7. 24/2/2021. Hikers. Chingford Park. Leaders John and Dave Roberts
On a balmy overcast Dunedin morning, 23 hikers met at the Dunedin Botanic Garden top car park.
From here we walked across Lovelock Ave onto the serene Lovelock Bush Track (where wild deer used to graze 130 years ago.
“Larnach’s tomb visit.” – Photo and Caption John
The track took us through to a sealed downhill footpath alongside the old Northern Cemetery. After a brief stop to admire Larnach’s Tomb (a small scale reproduction of First Church architecture), we meandered downhill to have morning tea at the Thomas Bracken (writer of our National Anthem) lookout.
“Inspecting Larnach’s tomb.” – Photo and Caption Jenni
“Morning tea with a view.” – Photo and Caption John
Next it was back up the hill to the cars, then a brief walk down to the Mediterranean Garden, before our 11 am visit to the, 6.2 million dollar, Dunedin Botanic Garden Propagation Building, opened in 2015.
“Some uphill around the botanic gardens.” – Photo and Caption John
“Inside the propagation complex.” – Photo and Caption John
Here we were met by Alice Lloyd-Fitt who capably explained the history of the building’s development and it’s functions, both for the Botanic Garden, and the preservation of many endangered plant species. We were then led on a tour of the premises .We visited separate greenhouses, each maintaining specific microclimates, to suit plants
adapted for arid desert, tropical forest, through to sub Antarctic Island climates. The variety of plant life, and complexities of their maintenance requirements, was mind blowing!
“Which one would suit my garden?” – Photo and Caption John
Following this visit lunch was enjoyed at the Azalea Garden.
“Lunch on the green.” – Photo and Caption John
Then it was into the cars for a quick trip down North East Valley to Carr St, and from here, a walk along the side of Lindsey Creek on the Hospice Track.
“Three happy hikers.” – Photo and Caption John
This took us to the old Palmer’s Quarry site where Alex told us an interesting tale of , a”Ghost watcher”, who still does maintenance in the area, and has the keys to the old brick building at the quarry entrance . (Complete with horseshoes in the windows.)
“More talking than eating.” – Photo and Caption John
“Enjoying the Chingford top track.” – Photo and Caption John
“Tale end Charlie at the back.” – Photo and Caption John
From here a quick walk through some more back streets led us to Chingford Park, where we ventured round the top loop track, before a hasty return to the cars, to be at the Oaken Cafe’ by just after 2.00 pm.
An enjoyable day had by all. Dave and I would like to thank all who attended for contributing to such a great way to spend a “balmy” Wednesday.
6. 27/11/2019. Hikers. Palmers Quarry, Chingford Park. Easy. Leaders Jan Y and Peter D
Photo and Caption Clive – “The ‘collage’ says it all.”
5. 29/11/2017. Hikers. Quarry, Chingford Park. Easy. Leaders: Jan Y and Jan B.
Route Map, courtesy Ian.
We had a good turnout of hikers and 3 trampers – 23 in all. Parked in Selwyn Street and meandered along the Lindsay Creek track, then up through a bush track till we reached the lookout on the top terrace.
(Kevin pic.)
After morning tea descended down along the various levels of the quarry (with the odd spot of back tracking – it really is a maze of tracks). Gardens are all pretty overgrown now, but tracks were still in reasonable condition. A few late flowering rhododendrons, but most were finished. When the quarry closed in 1980, Jim Hunter (the owner of the quarry) planted out 34,000 trees and shrubs. The amphitheatre where the quarry concerts were held in the 1990s obviously used for grazing now. Because we had trampers with us, suggested they walk up Baldwin Street and pleasantly surprised at the number of hikers who took the opportunity to do this.
Balwin Street. Watching the tourists. Taken by one who didn’t take the opportunity. (Ian pic and caption.)
A cruise ship was in town, so a lot of activity with tourists coming and going.
Carried on to Chingford Park past the old stables.
(Kevin pic.)
Betty Finnie had stayed at the homestead when she was a child, and had good memories of it. The house was built by PCNeil, a prominent Dunedin businessman, and was demolished in the 60s. We then walked the bush track and wandered round the redwoods before adjourning to the cricket pavilion area for lunch. Interesting to see that there is a disc golf course layout in the grounds. Returned to the cars via North Road and the Lindsay Creek track, and stopped off at the Museum Cafe for refreshments. An ideal day for walking in bush as quite hot, and the bush provided good cover. – Jan Y.
4. 19/11/2014. Hikers. Chingford Park, Quarry. Easy. Leader: Lance, Fred.
Route. A bit complex at start, with two and fro walking in Chingford before morning tea.
Lance led 28 of us here and there on the Chingford flat, filling in the early period before morning tea.
There was no shortage of wonderful trees, tall and otherwise. Here is an ‘otherwise’.
Remarkable trunk(s?). (John pic)
Overnight rain left the grass very wet, with storms threatening. Lance’s plan was to have assured shelter for the cuppa. As it turned out, we dined and supped in wonderful sunshine.
Morning tea panorama (John pic)
Following that, Lance led us up behind the stables, up through a wonderful plantation of English beeches right to the top fence line of the property. Then down an out through the Afton Terrace exit. Then it was down Kelvin Road and Watt Road out to North Road. Some heavy rain forced us into parkas but soon succeeding sun had us almost wishing out of them again. Then it was into Palmers Quarry Garden.
Palmers Quarry Garden.
We climbed the steep roadway on the right of the quarry, and branched out along the first terrace to view the lovely picnic area below.
Picnic area (John pic)
We entered the next terrace to stop for lunch, still in good sunshine.
Lunch (John pic)
Back out again and up to the third terrace, which we followed right on along its contour through broom and bush till we reached a a large grassy area, where the track turned sharply back and steeply down to reach the Lindsay Stream opposite Felix Street across the water. A wide track on the true right led us downstream till we came to a bridge on Selwyn Street, which street we followed out to North Road again. Then it was just a case of treking back up to the cars again, catching another brief shower just before we got there. where we dispersed to go our various ways. For some, coffee was to be at the Museum Cafe.
Coffee at the Museum Cafe. (John pic)
Thanks to Lance for another well-conducted tramp. We’re sorry Lois wasn’t up to coming out today. – Ian.
3. 6/6/2012. Both. Chingford Park, Quarry. Easy. Leaders: Joyce, Elaine
Joyce and Elaine led 15 of us on a well-planned walk. I had not realised the full extent of the tracks in the Quarry and Chingford Park.
The route. The numbers are the km marks.
We stopped for a cuppa behind the Hospice.
View of Baldwin St from behind the Hospice.
The Youth Grow plant centre was a good place to stop for lunch with a convenient garden edging to sit upon. I failed to detect the black dot of Venus crossing the sun by projecting the sun’s light through a monocular upon a sheet of white paper. Disappointing.
Lunch at the Youth Grow plant centre in Norwood St.
It was a lovely sunny walk for our first Wednesday of winter. – Ian.
2. 16/6/2010. Hikers. Chingford Park, Quarry. Easy. Leaders: Joyce, Elaine
We parked at the foot of Baldwin St, but no, we didn’t ascend it.
We think we’d drink the creek rather than the trough. (Bob pic and caption)
Instead we mounted some equally steep paths and tracks on the other side of NE Valley, first of all in Palmers Quarry and then along to Chingford Park . The day was bright, still and cool, and the fresh morning air and clear views from the various terraces above the quarry were invigorating. We remembered the Park of years ago when it was a most successful amphitheatre for concerts and other gatherings, and the extensive plantings by Palmers had turned it into a wonderful garden setting, now sadly all unkempt, grazed or fenced off.
An enjoyable view across the “amphitheatre”. (Bob pic and caption)
Morning tea was taken in a sunny upper corner, and then we progressed through stands of natives and plantings of eucalypts and others of garden origin including an aromatic shrub unidentified but admired, via a meandering route, and after that, along NE Valley Rd to Chingford Park where we took an early lunch and conversed by talkative Lindsay’s Creek. We explored the rear of the park above the stables, first of all hugging a giant macrocacarpa
And now it’s time to hug a tree and give it … (Bob pic and caption)
….a circle of friends. (Bob pic and caption)
and then following trails through a mixture of native bush and then a great stand of English beech, richly carpeted beneath by the leaves of years.
We tread lightly if not quietly across the carpet of Beech leaves. (Bob pic and caption)
A very stable group. (Bob pic and caption)
Two very prop-er men! (Bob pic and caption)
A short walk and an early finish, but probably well timed as the clouds were gathering and the day cooling off in the growing breezes. Thanks to Elaine and Joyce for allowing a relaxed and sometimes impromptu jaunt. – Bob.
1. 18/4/2007. Hikers. Chingford Park, Quarry. Easy. Leaders: Molly, Mary M.
