No. 102 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Friends Hill Chain Hills Year Round”. Background information on Saddle Hill Hotel
47. 10/04/2024 Highland Park to Friends Hill. Grade 2.5. Leaders: Margaret Maxwell/Kay Seddon.
With nervous trepidation, Kay and I met at Peter Johnson Park to meet all you gorgeous hikers. We thought there would be about 8-16 willing participants.
We were shocked to find there were 23 bright and breezy hikers ready to do a walk we thought everybody would have done many times over.
We left Thornly Park, walked out onto Haggart Alexandra Road then down what we call the Horse Track onto Wingatui Rd. There were contractors installing new water mains pipes on the Horse Track. One of them gave us a demonstration of a cute little robot vibrator roller thingy using a hand held remote controller.
We carried on down Wingatui Rd to Gladstone Rd to the Wingatui Railway Station. Very sad to see the condition of the ground behind the station.
We had morning tea and a toilet stop at the Race Course and continued on our way along Gladstone Rd then up Friends Hill Rd to the Trig Station where we had lunch and a wonderful view over the Taieri and Green Island/Waldronville.
After lunch on our way back down the hill we called into the old Wingatui Tunnel, also known as the Chain Hill Tunnel where they want to open up a walkway/cycleway to connect with the Lookout Point tunnels to create a 15km cycle and walking trail between Dunedin and Mosgiel. It is an old Victorian gothic arch styled, single line tunnel and is 462 metres long, four metres wide and five metres high. (Sorry I needed to know this)
We had 2 new members, Chris and Charlotte. Chris is a member of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust and he would appreciate us going on to the DCC website and signing a submission to hopefully encourage DCC to look favourably on this project.
While we were there we spoke to some guys who were repairing the tiles/bricks on the side of the tunnel. They were happy for us to have a look in the tunnel.
We headed back home via Wingatui Rd to Thornly Park, then onto Wals where we enjoyed refreshments and a chitty chat. We walked 11.66km, really good conditions with threatening rain that didn’t come to anything.
Phew, and that’s our Story.
Kay & Margaret
Avis and Jan
Distance 7.5 and 10.3 km including tunnel.
On a warm Autumn day, 36 trampers and hikers joined us for the Abbot’s farm circuit. There was plenty of parking at the very end of North Taieri Road, where our townies had met.
Setting off, we passed by Wendy Campbell’s homestead and made our way steadily up paddocks. We stopped at 10am for morning tea enjoying views of Green Island, Fairfield and out to sea.
Continuing up through paddocks, opening and shutting many gates, eventually we were greeted by Angus cows and calves. We stopped for lunch on top of the ridge at the DCC water supply breather tower and John commented “Rocket Lab Tower”.
We looked out on vistas of the Taieri, Maungatuas and in the far west the Lammerlaw Range from which the DCC water supply travels.After lunch some continued on to the survey marker at the very top of Abbot’s Hill.
We returned via the western side of the farm which is initially parallel to the Friends Hill track.
Then some continued back to the cars and others went on to the eastern end of the old railway tunnel which leads to Wingatui. Arriving at the bottom of the valley we found what appeared to be a locked gate and began climbing over a barb wire fence or crawling between wires until someone discovered the gate was NOT LOCKED! After the heat of the day we enjoyed the walk through the bush and the coolness of the tunnel. Much to the delight of some the tunnel was not locked so we entered and walked approximately 500m to the end. Here the gate was locked and we returned back to the entrance.
Back over the ridge and down to the cars we met up with the others before going for coffee at the Village Green Café. Thanks to Wendy Campbell for permission to circuit her farm and all the club members who came and enjoyed a pleasant summer-like day, companionship and views. Thanks too to Ady for stepping up on the day.
Graham
We proceeded over the first stile and up the farm track to Chain Hill Rd which we then followed to its end before entering the paddocks. We proceeded down, up and across farmland, passing some friendly horses and enjoying some fantastic views on route.
Exiting onto Friends Hill Rd was made easier by climbing through the wire fence as the stile was extremely white and slippery.
We walked down hill before enjoying lunch, while sitting in the sun in the grandstand at Wingatui racecourse.
The walk finished with us being led by Jay through back paths to Blend cafe for coffee.
Distance covered 12.3kms.
Shona
Nicely rested we set off across the up and down bit that led to Chain Hills. Some of those up bits were steep and left a few asking about the classification of ‘Easy Walk’?
After an hour we reached Chain Hills Road and then started the predominantly downward trek to Maurice Road, Quarry Road and Gladstone Road. We had a nice lunchbreak against a new fence half way along Chain Hills Road.
As we gained the flat the challenge became not the up and down but the distance back to Wingatui Racing Club car park. A couple to hikers had thought ahead and had their cars strategically parked on Gladstone Road to ferry a couple of hikers.
By the time we reached the car park (12 kms) we were all looking forward to a nice ”cuppa’ at Blackstone cafe for a social end to the day.
Clive and Shona
Due to a diversion we got to see the active tunnel in use with a freight train and then were able to walk through the disused tunnel that will eventually be opened up as a cycle way link between Mosgiel and Dunedin.
Photo and Caption Margreet – “Surprise!!! this is the real tunnel”
Photo and Caption John – “We’re lost, best just to have a cup of tea”
The weather was a bit damp with low cloud over the length of Chain Hills and the wet grass on the way down to the tunnels was boggy and slippery in places.
Several had not been to the tunnels before and enjoyed this new feature of this walk.
Photo and Caption Dave – “Being let out of the tunnel”We had hoped to have a coffee at the end of the walk but with the diversion to the active tunnel we ran out of time (3 o’clock closing on a public holiday). However we all enjoyed the walk and the opportunity to wish each other Happy New Year for 2020!
41. 16/1/2019. Hikers. Friends Hill Road and Farm circuit. Leaders: Jay and Jan.
On a very warm morning, 25 hikers travelled to Wingatui Raceway where we parked up and commenced our walk up Friends Hill. We arrived at the farm gate which was locked and unfortunately the key was missing, so we scrambled over the wooden fence and on down to revisit the old cottage on the farm with its great view over the Taieri. We then backed up
and did a circuit of the farm, downhill for a while and then a good nudge back up to Friends Hill
road again. As it was a hot day, some chose to take advantage of Janine’s kind offer to visit her property and stayed there for a tour around the garden and then lunched.
Others of us carried on up the track hoping to be at the top for lunch. However the day was getting warmer and there was no respite from the burning sun, so we wisely backtracked down the hill and some chose to sit on the side of the track in a lovely shady area for our lunch and others walked back down to Janine’s for their lunch. After lunch we joined up at Janine’s place and all agreed that we would carry on down to our cars at Wingatui and enjoy a nice cold drink at Blackstone where we sat outside enjoying the shade. – Jan B.
40. 21/11/2018. Trampers. Friends Hill and Pixie Patch. Leader: Janine.
After large amounts of heavy rain producing some minor flooding, turnout of enthusiastic trampers was a little sparse. Discussion of available, suitable options led 7 trampers to venture off from The Pixie Patch in Friends Hill under cloudy, indecisive weather conditions. Rocky, the dog, …
… was left home as we headed off up the hill finding the gravel road in excellent condition despite the still considerable amounts of rainwater running down the drains. 100 metres on – a short stop to examine the very busy large breather holding connecting incoming water pipes from Deep stream and Silverstream – then running up the road to join us came Rocky!
Near the gate blocking traffic from throughfare to Dunedin we turned left climbing the fence to more views accross the Taieri
and examined all the ‘large puddles’ on the plains before us. Stepping along the track, originally designated as a road leading to numerous lifestyle blocks which never eventuated, Rocky had great delight when a rabbit ventured on that same path (it got away). It would seem this block of land is the home of broken dreams as the subdivision never went ahead, that owner declared bankrupcy, then a later owner had plans to make use of these extensive views and put in little home stay cottages. After making a start he also left the area uncompleted, so we trampers examined the start up of the first cottage with great despair at such great ideas being abandoned.
The plan was then to return to The Pixie Patch for morning coffee then head off over the newly logged area towards Chain Hills. On the way home Rocky was determined to get something in a woodpile so was left to bark and run round in circles while we walked a little quicker trying to ignore the thickening cloud. As we reached The Pixie Patch one member asked for a garden tour ‘quick’!!
By the time we filed in for coffee it was decidedly damp and even Rocky came home thinking maybe there were biscuits too. No biscuits but we had plenty to talk about after our Hollyford trip and despite the offer to investigate the Chain Hills track/views all were happy to chat till lunchtime.
So we had a very social day, walked 2.5 km, had a coffee break, discussed tramps, trampers, budgies, books, painting, prices, but not world peace, then ate lunch. – Janine.
39. 17/10/2018. Hikers. Chain Hills Road, Flower Street. M. Leaders: Shona and Keith, Ian.
sheltered hollow for an early morning tea.
Continued on to turn right into Flower St, climbing over the high stiles
stopping for an early lunch at the skate board park at the Fairfield Hall.
Distance 9.5kms – Leaders Shona Ian Keith
38. 13 Jun 2018. Trampers. Friends Hill circuit. Leader: Janene.
As I was quickly sweeping the outside doorway, 12 trampers arrived, enthusiastic about what I had in store.
The weather was cool (not cold) and clear as 13 trampers set off from The Pixie Patch, Friends Hill and crossed the road onto the start of the well known ‘Chain Hills’ walking track. After passing the water reservoir we turned left downhill and followed a track along the bottom gully, passing the entrance to the old railroad tunnel …
… before ever so elegantly scrambling over the barbwire fence (it had been lowered!) Now on Abbotsroyd Farm we all powered up a sizeable hill, the promise of a coffee break at the top deterring any breathless moments, to find a magnificent few of Abbotsford, Green Island, Saddle Hill and all surrounds. While on our refreshment break, the whistle blew and along came the Fonterra train passing along just below us.
All that replenishing and the long downhill traverse with excellent footing saw us speedily depart Abbotsroyd and venture onto road-walking for a while. North Taieri Road then Abbotts Hill Road was a steady climb turning to a track then reaching the tarseal of Mount Grand Road.
The weather had started to slowly deteriorate with a misty fog surrounding us. From there the steady climb turned ’real grunty!’ Come on people – was a lovely avenue of huge old macrocarpa trees at the top and I did allow a lunch break there!
After lunch we continued, somewhere along the way the road changed from Mt Grand to Dalziel Road, and at the Mt Grand reservoir we turned into Brinsdon Road for more ‘gentle’ climbing, passing through the ‘no vehicles’ track on to Halfway Bush Road which also at some unknown point becomes Friends Hill! The downhill …
… was a little treacherous and all that mud sure stuck to the boots – and the promised views were detained in the fog – but we had no muddy bums and no complaints (that I heard). Probably because we had coffee and eats at the Pixie Patch afterwards, and everyone went in the front door after I swept the main doorway!!
13.3km covered in great company and I delivered some walnut cookies from afternoon tea to Abbotsroyd the next day. – Janine.
37. 17 Jan 2018. Hikers. Friends Hill Road. M. Leaders: Jay and Jan.
We parked at the Wingatui Racecourse. From there 23 hikers set out in very pleasant temperatures for a trek up Friends Hill Road
to the top gate where we stopped for morning tea.
We then set off for a walk round farmland with views over the Taieri. We made our way to a little cottage that was first built about 15 years ago as a B & B but was never completed inside.
Unfortunately the door didn’t do its job properly so the starlings made good use of the free accommodation leaving behind a carpet of their own making!!!
From there we carried on this farmland which backs on to Invermay to a track through a stand of Manuka trees and then made our way to our lunch spot which was at the home of tramper, Janine Hearn who kindly said we could sit on her deck, enjoy the views and walkaround her lovely garden.
After lunch we headed back to the cars and five of us did a circuit of the racecourse and the rest opted to go for coffee at Blackstone. – Jay and Jan
36. 2 Aug 2017 Both. Fairfield to Friends Hill. M. Leaders: Keith and Shona.
It was drizzly and cold as we gathered at the Bush Rd car park.
After considerable discussion 20 people caught the bus …
… to Fairfield, where further discussion occurred before Keith led the group along and up Flower St to the morning tea stop in the trees.
We headed up the track to Chain Hills Road where we met Janine and her little dog Rocky.
By then the drizzle had eased and after the first downhill, …
… 8 went [yet further! – Ed] down with Janine to inspect the Wingatui tunnel …
As we left, the 8 appeared [back up! – Ed.] over the stile and we all meandered back to Mosgiel, 7 having coffee at Blackstone.The remainder had disappeared (?) home for coffee, showers or even lunch for some. – Keith and Shona.
35. 19 Jul 2017. Trampers. Chain Hills. Leader: M. Helen.
A nice tramp today. Starting from Gladstone Rd and walking up hill over the top of the motorway. Turned onto Chain Hill Road. Found a nice spot for our morning tea on the top of a hill overlooking Mosgiel.
The 12 of us then proceeded along the ups and downs along to the end. Turning left over the stile and the down through the paddocks to Friends Hill Rd. Down to the racecourse where we sat in luxury in the grandstand for our lunch.
Chen a leisurely walk along Gladstone Rd back to our cars. Coffee for 9 of us at Blackstone’s. Lovely day and a nice 12.2km tramp. – Helen.
34. 10/5/2017. Hikers. Friends Hill, Chain Hills, Gladstone Road. M. Clive, Jay and Jan.
Autumn on the Taieri. One of those Southern days of sunshine found an intrepid band of hikers (16) setting out from Wingatui racecourse to walk up Friends Hill and then across country to Chain Hills Road. The going to start with was steep and a challenge for some, but then it came to the stile to get onto the public pathway to Chain Hills Road; the step up to stile was about a meter and made for more limber people. Well all rose to the challenge and made it over the stile to the sheep pens at the top of the hill where we rested for morning tea …
… and watched the fog in the valley roll away. By now the temperature had risen to the promised 17 degrees and jumpers and fleecy jacket were shed to climb the next couple of hills to Chain Hills Road. It was then we found that the first stile was just a taster for the next two stiles that were very high and over barbed wire. Some gentleman from years past laid down his coat so that the ladies did not snare their stocking on the barbed wire. [’twas the reporter! – Ed.] We gained Chain Hills Road by 11 o’clock so it was a nice walk along the ridge line to arrive above Mosgiel just before midday and a spot to sit and eat lunch.
A herd of friendly cows watched from across the road and then when they realized we were not there to feed them showed their opinion in that unique bovine manner – pats all round.
The walk off Chain hills had the leader focused on road safety and the safest way to negotiate Morris Road (a busy road), down to Quarry Road. Then it was along the flat back to Wingatui to pick up the cars for afternoon tea and Blackstones cafe. I think we got a suntan on the way! – Clive.
18 Went by bus from outside the Mosgiel Post Office, arriving Flower St, Fairfield about 9.30 a.m.
Wandered up to the top of Flower St to have morning tea in the gum trees, as there was still drizzly rain falling.
Rain eased and we progressed over the stile and up the grass track, exiting onto Chain Hills Rd. After turning right, followed it to the end. Negotiated the stile there safely and followed the fence line down, up, and around, …
… eventually exiting onto Friends Hill Rd.
Walked to Wingatui Race Couse for lunch, where there were toilets and dry seats in the grandstand for the rain had stopped. Made our way down Wingatui Rd, through track, across Haggart Alexander Drive, down Green st to end at Blackstone Cafe for a coffee. – Shona and Keith.
Down Morris Road to turn sharply up Chain Hills Road.
A little further on as we took the Chain Hills Road right fork taking us down to Fairfield. The top of Flower Street lay through private land, guarded by locked gates provided with not-very-accommodating styles.
Further down again (or was it higher up?) we came across this mock farmyard, complete with tractor, water wheel, cow, et al.
Down in the paved part of Flower Street we were taken with a letter box making industry operating out of a private property.
From there it was further up the Main Road, then to be pleasantly surprised by the leaders taking us not via the customary Morris Road but by Saddleview Terrace and through the SH1 underpass and up, very steeply up, Saddle Hill Road to Coalstage Road. A short distance along and we stopped to admire Janice’s house and to farewell her down the driveway. Then it was just on down back to the cars.
A good day out, despite an icy edge to the light wind at times. Thank you, leaders. – Ian.
Saddle Hill.
25 fit and healthy Hikers started up over the bridge and up Chains Hill Rd.
We were met early on by a very fit brown lab dog who followed us all the way …
… to the morning tea stop.
It sat down and waited while we ate and sipped our tea and water.
Continuing on, we arrived at the Chain Hills Rd end. I thought the dog would have gone home. The DOG sat down and waited till we all leaped over the stile (some climbed carefully).
The DOG then left and went home.
Lunch was at a cosy spot …
Fred gave out chocs.
The ground was even and not at all muddy. The views are worth stopping for to catch a breath.
When we reached Gladstone Rd North, we walked to the Wingatui Hall where we had cunningly had a car parked for those who needed a lift back to the cars up saddle hill. Several Hikers took up the offer and Fred transported them up to their cars. We continued down Gladstone Rd North to the z station, then up quarry rd back to the cars.
Several hikers took up the offer of going for coffee to Wals at the end of the day. (Can’t guess who. – Ed)
A very hot day enjoyed by all. – Elaine.
Our leaders had to change our end of year location. Berwick Camp had been already booked. Where to plan the tramp? A brilliant choice. From the Hall, up Friends Hill to the stile and across the poled route to the Chain Hills road end for morning tea. It was the first time this reporter remembers doing the route UP from ‘Friends’ to “Chain’. He discovered how much easier it is doing the reverse route DOWN. The trampers among us were not disappointed either. Bravo, leaders. Our shared lunch was another successful end-of-year treat. Thanks to Bruce for leading us in a sing-a-long. Happy holidays. – Ian.
28. 23/11/2011. Hikers. Fairfield circuit, Fairfield. Leaders: Graham, Wendy.
-
Fred jealously guards his chocolates. (Bob pic and caption)
… the leader threw down the gauntlet (ie orange jerkin), and the usurper reigned, …
-
Quasimodo surges into the lead. (Bob pic and caption)
- … and misled the people at one point,
A lovely walk. Great weather. – Bob.
Lunch stop was at the park with shelter from the hall wall against the strengthening wind, and chocolates from Fred, and the last part of the round-trip was up the old main road (Morris Rd) in gathering drizzle. A frequent topic of conversation was the ailments (and recovery) of various people present or absent, and the name of Don who used to come out with us but whom we haven’t seen for some time and whose name eluded several. [Donny Hunter? – Ed] ( I am reliably informed that there are no longer “senior moments”, but rather “intellectual pauses”.) Two new faces, Jim and Betty, came to ‘try us out’. Thanks to Frank and Leslie for leadership. – Bob M
20. 17/8/2005. Hikers. Overbridge, Chain Hills, Fairfield. Leaders: Margaret S, Carmel.
