When I got the first map, to start this project off, I picked up map sheet 2. It just makes sense to start with the easier to access, Adelaide Hills stuff. And so another obvious thing to do, was look at the really local to me sections of the trail. Many of them I knew of, and had run or ridden before.
I looked at part of the trail that goes through the Fox Creek area of MTB trails and worked on a way to cover this section, given it's proximity. A closer look at the map, and a track (not the Heysen) goes up the opposite ridge. Some Google and Strava searching roughed out a loop. There seemed to be enough online traffic to suggest that the route went.
Onto the trail, in the shadow of Mt Misery, I encountered the first of the days feral goats that live in this steep, forested area. And the second. And third... this herd must've been 30 or more! You often see 6-8, sometimes 10-12, but this was a huge group, the biggest I'd seen around here.
Crossing over the Mawson Trail and into Montacute Conservation Park, passing more goats on the way, I couldn't quite see the track I was looking for due to the tree cover, but the views out over Adelaide were great, as always, even under the grey sky.
A photo posted by Iconic Trails Project (@iconictrails) on
Dropping down the descent to the valley, there were glimpses of the ridge I'd be heading back up. Steep sided, with a solid incline, it was due to be a good workout and good views. Turning the legs over along the road at around to the turn off, it was cool in the shade, with the creek running loudly. Another goat - tagged this time, not sure whether it was parks monitoring where they roam or what, but a big collar and hot pink dye on it's hair.
The climb was steep, then flattened to a bit of a grassy shoulder, and a group of bushwalkers. Given my apprehension as to whether the loop would go or not, seeing these fellas coming down the hill towards me was a bit of a relief in a way, as they had to come from somewhere. At least, I shouldn't need to back track.
Soon, the track descended steeply, down to the right. Alternatively, goat tracks headed into a rocky cliff area. I decided on the goat track (it was the theme for today, clearly) and scrambled the cliffs. The views where quite spectacular, but the cloud meant that pics were average by now. But a little video kinda shows it...
A video posted by Iconic Trails Project (@iconictrails) on
More uphill and some navigation later (and more shade in the depths of steep sided gullies) - and a crazy goat jumping off a waterfall, bellyflopping to trail... yes, really - and I managed to find myself back in familiar territory. By now, having taken it conservatively, in case I needed energy to bush bash and brain power to navigate, it was back to the car.
A good loop; new routes found, one to re-visit, and some more HYSN ticked off...
(Sorry, this is up so late... life and running, eh?)
