Brighton: Beach, Big Stone, Rapleys, Beach – Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

11/03/2020 Hikers and Ramblers Brighton Beach E Leaders Liz and Alex

Brighton Beach is always a beautiful spot to visit, and today was no exception.

Over 25 Hikers and Ramblers set out from the Brighton Bowling Club. The wind was cool so a vigorous walk along the beach towards Taieri Mouth got us warmed up before turning around and heading back to the surf club at Brighton for morning tea.

brighton Beach car park — Photo and Caption Clive – “Brighton beach car park.”

Brighton Beach Surf Clubres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Brighton Beach Surf Club”

We then headed off towards Ocean Beach, a tunnel and sand dunes. The blackberries were ripening nicely and provided a sweet treat. We were able to point out past and present Homes of ex all blacks, Community leaders and some colourful characters from Brighton’s history.

Ocean Beach tunnelres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Ocean Beach tunnel.”

Ocean Beachres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Ocean Beach”

In the sand dunesres — Photo and Caption Clive – “In the sand dunes”

By lunchtime we reached the old creamery coal mine. There were several tales to be told about the coal mining days and of tragedy in the deaths of two of the coal miners. We sat amongst the gum trees for lunch and listened to stories.

lunch amongst the gum treesres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Lunch amongst the gum trees”

The old coal mine was over thereres — Photo and Caption Clive – “The old coal mine was over there.”

After lunch we walked up the hill and met Warren Harris who owns the site of the old coal mine. We were treated to a visit to his ‘Man Cave’ with some historic treasures and memorabilia.

Warren explains his collectionres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Warren explains his collection.”

Tragic stories of coal mining daysres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Tragic stories of coal mining days.”

Historical photos from Brightonres — Photo and Caption Clive – “Historical photos from Brighton.”

creamery mine Brightonres — Photo and Caption Clive – “The creamery.”

We then headed back into Brighton past some million dollar homes with fantastic sea views, followed by coffee and a natter at the Brighton Café.

Alex and Liz Griffin (pp Clive Crossman)

8/4/2015. Hikers. Big Stone Road, Rapleys. E. Leaders: Dot, George.

We parked our cars in the Brighton Domain. George took the lead and took us up Bath Street and into Bedford Parade. (abt 0.7 km on GPS map.) Then it was along fence lines at the back of properties till we reached Greers’ house for morning tea. (Abt 1.4 km on map.)

Continuing on, we eventually swung across into Highland Road, whose end gave us a right turn and up into Big Stone Road. (Abt 2.7 km) What was most noticeable – apart from the ever ascending climb of the road – was the complete absence of any pine forest plantation, highlighted eventually by the stark appearance of Big Stone, (abt 4.7 km) formerly hidden in gorse at the side of the trees.

This was a fun place for a brief stop before moving on a bit to turn down Rapley’s access road (abt 5.3 km) for leisurely lunch by their beautiful stacked stone house. (abt 5.7 km)

Eventually, taking leave of our hosts, we walked on down to the beach (abt 6.6 km). Ahead lay a long beach walk back to the cars, a plod unrelieved by any distinguishing markers. Two of Adrienne’s grandchildren and a cousin, along for the holidays, frolicked the distance in the waves. The extent prompted several to wonder what was the actual distance covered. Well, it was 4 km. However it allowed members to cover it at their own stretched-out pace, as evidenced by the dribbling twos and threes finally trickling back into the domain. A good recreational day out.

Afterwards, a few resorted…

…to Topiary for coffee. Thanks to Dorothy and George for the walk. – Ian.

10/10/2012. Both. Brighton: Sand Hills, Big Stone, Rapleys, Sandhills. Leaders: George, Eric.

4/11/2009. Both. Brighton: Domain, Beach, Greers’, Hyland, Big Stone, Rapleys’, Beach, Domain. Leaders: George, Dot B.

Parked at Brighton Domain. Walked diagonally across to go down by some large stone steps to walk along the beach.

At a spot George had marked, we crossed back from the beach to the road and crossed it to walk up to Greers’ house to enjoy morning tea on their verandah in the sun and warm wind.

We followed a fence line south, crossed a paddock containing one or two old cars to emerge on Highland Road. Out and up Big Stone Road a bit we entered a paddock and walked alongside the road a bit to go on into a plantation and eventually emerge again and cross the road into the top of Kim Rapley’s road. Beyond on the right was the cleared and replanted Kai Tahu forestry area, now sub-divided for sale into life-style blocks.