406. Happy Valley, Linton Flora and Fauna Reserve, 15.4km, circuit

 U3A Hike No 406

Hike Report by Terry Bowring

Nine  hikers met in the Bunnings Delacombe car park before travelling to the Linton
Recreation Reserve to commence the hike.
The first third of the hike was along the Ballarat-Skipton Rail trail in a southern, then eastern
direction toward Ballarat. After passing the site of the original Linton Station, crossing the
Janes Lane Rail Tressel Bridge (see group photo), Happy Valley Station and overhead
Trestle Bridge the trail started to climb. Along the Rail Trail we passed the Linton Flora and
Fauna Reserve and Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary before stopping for morning tea. A little
further along, just over 5km from the start, we turned off the Rail Trail into the bush along a
dirt track.

The dirt vehicle track, and all other tracks were in good condition and made for easy walking
and conversation due to the width of the track. As we ventured further into the bush, the
steeper hills started, with a couple of long steep hills. The track connected to Graded Road,
which in turn lead to Deviation Road which returned us to Linton, the Janes Lane Rail
Trestle Bridge, Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail and a well-deserved lunch at the cars.

The majority of the off-Rail Trail hike, was in native bush, with only a short section along
Deviation Road being through a pine plantation. Several wild flowers, including Correa Reflexa were
present once in the bush. Similarly, several species of birds were seen and heard during the
hike, including Kookaburras, Rosellas and Choughs.

The weather was dry, overcast and initially cool, but warmed up sufficiently to provide the
perfect hiking weather.

The overall hike distance was recorded at 15.4Km.

Thank you, Gordon (leader) and Andrew (whip), for a fantastic, scenic hike through the
beautiful, hilly bush area east of Linton.

Photos by Andrew Parker

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