Mt Beckworth Circuit - 7.7 Kms plus a Garden Visit

 U3A Hike No. 175



Hike Report by Fiona

We commenced our 7.7 km circuit hike from the entrance to Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve at Coutts Road. Although the hike was relatively short, we were challenged by the steep rocky terrain and warm hiking conditions. However our efforts were rewarded with spectacular views along the way.

Initially we climbed a steep slope northward up the 4WD track to a saddle then down a long steep downhill descent on a slippery dry gravel surface. As we descended we were afforded great views of the countryside looking toward Clunes and Castlemaine. The track then intersected with another 4WD track which we walked along for one kilometre leading us to the Manna Gums Picnic area.

We continued to walk along the Manna Gums North track gradually climbing along the eastern side of Mt Beckworth.  Along this track we passed a patch of boulders and a forested area before reaching the grassy Oval. Points of interest along the way included remnants of a silver wattle plantation previously grown for use in the tanning industry. This venture was not successful. Amongst the dry forest vegetation we spied a huge toadstool as well as an echidna hiding close to the track.

We turned at the Northern Ridge track and followed it south. The track rose steeply for 1.5 kilometres until we reached the summit of Mt Beckworth. We all enjoyed our morning tea sitting beneath the well-known ‘Lollipop’ tree.  Views from the summit extended over the green plains of the Waubra area. We returned along the Southern Ridge track which completed the circuit to the park entrance.

Following the hike we were most fortunate to visit Geoff Howard’s historic property ‘Glengairn’ at Evansford near Waubra. The five room original bluestone and granite cottage with its shingled roof was built around 1856. Geoff provided us with an interesting history of the families who had called Glengairn home over the last 160 years. We also viewed photographic displays showing the floods from the nearby McCallum Creek.  The property had also been affected by a bushfire which luckily did not destroy the house. We viewed a more modern extension at the rear of the original cottage which Geoff has added.  We also explored the outbuildings including old stables and an interesting building that may have been a cellar or smokehouse.

We enjoyed eating our lunch under the shady trees of Geoff’s garden. Many of the original trees and plants are still contained in the garden as well as new trees and a veggie patch Geoff has planted.

We wish to thank Geoff sincerely for his hospitality in sharing his house and garden with us.

Also, thanks to Andrew for leading the scenic walk today.

Photos by Andrew



















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Berringa Mines and Heritage Walk - 9 Kms

Image
 U3A Hike No 279 Hike Report by Lyn The day was overcast and hazy as our group set out from the Berringa Recreation Reserve and started walking back towards Ballarat. Soon we stopped and marvelled in awe as Andrew waved a $50 note in the air, then a $5 note apparently picked up from amongst the roadside litter. However we were not fooled and Andrew returned the notes to his pocket and we continued on.  Our first mine we came across was the Birthday Tunnel mine set high up the steep sided gully. Since our last visit in February 2021, the mining relics consisting of brickwork and a rusting boiler were still evident but a new addition in the form of a modern looking living transportable container was within close proximity. Not wanting to hang around for too long we then descended the steep sided gully concentrating on our foot placement as it would have been very easy to slip on the downward leaning grasses, although we took time out to look at the impressive mullock heap.  With expert n
Read more

287. Frith Gully - Mt Misery Loop. Enfield State Park

Image
 U3A Hike No 287 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Eight hikers assembled outside the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for an 11.5 km hike on the Frith Gully-Mt Misery Loop in the Enfield State Park. We travelled in two vehicles to the start of the walk at Bald Hill on Incolls Road, Enfield. The walk was graded as moderate, and described as continuously hilly. We walking paths and rough bush roads through isolated parts of the park. There were deep gullies with lush vegetation, high ridges with open scrub, and areas that still bear the scars of extensive surface mining in the 19th century. We followed Misery Creek Road south then the Misery Creek and Forest Park walking tracks to Surface Point Picnic Ground, where we had smoko. Before arriving at Surface Point we were accompanied overhead by the raucous alarm calls of a group of cockatoos warning of our intrusion into their forest. Coincidently this occurred just near Mt Cockatoo!! We shared the picnic table with a man who was camping there
Read more

305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

Image
 U3A Hike No 305 Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield Hike Report By Sharon Moss. On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne. We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot ! Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure . Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic ! We passed several landmarks of interest . The  art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King  Homes . Andrew shared inte
Read more