The Friends of the Heysen Trail

Stirling to Cleland, Mt Lofty loop.
2020-06-14 08:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
This approximately 17klm loop walk will start in Stirling then via Crafters, Cleland reserves, Mt Lofty summit ( morning tea), Botanic gardens, then via Woodhouse scout camp (lunch), back to Stirling.

Tappanappa-Boat Harbour Hike
2020-06-20
An interesting roam along the less traversed eastern boundary of Deep Creek down to Boat Harbour beach, then following a section of the Heysen Trail to Tapanappa and return through the park. Exploratory walk of some 16-18km as not all is marked trail.

Black Hill with Five Peaks
2020-06-21 08:00 - 15:00
This walk is ideal for walkers in need of a bit of a challenge and to develop techniques for rough tracks, steep inclines and declines. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be rewarded with some lovely views over Adelaide, wildflowers and maybe some wildlife. The walk is only about 18kms but will provide a good workout. Bring morning tea and lunch to eat on the trail.
We visit both Blackhill and Morialta Conservation Parks.

Black Hill
2020-07-02
A short trail walker though with steep climbs and descents. Commencing around the foothills to Ambers Gully, up the Yurrebilla Trail to Black Hill summit then descending back to the cars.
We will stop for morning tea and be finished by midday.

Summertown/Cleland
2020-07-04
A circular walk using tracks, lanes and country roads as we walk from Summertown, passing through Uraidla then into the Piccadilly valley before climbing into the Cleland Conservation Park and returning to the start. There is many nice country views along the way.

Mt Crawford
2020-07-05, 2020-08-23
A loop walk with steep climbs over Mt Crawford and Little Mt Crawford rewarding with excellent views. Then onto tracks through forest areas including a platform walk.

Rocky Creek Hut Loop Walk
2020-07-11
This walk starts and finishes in the northern part of the Kuitpo Forest Reserve near Rocky Creek Hut. The walk meanders through pine & eucalyptus forests along fire tracks and narrow scrub trails.
Note: members must not attend if unwell and this means ANY little sniffle, cough etc. See Risks – Hazards & Requirements below for details

Chambers Gully - Mt Lofty
2020-07-15
A gorgeous walk away from the main Waterfall Gully to Lofty track.
Immerse yourself in wildlife and eucalypts.
The intention is to have lunch at the Mt Lofty summit, before returning back down the hill.

Beaumont and Cleland via Botanic Gardens
2020-07-19 08:00 - 16:00
This walk is ideal for walkers who need to get a few kms into their legs. It is about 26kms and includes a few hills and rough tracks to improve your stamina and walking techniques. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended. It takes in part of the Pioneers Womens Trail, Mt. Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland Recreation Park. The up hills are out of the way by lunchtime leaving a gentle stroll back to the cars after that.
We will probably make Cleland Wildlife Reserve in time for lunch and a coffee (if you feel inclined).

Marion Coastal Walk
2020-07-22
This is a mid week morning walk to help maintain some fitness.
The Marion Coastal Walkway is located in the Marion Coast Park which extends 7.2 km from Marino in the north, to the Hallett Headland Reserve at Hallett Cove in the south.
Its environment is unique in the metropolitan area, with its rugged cliffs, small coves and a rocky coast.
It also features world famous geological formations at Hallett Cove, important sites of remnant coastal vegetation, and the significant cultural presence of the Tjilbruke Dreaming. Discover more in the Coastal Walkway brochure.
https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/Coastal-Walks-Brochure.pdf?mtime=20180226123542
About 2km of this walk is still currently closed but a bypass is in place.
Walk will be about 12-14 km in length

Morialta
2020-08-06
A challenging walk with some ups and downs in the Morialta – Black Hill Conservation Park. We will stop for a morning tea break.

Belair boundary hike
2020-08-09
This is a hike for the serious hiker.
We will walk the boundary of Bel-Air national Park. A distance of approximately 20 klms.
Our hike will take us by the upper Sturt general store, a great stop for morning tea.
Also we will visit both the upper and lower waterfalls.

Blackwood Reserve / Belair
2020-08-12
This is a mid week morning walk to help maintain some fitness.
We will take a short stroll through back roads to Blackwood Forest reserve. The reserve is the site of the old Blackwood Experimental Orchard and details can be found at friendsofblackwoodforest.com.au/history
From the reserve we will make our way up Turners Ave to a fire trail.
From here we climb up Olave Hill to join Olave Hill Road which will lead us into Belair National Park.
We will do a couple of loop walks exiting the park to follow Minno Creek back to our starting point.
Walk will be about 12-14 km in length.

Brownhill Ck / Belair
2020-08-15
A loop walk commencing along Brownhill Creek before climbing up and into Belair National Park where it will follow a number of tracks up and down in the less trafficked eastern end of the Park before heading westards to exit the Park near Belair Railway Station. From there the walks follows some back streets prior to crossing Old Belair Road and entering Randall Park for the descent back to Brownhill Creek.

There will be a couple of climbs during the time in Belair National Park so be prepared for these.

Horsnell Gully with a taste of Heysen
2020-08-29 08:00 - 14:00
This walk proceeds along Coach Road to meet up with the Heysen Trail. This lovely section of the Heysen Trail through to Giles Conservation Park is renowned for its wildflowers. At Giles we visit 3 cottages – “Faith”, “Hope” and “Charity” and the reed beds for morning tea. The cottages were built by Charles Giles and John Horsnell in the 1840s so are in need of some maintenance.
From here we head back to Horsnell Gully Conservation Park with more interesting ruins with helpful information panels that may be perused by those interested in history during a lunch break. After lunch the fun part of the walk includes a clamber up a waterfall (be prepared some crawling on hands and knees).
The walk is about 14 kms and includes a number of challenges. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended.

Marion Coastal Walk
2020-09-02
This is a mid week morning walk to help maintain some fitness.
The Marion Coastal Walkway is located in the Marion Coast Park which extends 7.2 km from Marino in the north, to the Hallett Headland Reserve at Hallett Cove in the south.
Its environment is unique in the metropolitan area, with its rugged cliffs, small coves and a rocky coast.
It also features world famous geological formations at Hallett Cove, important sites of remnant coastal vegetation, and the significant cultural presence of the Tjilbruke Dreaming. Discover more in the Coastal Walkway brochure.
https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/Coastal-Walks-Brochure.pdf?mtime=20180226123542
About 2km of this walk is closed but has bypass route.
Walk will be about 12-14 km in length.

Para Wirra
2020-09-05
Walk through Parra Wirra Recreation Park and Barossa Goldfields to see the views from the ridges and the Devil’s nose, and the old gold mine ruins. Look out for the local birdlife.
Some undulations and one decent hill.
Please be aware of FoHT weather policies concerning cancellation of walks.
Refer to COVID-19 requirements.

The Best Of Two
2020-09-05
Joining parts of walks 4&5 of the Heysen Trail together you get to experience the rolling green hills ,the lovely beaches and the towering cliffs of the majestic Fleurieu Peninsula.A longish day on the trail but a cracking walk .
A bus will be used to get to start of walk .
Please be aware of FOHT weather Policies concerning cancellation of walks
Please Note-Hand sanitiser must be used before & after being on bus .A face mask must be worn throughout the journey on the bus .Both sanitiser and masks to be provided by the walker.

Brownhill
2020-09-06
A loop walk in the hills that starts behind the Waite Institute Campus and makes its way to Brownhill Creek via the Waite and Yurrebilla trails before the return that includes the Sheoak trail. There are opportunities for some great views across Adelaide and the plains. There is a testing ascent at Brownhill Creek so bring your climbing legs.
There will be a brief stop at a reserve near Carrick Hill for consumption of energy food and drinks if required (before the hill), then lunch/munch at the top.

Blackwood Reserve Belair
2020-09-16
This is a mid week morning walk to help maintain some fitness.
We will take a short stroll through back roads to Blackwood Forest reserve. The reserve is the site of the old Blackwood Experimental Orchard and details can be found on the following link:
http://www.communitywebs.org/friendsofblackwoodforest/history.php
From the reserve we will make our way up Turners Ave to a fire trail.
From here we climb up Olave Hill to join Olave Hill Road which will lead us into Belair National Park.
We will do a couple of loop walks exiting the park to follow Minno Creek back to our starting point.
Walk will be about 12-14 km in length

Onkaparinga Explorer TW
2020-09-17
Expand your horizons on trails less travelled within Onkaparinga NP. This is a challenging walk of some 14-15km loop with descents to the river and accents up the gorge. Initially walking down to the river, the walk then climbs the gorge to pick up a section of the Willunga Basin Trail, tracing edges of the park it then traverses less familiar tracks further up river. Testing your durability will be 3 water crossings: walkers should be prepared with spare socks and hand towel depending on river levels.

Sir Mark Oliphant Park
2020-09-19
From the Heathfield Oval car park we cross Longwood Road onto Scott Creek Road before turning down Brick Kiln Road and up through the SA Water site into Mark Oliphant Con. Park. once in the Park we will follow a mix of trails, fire tracks and off track scrambles within the park on both sides of Evans Drive before exiting back via SA Water and returning to the Oval.

Deep Creek Circuit
2020-09-26
A lovely hike in one of SA’s most beautiful Conservation Parks.
Hills, views, water and wildlife. What more do you want in a hike? It takes you down into Deep Creek Cove and onto the Deep Creek waterfall.

Morning tea spot
Health warning: the first 3kms are mostly vertical, and can be slippery when wet. Some clambering over rocks required. A good level of fitness is necessary. (The view and the rest of the walk is worth it though)
Cost warning: The meeting spot is inside the Deep Creek Conservation Park. A day pass of $11 per car is required. These can be bought at www.parks.sa.gov.au (no payment available at the park entrance), and can be purchased ahead of time.

Old Noarlunga-Pt Noarlunga Loop
2020-10-17
This walk starts at Old Noarlunga and follows the Onkaparinga River and through the Onkaparinga Wetlands crossing a bridge to head to the beautiful Onkaparinga mouth. From there we head along the beach and then up through Sand Dunes and along to Port Noarlunga. From there we head back along the Onkaparinga and onto a couple of board walks then crossing back over to return to Old Noarlunga. On this walk you should see plenty of bird life and the odd kangaroo or three. This walk is very flat with the only real difficulty being 1km walking in sand and hence would be a good first time Trail Walker if you are looking to advance from Trail Starters onto longer walks.

Morialta
2020-10-24
A loop walk in and around Morialta Con. Park with a number of testing climbs and tricky descents.
Please note this will be a demanding walk so come prepared for a testing but rewarding day.

Some Women's Pioneer Trail + others
2020-10-25
We will walk some of the Stirling loop plus some of the Women’s Pioneer trail plus then the Heysen extension into Hahndorf.
Please note this is a one way trail, so a bus pass ( buses are not accepting cash ) will be a necessity, this will allow us to return to our walk start location.
Distance is approximately 18 klms.
There is a coffee shop, available at our morning tea stop & a lovely choice for a latish lunch in Hahndorf.

Cleland Ups & Downs
2020-11-08
A loop walk in and around the northern and eastern sections of Cleland commencing near the start of the Wine Shanty Track prior to threading a path up and down through to the Wild Life Park then a turn around the Perimeter Track before finding a way back to the start. The actual course of the final part of the walk will be determined on the day. In total the walk will be approx. 14 t0 15 klms in length.
There will be a short break for morning tea during the walk.

Onkaparinga Explorer
2020-11-12
Expand your horizons on trails less travelled within Onkaparinga NP. This is a challenging walk of some 14-15km loop with descents to the river and accents up the gorge. Initially walking down to the river, the walk then climbs the gorge to pick up a section of the Willunga Basin Trail tracing edges of the park; it then traverses less familiar tracks further up river. Testing your durability will be 3 water crossings: walkers should be prepared with spare socks and hand towel depending on river levels. Gaiters are recommended as snakes may be present during warmer weather.

Summertown Saunter
2020-12-13
Starting and finishing through the back roads and reserves in Summertown this is a relatively comfortable walk except for the sharp little climb up behind Mt Lofty followed by a time meandering along some tracks in Cleland Con. Park before exiting back into the precincts of Summertown. As the walk will conclude prior to lunchtime there will only be short break for morning tea.
