03/09/2025. Fairfield via Abbotts Creek Track to Wingatui and Mosgiel. Grade 2.5. Combined. Leaders: Barbara Shackell, Jenni Wright, Sandy Webb and Esther Willis.
Barbara Shackell has certainly set the bar high for both effort and organisation for this combined tramp.
Effort in that there wasn’t a track at all in some places – walkers will have noticed they were walking through a corridor in the gorse, which had been cleared by Barbara and some willing helpers. Organisation – well everything from the brilliant idea of using the bus, to the creative use of clothes pegs, and the idea of lunching at the racecourse.
The group set sail from Mosgiel, on the 77 bus, picking up waifs and strays as it headed to Fairfield.
Forty four of us then meandered down Flower St, where we headed off over some private land, adjacent to the Riding for the Disabled paddocks – incidentally RDA is looking out for volunteers to help with their programme, it is a really good cause and it is never too late to learn something new.
The weather gods were kind to us, and the sun was shining as we made our way safely across the main trunk line and stopped for the mandatory cuppa in the sun. From there the walk took us to the northern entrance of the old tunnel where work is underway to make it a cycling and walking route.
Onwards and upwards through a well-defined farm track to the water tank marking the junction with Friends Hill Road. It takes time for 44 folk to negotiate a style, not built for short legs – the option was a barbed wire fence, which had some of the blokes looking worried.
Obstacle course negotiated, there were decent views out over Mosgiel. Lunch was enjoyed at the Wingatui Racecourse. There was the option of the grandstand or making use of the bbq tables below.
We meandered around Highland Park making our way to Mosgiel Tavern on Factory Road, for a highly efficient service of hot and cold drinks whilst sitting out in the garden bar. Thanks to Grant for exemplary waiting skills.
Distance covered was around 9 kms.
Esther, on behalf of leaders Barbara, Jenni and Sandy.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.