9. Lerderderg Track Stage Three 2017 10.9km

 



Hike Report Gordon Talbett

Nolans Creek Picnic Ground to Blackwood. After the dustiest drive of all our walks, we were more than happy to leave our cars behind. We set off along a cool creek-side track, and then over a huge sawdust pile; the remains of Frith’s Sawmill. Next was a long stretch of dry sclerophyll forest skirting a hillside, where numerous fallen trees were a test of the length and agility of our hikers’ legs. A day’s hiking would be incomplete without a steep climb and a steeper descent, and a ridge crossing provided this and a reminder that the day was becoming hotter.  

A very welcome rest followed in the shady valley of the Lerderderg River at the site of the Crown Dam. This dam was part of the gold mining activity of the mid 1800s and the associated water-races contouring along the hillsides provided level walking to the Garden of St Erth. The cottage here was built by a Cornish stonemason in 1861, who named it after his home village in Cornwall. He ran a General Store, Post Office and boot repairing business for the Gold-rush town of Simmon’s Reef. Now it is a restaurant and a plant nursery. 

Next was a steep descent into a lush fern gulley, followed by another climb to reach Blackwood, and lunch at the Blackwood Pub.  

We rely on Andrew and his expert use of technology to guide us through these walks. Many of the

turnings are poorly marked, and the correct path is not always obvious: thank you Andrew.

LINKS

DOWNLOAD A GPX ROUTE FILE FOR GARMIN ETC

INTERACTIVE MAP

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