22/07/2026. Lawsons Farm. Grade 3. Trampers. Leaders: Graham and Carol Thurlow.
Twenty trampers started off from Mosgiel and Dunedin to begin a spectacular winter day and an 8.5km tramp on Lawsons farm which is situated at Merton on the top of the Kilmog.
Leaving the cattle yards we headed onto Steep Hill Rd and down through the paddocks to Mary’s Creek.
Here John Gardiner shared with the group the story of Mary who chose to bathe in this small stream. It was suggested that she may have chosen to do this here as it was more private than the Waikouaiti river where the other miners would be working.
Comments were made about the remnant native forest where there were Lacebark trees having shed their leaves and Kowhai trees. From here we went to the tailings of the mining and enjoyed morning tea.
Then we all headed up and up using a bit more energy then pausing to shed some clothes due to increased activity and temperature. We stopped in a sunny spot free of sheep poo for lunch.
Moving on members commented what a pretty place it was and enquired about the names of the various native trees again. Mohoe and Marble Leaf were in this area.
Some trampers had enquired the day before about how steep the terrain was. Graham had described it as “not too steep and mostly following the contours”. As we followed the uphill zigzag track the altitude noticeably changed and a comment was made “Contours are not supposed to change in altitude”. Graham responded “This could be a con….tour.” Then Neil responded “A tour con”. On the last part of the tramp descending towards the woolshed someone pointed out to Graham how the sheep had created perfect contour tracks. Graham responded “Yep sheep aren’t silly”.
A good tramp on a calm sunshine day with awesome clear views of rolling hill country and silhouettes of volcanic peaks in East Otago. Including Mt Watkins which for some stirred memories of epic tramps there amidst loose rocks and wild spaniard plants.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed by 12 of the group at the Blueskin Gallery Cafe at Waitati.
We appreciate the Lawson family giving the club permission to enjoy their farm and landscape.
Graham and Carol Thurlow.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.