387 replies to this topic

[TerryC]

Since the running of the first Yurrebilla 56km Trail Ultra in 2007, there has been much talk about organizing regular trail runs in the Adelaide Hills and Mt Lofty ranges. Finally this is coming about with runs to be organized monthly on either the second or third Saturday of the month.

The first trail run will take place at 7.00am on Saturday 22 November, 2008 in the Montacute Conservation Park and Cudlee Creek Forest area with a climb to the top of what we hope to not be aptly named "Mt Misery" (Great name for a first up run!). Assemble at the end of Valley Rd, Montacute, which runs off Corkscrew Rd at 6.45 for trail briefing and 7.00am start – everyone most welcome (you don't need to be a SARRC member) – no need to say you are coming, just turn up!

Generally we will try and organize these regular informal trail runs not too far from the city and as loop runs to avoid car pooling; offer a variety of distances so that runners (and walkers too perhaps) of all abilities can participate at the level/pace/distance that best suits them; will get people into some of the most beautiful areas of the Adelaide hills that are not so commonly accessed; choose the second or third Saturday each month that conflicts least with any other events; and make sure that the finish is not too far from a coffee shop and/or bakery!

Maps and trail instructions will be sent out by email in advance so that runners can print them off to carry with them on the run. Runners need to also bring all their own supplies – water, food, first aid etc.

If you would like to go on the trail run email distribution list to receive regular updates about these runs PM me (I am away from computer from Tuesday to Friday just prior to the first run) or do so through the SARRC website SARRC website which should have an email contact up and running in next few days.

Happy to answer any questions via this forum…

Edited by TerryC, 19 January 2009 - 09:31 AM.

[Simlin]

I am excited about this first run TerryC...just thought I would get that out there...maybe we need to start a sub-club branch of the SARRC called SATRC? hehe.
I may try and program a few way-points into the garmin to avoid any wrong turns.

[Wida]

Well I went for a bit of a run through the Montacute Conservation Park and had an interesting run. I started off at the Sixth Creek ford and then ran up Valley Rd to the start of the park. I was somewhat confused when I saw the sign nailed to the tree saying "Keep Out - Private Property". How could it be private property leading up to the entry of the park and it does seem more strange when Valley Rd is actually part of the Heysen trail.
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This is a photo of one of the first steep fire roads that you have to climb.
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I really got an understanding for why Kangaroo Creek Reservoir is called what it is as I lost count of the number of roos that I saw, especially earlier on in the morning. Below I have a nice photo of a roo; a photo of a Kangaroo in front of Kangaroo Creek Reservoir and a nice shot of the reservoir on its own.
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I was originally planning on running the course that we are looking at doing next week, but a heard of bulls were blocking the trail and I don't trust 6 or so bulls when they are all staring at me and flashing their foot long horns at me! Perhaps I'm being a bit of a wimp but I don't have any experience dealing with 300+ kg bulls and I didn't want to find out how angry they might get. My old man reckons that they wouldn't have bothered me...does anyone have much experience dealing with these beasts? I took the second photo at another spot in the park where there were a few bulls grazing...they were massive
 Bulls.jpg   172.97K   21 downloads
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After the bulls I back tracked and linked back up with the Heysen and really just had a look around and did my best to get lost. One track that I wouldn't recommend running is the Kangaroo Creek trail as it's too overgrown with Salvation Jane and other pirckley stuff that makes for quite unpleasant running. Even after looking at the map I still can't figure out exactly where I went as I ended up going through the section where I originally saw the bulls. I'm not sure what happened to the bulls but they were no where to be seen. I'm not sure how I managed to get back on that track but at least I knew where I was so I just headed back to Valley Rd.

All in all, it was a very interesting run with some very steep terrain in places. I look forwards to doing the full loop next weekend.

Wida

Edited by Wida, 15 November 2008 - 01:42 PM.

[TerryC]

On Thursday morning, David C and I ran in the same area to prepare for next week's run - we saw heaps of roos but only encountered the cattle on the other side of the fence as we came back along the Mawson Trail before Constitution Hill.



Saw the private property sign as we drove up to the end of Valley Rd adjacent to the Montacute Conservation Park gate and can only assume that this means the country on either side of the road - which is for that section, as you note Wida, part of the Heysen Trail. Anyhow we started the trail somewhat confused not realizing we were already so far along the track and missed the first left turn off north towards Kangaroo Creek Dam. Instead we stayed on the Heysen Trail eastwards, until we found the side track to Mt Misery.

Finding the somewhat "indistinct" trail to Mt Misery across Kangaroo Creek was a bit of an effort - as it was keeping track of it across the dam wall, beyond the second saddle and over the many "grassy knolls"... and yep there were sections up the hill that was real gaitor country - but worth persevering with as can be seen from the viewpoint over Kangaroo Creek Dam and back to Adelaide.



We then proceeded further on up to the Mt Misery trig where the views extended northwards over Milbrook Reservior and Chain of Ponds,



before following the Mt Misery trail back down onto the Heysen Trail.



We stayed on the Heysen until the turn off to Thomas Hill Study Centre, never really sure that we were on the right trail, until we hit the pines. At some stage beyond here our notes said that we should be able to spot a bike in a tree and a yellow car- we saw neither. I have since been advised that the bike, at least, is still there as per this photo from James D.



On the way back homewards along the main Mawson trail we missed the turn off at Constitution Hill and ended up, surprisingly, back at the Mawson - Heysen crossing, where we had been earlier. Rather than backtracking, we stayed on the Mawson eastwards and came back along the path that we had missed at the beginning of our walk/run, descending it to the Heysen.  Lovely views along the main ridge of Kangaroo Creek Reservoir as per Wida's photos.

So in all we did not manage the full 22km trail that we had hoped to do, but instead did a figure of 8 - a round trip of about 16km. We never quite worked out where the trail down the Big Range came out onto Valley Rd but hope to sort that out when the group runs next weekend... (maybe that's it in the background of Wida's Private Property photo?)

Great views. Great country. So good to be out in it, discovering country that I have looked out over for years and wanted to get into. Hard work up and down steep hills on some very hard to find trails that barely exist when you find 'em... should be fun come next Saturday morning!

Edited by TerryC, 16 November 2008 - 04:11 PM.

[Wida]

TerryC, on Nov 16 2008, 03:41 PM, said:

We never quite worked out where the trail down the Big Range came out onto Valley Rd but hope to sort that out when the group runs next weekend... (maybe that's it in the background of Wida's Private Property photo?)

... should be fun come next Saturday morning!

I reckon I know where the trail for the Big Range comes out TerryC and I don't think it's where the Keep Out sign is. It's not too far from the start at Sixth creek and there is a crossing to get up over the fence. I did note that this trail looked quite grown over so it should be interesting indeed.

Yes it should be fun.

[sunny1]

Sounds like a stunning run! Wida are you sure they were all bulls? Wouldn't it be a bit unusual to keep 6 bulls padocked together? Looks as if there is plenty of wildlife on the track.

22nd of November. Hmmm. Tempting!

[Wida]

sunny1, on Nov 16 2008, 10:00 PM, said:

Sounds like a stunning run! Wida are you sure they were all bulls? Wouldn't it be a bit unusual to keep 6 bulls padocked together? Looks as if there is plenty of wildlife on the track.

22nd of November. Hmmm. Tempting!

Nah, they weren't all bulls, but I could seem more with horns than without. Perhaps the ladies were getting their hair done or something   In the second photo there were about 3 bulls and those buggers looked just like the ones they use for bull fighting. My camera has a 6X optical zoom so I wasn't really that close but I could have easily run around a blind corner and startled them. I'm still not sure why they are allowed to have them running wild in the "conservation" park like that. It seems a bit dangerous and intimidating to bush walkers to me, especially given that the 2nd lot of bulls were on the Heysen Trail.

If you come along Sunny you'll be guaranteed to see a lot of roos.

Edited by Wida, 16 November 2008 - 10:10 PM.

[AH]

By the looks of it Saturday's run will be great. Not sure about all those steep parts though. I am keen to join but I haven't been running 21km for quite a while. Are there any runners planning not to run the full distance? If not, I may be better of training longer distances first before doing these trails runs.

Edited by Dribbel, 17 November 2008 - 01:14 PM.

[Simlin]

I am sure there will be runners doing the shorter loops, but all this will be confirmed in the pre-start informal meeting at 6:45am.
I wouldn't worry about having no covered the 21km in a while on the road...it is completely different.
for example the Yurrebilla trail 56km...my two trail training runs were only 22km each. and one road half marathon.
To top all that off I found the 56km trail run easier then my ony marathon in 2007.
I know that the group I will be running with will be taking it pretty easy, a leisurely pace with walking up all the steep hills (and probably some of the not so steep hills).

C'mon, it will be GREAT!

[Wida]

Something to highlight is that although we say "running", this doesn't mean we are running all the time. I personally don't run any steep hills at all...just the downhill and flat stuff.

I'm looking at doing 30k on the weekend so if anyone is keen for a little bit more then tag along. I'm not sure where I'll add the extra bit on though just yet.

[sunny1]

Wida, cows (ie the females of the bovine family) have horns too. And they don't get their hair done!


There are butterflys out in them thar hills. Clouds of them. Flying everywhere around you (at least there was down Amber's Gully this morning)!

[TerryC]

Quote

By the looks of it Saturday's run will be great. Not sure about all those steep parts though. I am keen to join but I haven't been running 21km for quite a while. Are there any runners planning not to run the full distance? If not, I may be better of training longer distances first before doing these trails runs.

Dribbel - as Simlin and Wida have stated these trail runs will be pretty informal affairs - we will form groups of of similar paced and similar distances from whoever turns up. The many different loops provide groups with a whole range of options from 10-22+km, with option to cut any run shorter if required. So come along and join the fun.

The map and instructions have now been loaded onto the SARRC site SARRC Website- see the "whats on this weekend/latest news boxes" - There is also a link to email JohnG if you want to receive the first email that has went out to interested people re these runs (includes some general comments plus where to meet etc) and/or if you want to go on the trail run email distribution list for regular updates. Another email went out this morning to advise people of this link and to encourage people to bring any non running friends/partners who may wish to do a 10km walk.

Should be a great morning if only to be there to witness Wida and Sunny1 continue their bovine discussions in person.

Generally there appears to be a lot of interest in these runs so will be really interesting to see how many people turn up. Got an email from one very enthusiastic runner today (who shall remain nameless) and who I hope will forgive me for quoting from their email but it made me laugh and I have to share it...

"Coming back from injury, you could say I am a bit keen to participate in this trail run. On Saturday morning that just passed I had all the gear packed the night before, set the alarm to 4.15am, got ready, walked our <dog> and then headed off. We found Valley Rd in good time all the while wondering why we looked like the first ones there. We stopped the car at the gate and my now awake hubby ventured the question.....uhh what date is the trail run supposed to be?..........sigh!  I guess Heartbreak Hill & Mt Misery can wait another week - we ended up doing Ambers Gully instead....since we were already awake <grin> Looking forward to this Saturday 22nd...very well prepared :-)

[Wida]

Well what a great run we had today, I don't think it could have gone any better. There was something for everyone, no matter if you were a walker only wanting a 10k loop or if you were keen to run a bit further. These runs really are for everyone. We had 4 seasons every hour and some very challenging terrain indeed. The surprising thing was that Mt Misery wasn't actually that tough, it was one of the climbs a bit later on that was a killer  .

Here are some photos that I've uploaded. Add any good photos that you got Simlin. For everyone else, feel free to add some comments if you like.

Hopefully these runs will continue. What more could you want, a great bunch of people and some great trails to run.

Edited by Wida, 22 November 2008 - 02:26 PM.

[Simlin]

Good Stuff, good stuff.
We headed back early due to time constraints and general stuffedness.
Good photos Wida, half of mine are blurry from the cold (hand shaking) but I will upload them eventually.

[TerryC]

Great photos Wida - also enjoyed your report and photos on your blog Simlin.

All up a really great start to these monthly runs with 27 runners/walkers taking part, including a number of people who hadn't run with the Yurrebilla group before but keen to run Yurrebilla in 2009.

Talk about four seasons in one day. I was running with the back group and we got caught in a freezing rain shower along the last ridge. I couldn't find my running watch this morning so was wearing my normal round watch - it was so cold the back of the watch felt like it was burning a hole in my wrist. And it seemed only minutes before the sun was out and we were sweating profusely.

Yep - the Mt Misery climb was nothing compared to the climb up the last ridge. I generally found the whole run much easier than the prerun that I had done with David C - possibly because of the different route we took but also because it was much better running conditions all round (e.g. not hot). What was hardest though was the couple of steep downhills, particularly the last section when our group never quite managed to find the trail and it was very slippery underfoot. Also really helps when you spend less time looking at a map and being able to keep moving. All up took our group about 4 1/2hrs to do 22km - definitley our slowest ever half marathon time!

One of the other fun parts of the day was having so many people up in this area and either seeing the other groups from a distance or bumping into them at intersections. Also memorable was the freshness of the morning air, and the views, and the flowers, and the company...

Oh yeh, and the zeppole's at Panini's were pretty good too!!!

Details on the date and location of the next run real soon...

[Simlin]

Here

I have now uploaded my best photos to the gallery...half are at the end and the rest I have tried to put in order with Wida's...feel free to continue arranging, but I am in need of sleep.

[Simlin]

Did you find the snakes I left out for you TerryC?

[TerryC]

Simlin, on Nov 23 2008, 09:22 AM, said:

Did you find the snakes I left out for you TerryC?

Didn't spot the snakes or the arrows - maybe we were so far back the koalas beat us to them.

Did manage to find the bike in the tree this time (in fact I do remember seeing it last time but didn't recognize it was a bike!) and saw the yellow car body sitting in someone's garage on Valley Rd.

[TerryC]

Email going out tomorrow advising runners (and walkers) that the next trail run will be 7am Saturday 13 December in the Scott Creek Conservation Park (near Blackwood).

Let me know if you want to be on the Trail Run Email Distribution List if you are not already receiving these regular emails for updates, maps and instructions etc.

[sunny1]

Going out there myself tomorrow. Most peeved that I missed the run with you guys! How much of the track do you think I will be able to find by myself?  

[Simlin]

um, maybe stick to the Heysen on the way out...some of the other tracks are rather not there unless you know they are there if you know what I mean....unless my arrow with snake is still there...make sure you take your mobile and eperb.

[sunny1]

Whats an eperb?

[Simlin]

Emergency PERsonal Beacon

[Simlin]

TerryC, on Nov 23 2008, 06:28 PM, said:

Email going out tomorrow advising runners (and walkers) that the next trail run will be 7am Saturday 13 December in the Scott Creek Conservation Park (near Blackwood).

Let me know if you want to be on the Trail Run Email Distribution List if you are not already receiving these regular emails for updates, maps and instructions etc.

C'mon! it is 8:30am - where is this email all ready! - I am itching to know where we are going next...maybe I should invest in the book.

and to think we are seeing parts of Adelaide surrounds that I never would have seen had I not discovered the joys of running and esp. trail running.

[chilliman]

sunny1 said:

Whats an eperb?

Apologies for being a real pedant, it is actually an acronym for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

But I think you got the idea from Simlin that it is a distress beacon anyway. You may see them in the locked "toy" cabinets in the bushwalking shops in Rundle St, usually bright yellow.



Sounds and looks like it was a great run on Saturday, especially the pics of the downhill bits.

Edited by chilliman, 24 November 2008 - 01:20 PM.

[Simlin]

chilliman, on Nov 24 2008, 01:33 PM, said:

Apologies for being a real pedant, it is actually an acronym for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

But I think you got the idea from Simlin that it is a distress beacon anyway. You may see them in the locked "toy" cabinets in the bushwalking shops in Rundle St, usually bright yellow.



Sounds and looks like it was a great run on Saturday, especially the pics of the downhill bits.

There were definitely some very very steep parts there Chilli...I think one particularly nasty downhill claimed two victims in the group I was in (oh, hang on it was 3 arse plants!) and one young tree who couldn't handle the strain.

The next run looks a little tamer in comparison, (and surprisingly harder to navigate going by the descriptions...a lot more in-destinct trails to try and locate)

[chilliman]

Simlin, on Nov 24 2008, 03:16 PM, said:

The next run looks a little tamer in comparison, (and surprisingly harder to navigate going by the descriptions...a lot more in-destinct trails to try and locate)

I have seen the details for the next one Simlin, out of interest do you know what book they are from ?

[Wida]

chilliman, on Nov 24 2008, 04:01 PM, said:

I have seen the details for the next one Simlin, out of interest do you know what book they are from ?

The book is called Push the Bush. Apparently the Scout shop in Rundle St has it.

[sunny1]

rocker, on Nov 24 2008, 01:53 PM, said:

Terry, and Dave,
With 27 "men",
Crawled up the hills,
And scrambled down again.

Welcome to CR, rocker! I am assuming that you are a 'new' CR because this is your first post, and South Australian because you have written about the event of the year! Or should I say the 2nd event of the year, Yurrebilla being the 1st of the year?!

See you on the trail sometime!

Edit: Thanks for filling me in on EPERBs, guys. I didn't need one today - plans got changed and I stayed at home with a sick child, had a lovely day - just no running. No need for eperbs when looking after my kids (just a little brag there!)

On the bovine matter - Wida, it could very well be that those beasts are 'steers' - not much to worry about there, they've had a little chop and have probably lost most of their ferociousness! They're being fattened up for market, and are encouraged to have docile, sedentary lives - eating.

Edited by sunny1, 24 November 2008 - 09:07 PM.

[AJay]

Dont want to hijack, but does anyone do runs like this during the week?  I start work at 9 on saturdays at the moment and cant make these runs until mid jan.

[Simlin]

I think you need to talk to Sunny1 Ajay!
We'd all feel much better if she had company on her mid-week, solo, wilderness adventures!

PS How can a totally on topic post be a hijack? keep them coming Ajay...maybe you could go out and explore next months run for us and report back on how to best find all the "indisctinct" tracks.

Edited by Simlin, 25 November 2008 - 12:21 PM.

[TerryC]

Quote

Terry, and Dave,
With 27 "men",
Crawled up the hills,
And scrambled down again.

Quote

Welcome to CR, rocker! I am assuming that you are a 'new' CR...

... not just a cool runner but a poet too!

[TerryC]

Quote

There were definitely some very very steep parts there Chilli...I think one particularly nasty downhill claimed two victims in the group I was in (oh, hang on it was 3 arse plants!) and one young tree who couldn't handle the strain.

Maybe we should keep a tally of how many pairs of skins get worn through in a twelve month period... Number 1: sunny1's Yurrebilla duathalon saga; Number 2: Dean - raw skin burn through skins and shorts - ouch! (I don't think he will manage to get the same deal at Joggers World that you got sunny1 but then again no harm trying...)

Hopefully next run won't be so demanding on the "plants".

[chilliman]

TerryC, on Nov 25 2008, 03:30 PM, said:

I don't think he will manage to get the same deal at Joggers World that you got sunny1 but then again no harm trying...

Perhaps they could provide free Skins patches instead of the free socks to SARRC members.

[sunny1]

Sometimes I wish I stilll had those skins, for posterity's sake!

AJay, if you are coming to the next 5km challenge (is it early enough for you?) we could plot mid-week-adventures then!

By the way ... the number of times I have not got into trouble has far outnumbered the number of times I have got into trouble.

Congratulations to Dean for losing some 'skin'- those things are not as tough as they seem to be! But just imagine what the graze would be like if the skins weren't there!  

[jenny the orienteer]

AJay, on Nov 25 2008, 11:16 AM, said:

Dont want to hijack, but does anyone do runs like this during the week?  I start work at 9 on saturdays at the moment and cant make these runs until mid jan.

The Southern Arrows Orienteers do Tuesday night runs in Morialta (6pm at stradbroke rd carpark) and Thursday night in Belair (6.30 at the golf course carpark)

Non-orienteers are welcome as there's a complete absence of maps Runs are 50-60min for Morialta, 60-80min for Belair, re-group for the slower people every so often.

I may try to convince some rogainers to run at Scott Creek on the 13th.

[Simlin]

We might need some experienced map readers to actually find out way! Good thinking Jenny!

[TerryC]

....On a Tuesday and a Friday, I fear Rocker is there smiling
Taunting and playing with me, up the hills and on the roads
With the runners homewards racing, Rocker may be right beside me pacing
His (or her) identity tears at me and I fear I’ll never know.

Rocker’s friends are there to meet him, and they laugh as they greet him
And they just smile as the look on me from afar
And I fear the jokes not ended and will no doubt be extended
Cause I’ve still got no idea of just who you are.

I am sitting at my computer, writing a long and lengthy email
Of the trails we will traverse in 2009
But it’s this secret runner that is pushing me, to the edge of my sanity
I’m going off my “Rocker” if I don’t find out in time.

And I scheme of ways to reveal the, identity of this cool runner newbie
With his (or her) smart lyrics that just seem to flow
With poetry so fancy, his (or her) take on good ol’ Clancy
Of just who is this "Rocker", I’d like to know!

[Wida]

Is it compulsory to post in poems now If so I'm in trouble as I'm not very creative  

I was out on the Yurrebilla today and I was amazed at how overgrown parts of it are, especially the bit in between Lobethal Rd and Giles Conversation Park. The "indistinct" trails that we ran last week were express ways compared to that bit   

I came across this critter on the way down to Montacute Rd. It's the first time I've ever seen an Echidna in the wild.
 Picture_025__Large_.jpg   175.11K   17 downloads

[TerryC]

David C and I were up at Scott Creek Conservation Park this morning and ran a 12km loop in the eastern sections and a 4km loop west of the car park, sticking to the designated trails and roads rather than the "indistinct" trails. Much less demanding than Montacute Conservation Park but just as beautiful. Conditions this morning for running couldn't have been better, especially in the hills. We didn't manage to see any echidna but we were entertained by a very busy koala in a tree near the car park when we had finished. Apparently there are plenty of echidna and bandicoots in Scott Creek CP with its dense bush cover. I have yet to see either in the Adelaide hills so am a bit envious, Wida... Has anyone seen any bandicoots whilst running in the hills?

[sunny1]

Saw a bandicoot on the Mt Lofty trail - on the section after you cross the road, before you get to the summit. It was sooo cute!

So the echidna was in Black Hill Conservation park? or in Morialta?

[Wida]

sunny1, on Nov 29 2008, 06:08 PM, said:

So the echidna was in Black Hill Conservation park? or in Morialta?

It was in Morialta...just where the grey gravel track is.

[chilliman]

Wida, on Nov 29 2008, 05:05 PM, said:

It's the first time I've ever seen an Echidna in the wild.

I saw 4 on Friday here in Vic on a local run around Bunyip state forest.
This time of year they seem to be prevalent, not sure if it is mating season, (they are usually on their own), or the warmer weather is bringing out the ants which they are after.  I usually hear them first on the trails rustling, and always think of snakes at the time. Funny though when I have come across snakes in the past they usually don't make a noise.

There are a couple of echidnas that hang around my place in the hills digging holes ideal for a golf course. It's strange though I always see heaps of other native animals frequently as road kill (mainly wombats) but never echidnas, and I often see them crossing roads.

In SA, i've seen an echidna in the Mylor Conservation park on a couple of occasions, not sure if it is the same one each time though.

TerryC, on Nov 29 2008, 06:07 PM, said:

Has anyone seen any bandicoots whilst running in the hills?

Not in SA, but in Southern NSW forests and around the camping ground at Wilson's Prom. Vic.
Those in the wild are pretty timid and hard to spot.

Edited by chilliman, 01 December 2008 - 02:58 PM.

[TerryC]

Details below re the second monthly trail run this coming Saturday... All welcome.... runners and walkers - just turn up!

RUN 2:             Scott Creek Conservation Park
Date:               Saturday, 13 December 2008
Map:                Scott Creek Conservation Park maps (email Terry Cleary for copy of the two maps)
Instructions:      See Trail Notes below for instructions.

Directions:          You can access Scott Creek Conservation Park either from Blackwood/ Coromandel Valley/Chandler Hill via Cherry Gardens Rd or from  Belair/Crafers/Stirling via Ironbank Rd.  Dorset Vale Rd which runs through the park, runs south from Cherry Gardens Rd just near Blackwood Golf Course. Allow 20 minutes drive from Blackwood or Crafers.

Meeting Place:    Almanda Mine Car park, Dorset Vale Rd situated 2.5 km south of the junction with Cherry Gardens Rd and 250m north of Matthews Rd. Look out for the ruins.

Start Time:          Assemble from 6.45 am to allow time for trail briefing, form groups and be ready for a 7.00 am start.

Trail Options:     
Running: 12 km loop plus additional 4km. For those that want to go further the 4km loop can be extended. Walking: The 12km loop may be shortened to either 6-8km (approx).
                          
Fire Ban Area:    Most of the run is through Scott Creek Conservation Park or along its borders hence open all year round except when Total Fire Bans in the Mt Lofty Ranges District. Refer to http://www.cfs.sa.go...s/fire_bans.jsp An email will be sent to cancel a run as soon as we hear of any proposed fire ban affecting this district.

Check Out:         Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park website for details on flora, fauna and history of the area:http://users.picknowl.com.au/~dld/

Coffee Shop:       Aubergines, on north side of Blackwood Post Office, which lies just north of the Blackwood roundabout (on the city or west side of Main Rd).

Trail Leader:       David Close

Questions?          David Close or Terry Cleary

Trail Notes:      
Option to do 12km loop returning to car park, followed by 4km loop (which can be extended).
Walkers may wish to do a shortened version of the 12km loop of either 6 or 8km approximately.

12km loop
From Almanda Mine car park (gates 18/19), head south, turning left at Matthews Rd.
At Gate 17 veer left up Scott Creek Rd.
Follow Scott Creek Rd until Gate 3.
At Gate 3 turn right onto Bandicoot Track until left hand turn on to Currawong Ridge Track.
Keep heading north by taking left hand turn into Cup Gum Track.
Take right hand turn into Bronzewing Track to Gate 5 at Gurr Rd.
Follow Gurr Rd eastwards to Mt Bold Rd.
Turn right (southwards) at Mt Bold Rd following Bold Ridge Track all the way to gate 11.
Turn right on to Shingleback Track and take care descending to Neville Rd.
Turn left at Neville Rd.
At Gate 13, turn right into Dorset Vale Rd and head northwards returning to car park.

12km loop shortened to 6-8km.
Follow 12 km loop until intersection of Currawong and Cup Gum Tracks, turning right onto Cup Gum Track to Mt Bold Rd.
For 6km loop return on Stringbark Track until Neville Rd.
For 8km loop return on Shangleback Track until Neville Rd.
At Neville Rd, either take right hand turn back to Gate 17 and return to car park or turn left to Gate 13 and return to car park via  Dorset Vale Rd.

4km loop
From car park head westwards up the Almanda Track then left at first intersection.
Turn left onto Quarry Ridge Track and then right onto Greenhood Track.
Follow Greenhood Track all the way to Thorley Rd at Gate 24.
Head north on Thorley Rd taking right had turn onto Frith Rd at Gate 23.
Follow Frith Rd until Gate 21 and turn right onto Almanda Trail, returning to car park.

4km loop extension.
From Gate 21 continue nothwards up Frith Rd to Dorset Vale Rd.
Take right hand turn onto Dorset Vale Rd until Gate 20.
Take left hand turn onto Echidna Trail, turning right onto Mineshaft Track and return to car park.

If you wish to go on the Trail Run Email Dstribution List email John Glowik