
Mr Coutts Canals (Bill pic and caption)
And here is another gem. Trust Bill to notice this. I didn’t.
Goat Tableau. (Bill pic)
On the climb up McIntosh Road, some sharp-sighted members spied this female Shelduck on a nest when their attention was drawn by the male flying off from it.
Paradise Shelduck nest in tree trunk.
Yet further up, we stopped to regroup.
Rest Stop further up McIntosh Road. (Bill pic). Les, Pat, Elaine, Marjorie, Lesley.
Nearing the top of McIntosh Road, a friendly goat proved receptive to any feeding it could get.
Chris feeding goat
This picture says it all. Shed right at the top of Scroggs Hill road.
Shed collapsing on base of boulders
Further down Scroggs Hill road, the 15 of us stopped for an early lunch on a lawn – a lawn that had accommodated us on previous occasions as well.
Lunch on lawn
Further downhill again, and there were these friendly pigs. While we were there, the owner tipped food over a far corner of the paddock, and cupboard love triumphed over the affection earlier shown to us.
Kumi Kumi pigs
Thought this gate caption was worth shooting.
A whimsical gate sign.
The ancient sod hut looks yet more derelict each time we view it.
The deteriorating sod hut
An attractive entrance.
Horse heads on gate
And another one.
Fine stone wall entrance
Some enterprise children putting their holiday opportunity to good use, were doubtless surprised and pleased when we brought them considerable custom.
Roadside stall
A pleasant relaxing day with very little wind. Thanks to Neil and Lesley for a most enjoyable walk.
BTW, the only Tramper turning up for the Rollinsons Track tramp decided to throw in his lot with the greater sociability of the Hikers’ walk. – Ian
Otokia Creek mouth from Scroggs Hill Road
Starting Climb of Scroggs Hill Road. Recognisable: Fred, Pat, Les
Brighton’s watertower? Chris goes to check gate.
A ‘slot’ of letterboxes
The souwesterly wind and rain came over in waves, until shortly after the morning tea stop, most of the 19 decided to turn back at the sod hut, with only 5 of us venturing on to the top and down McIntosh Road, to enjoy what sun there was for the day.
Looking down McIntosh Road
Snow on Maungatuas
An attractive farm notice
Sunny sheltered lunch spot. Doug, Marjorie, Bruce, Lesley
Peek at Otokia Creek behind lunch spot
Not far now back to cars
6. 21/5/2008. Brighton – Scroggs Hill Road.
Some animals
As we walked up the hill we saw some interesting things, some animals and great scenery and views. Then it was through a farm, onto a farm track which we followed down to the bottom of the hill, along into a gully where we sat and enjoyed out morning tea stop. It was a bit windy but we were quite sheltered in the gully. From there our leader Dorothy took us for an interesting and informative walk through a new and just being established development called Taylors Creek Estate. What wonderful views from most of the sites, but of course, fully exposed to the wind. However, that’s usually the price you pay for your views in coastal areas. Well worth it I would say.
A walk along the beach
After a good look round up there it was back down Scroggs Hill Rd, across Brighton Rd and onto the beach where we found a nice sheltered spot to sit and savour our lunch and the view. A walk along the beach, back onto Brighton Rd, round Big Rock and along the track to our cars ended a very happy and interesting hike. – Bev.