Happy Valley, Linton Flora and Fauna Reserve Circuit - 16.3 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 253

Hike Report by Geoff

It was a crisp, four degrees when we met in the Bunnings car park Delacombe, before driving to Linton Recreation Reserve. Eleven hikers present today, and although conditions were cold the air was dry and the forest provided protection from the light wind, providing for relatively pleasant hiking. We started the hike following the Skipton Rail Trail south from Linton. Being a rail trail, walking was easy as the gullies had been filled in and the hills excavated on the well maintained gravel track. 

The hike took us alongside Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary covers 530 hectares of former farmland where a number of wetlands were created by former owner, sheep farmer, Gordon Clarke. Commencing in the 1960s Gordon worked to remove gorse and other invasive weeds to replace them with with a wide range of Australian native species. Clarke's efforts were successful in providing suitable habitat for numerous birds with over 155 varieties  being sited, including honeyeaters, parrots, falcons and owls. The sanctuary is open to visitors and campers.

We also encountered several significant old, rail structures, including rail bridges, most notably, we passed under a former vehicle overpass bridge where all the significant timber, upright structure was still in tact. We also appreciated many clumps of pink and white flowering heath alongside the track. 

After walking for approximately seven kilometres along the rail trail we stopped for morning tea. Afterwards, as this was Gordon's non core hike, Gordon determined that to walk all of our hike along the rail trail would be too easy. We therefore, left the rail trail, taking an alternative track to the north which, of course, led us up, and up. While there were some downhill sections in the track it did seem that Gordon had found the only high points in the area and, unfortunately there was no view of particular significance to appreciate from any of these highpoints. 

Along much of this track planned burns had recently been undertaken, and while the blackened trees were stark, the fresh green grass undergrowth was lush in places making a colourful contrast. 

More twists and turns and more uphill. After completing this loop Gordon pointed out that we could return to the rail trail to find our way back "but that would be boring" he declared. Instead, we followed Deviation Road up another hill, and another, before finding our way back at our starting point, 16.3 kilometres having been covered. We were then able to enjoy lunch in the Linton grandstand. Unfortunately no game to cheer on, the entertainment was limited to our own conversations. We agreed that we has been fortunate with very bearable winter weather devoid of rain and we thank Gordon for keeping the challenges in our lives.

Photos by Geoff and Gordon