15/07/2026. Chalkies. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Sarah McCormack, Heather Casey.
Seventeen trampers set out on a dull but fine morning. Rain had been forecast, but apart from
a few drops, we enjoyed a dry tramp—at least from above. As we walked along the road towards the start of the track, it was disappointing to see household rubbish dumped beside the road, along with some large fish heads, a long way from the ocean!
We headed up Chalkies Track, passing an old pump house and weir that were once part of the Mosgiel water supply scheme. We crossed the creek several times, with everyone managing to keep their feet dry.
A morning tea stop among the mānuka and kānuka trees on the way up to Powder Hill was a welcome break. The climb included a few grunty sections, with a rope provided to help on the steepest part.
We didn’t hear many birds this time, whereas during the recce we heard bellbirds and had fantails and a tomtit following us. Perhaps the chatter from 17 trampers was enough to frighten the birds away!
A group photo at the Powder Hill trig was another welcome pause after the steady climb.
The limestone cliffs provided a perfect lunch spot, with amazing views across the native bush to the Silverpeaks.
A few graffiti artists had obviously found their way to the limestone cliffs, not appreciated today but maybe in another 100 years the rock art of yesteryear!
After lunch it was all downhill, although the track was slippery in places and had a few washouts. We couldn’t help wondering how the people who lived there negotiated the track and what type of vehicles they used.
Just before reaching the road, we crossed the Silver Stream, which conveniently washed most of the mud from our boots.
Overall, the track was in good condition considering the recent rain, and it had been well cleared of overhanging vegetation and gorse. There were only a few muddy patches and some slippery sections during the approximately 7 km circuit, which included around 450 metres of elevation. A very enjoyable day out.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.