04/03/2026. Saddle Hill. Grade 3-3.5. Combined. Leaders: Esther Wills, Lynn Keene, Jill Dodd, Katherine Martin.
The weather was kind and we had a most enjoyable and relaxed day.
From the hikers: 23 hikers gathered at the Hoskings truck park, on Saddle Hill Road at the base of the farm track up to the trig at the summit of Saddle Hill 473 m above sea level. We started at approx 300m above sea level .
Hamish Gardyne ( the landowner of the Mosgiel side of the hill ) and Alan Scurr a previous farmer on Saddle Hill and a current member of the club accompanied us up to the trig where we met up with the Trampers who came up the Covenant track .
Hamish Gardyne had created ( with very modern technology)a good metal and mown track almost to the summit on their own land with the intention that the community enjoy this walk .
The steep climb was rewarded with stunning 360 degree views from over the Taieri to the Rock and Pillars, Mt Cargill ,Otago Peninsula to the Kaikorai stream below us .
The sunny calm weather added to our enjoyment.
Both Hamish and Alan gave us very informative commentary on the history and developments on Saddle Hill.
The trampers headed down the seaward side of the Hill and the hikers back down via the same track we had just ascended .
We spent quite some time admiring the Gardyne’s extensive upcycled children’s tree house .
Then it was along Gladstone Rd to the Chain Hill tunnel for a quick lunch
and walk through the recently opened combined bike / walk rail tunnel. There we admired the brick and stone work and refurbished tunnel interior.
At the far end of the tunnel were stands of lovely native bush along with abundant bird song! Truely a wonderful asset for our community. Our day concluded with refreshments at the Tuck shop at the Mosgiel Tavern .
Jill had sent a message to Hamish thanking him for his input for the day and he came back with this reply .
“It was great having everyone and a very positive and active group we have.
More than welcome.”
Katherine M ( tail-end Charlie for the day )
From the trampers: The trampers left from McMasters Rd and walked up through the QE2 covenant land.
They met the hikers, who had sneaked up from the Saddle Hill side, at the trig.
We all agreed that the talks given by Alan Scurr, and Hamish, were really informative. Alan gave us the history, as he and his forebears had owned and farmed Saddle Hill and the surrounding area. They were also involved in coal mining and worked the quarry. Thank you, Alan.
Hamish owns some of the land now, and he and his wife are replanting the area in natives and also working at making the area accessible to the public. Again, really interesting.
From there the trampers meandered their way down to the beach.
Thanks to the landowners who not only gave us access, but who had also taken time to take us over their properties when we were planning the walk.
Views were spectacular and it was interesting to walk past various historic properties on the way down
Distance 6kms
Total ascent 246m
Descent 478 m
Many thanks to all who helped in planning especially Alan Scurr, Jill Dodd and Lyn Keene.
Esther Willis
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.