25/06/2025. Akatore Narrowdale Forest. Grade 3. Hikers. Leaders: Neville Griffiths, Cathy Ferguson.
On a mild winter morning 13 hikers set of on SH1 to Milburn. At intersection with Narrowdale Road we met up with Neville and 4 others who had come over the hill from Brighton. We parked up in Golf Links Road and 18 hikers went through 2 gates into the start of the Akatore Forest.
A steady climb for 25 minutes along Homestead Road through well established trees got us to our morning tea stop in a clearing . The sun peaked through.
Very soon back to our task and a good up and down hike along Homestead Road to intersection of Dale Road. Turned into Dale Road and walked to junction with Siberia Road. Hiked up Dale Road to a higher point to have our lunch break.
The fantails that we had seen on the recee were nowhere to be seen, possibly because of the weather being a little grey and cloudy. A small mouse scuttle across the road while we were happily eating and chatting. Returning down Dale Road to intersection we were unable to walk the loop back down Narrowdale Road as logging operations were in progress.
So we returned on Homestead Road through the forest to our original start point in Golf Links Road.
Underfoot conditions on hike were good with some occasional wet and muddy patches. A pleasant walk through pinus radiata trees, very peaceful and tranquil with good company.
Distance of 11kms walked. Returning to Mosgiel we all met at Wals for coffee, tea or ice cream.
Thanks to Phil Keene who organised the permit from Wenita Forests and also to Phil and Raewyn for walking the recee with the leaders.
Neville Griffiths and Cathy Ferguson
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.