16/09/2026. Ross Creek – Redwoods Circuit (alternative trip due to rain forecast). Trampers. Leaders: Sandy Webb and Alison Evans.
The weather forecast was ominous, but early in the day it was merely overcast and
not raining. After much deliberation and consultation the call was made to meet at Malvern St and make a plan from there. On arrival, the mist had set in so we decided to leave the Silver Peaks for another day.
Accordingly the 15 of us set off from where the cars were parked, straight up the Bullock track and along to the Ross Creek area. Morning tea was at the reservoir, during which the rain started, so we continued under cover as much as possible, and across the road to the Redwoods.
Alison notes that the redwoods were planted around 1920 under the supervision of David Tannock, who was Superintendent of Reserves. Once there, John took us on one of his dog-walking routes following various bike tracks in the trees, and we eventually came to McGouns extension, down to the other side of the reservoir, and back down behind the motor camp to return to the cars.
From there we decided that our packed lunches needed to be eaten, so we proceeded to the Woodhaugh paddling pool area where there is shelter.
The rain began to set in properly, so after lunch the Mosgiel people disappeared and the restof us had coffees at Aster in the Gardens, getting home in time to miss the worst of the weather.
Distance was a respectable 10km, with a total ascent of 272m and moving time ofjust under 3 hours.
Sandy Webb
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area. See also Rain Days