Welcome
Hi to walkers and cyclists that have added their names on our website to receive copies of our newsletters. Numbers are slowly increasing with close to 900 emails sent out each edition. All we need is your name and email address. We do not pass on details to any other organization or individual. You can opt out at any time. Sign up to receive newsletters direct to your in box at https://lavenderfederationtrail.org.au/footsteps-newsletter/
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In this issue:
- Opening of the 2022 Walking Season.
- Ultra-Marathon - Murray Bridge to Clare.
- Recommended Walk - Mount Beevor Summit
- Lavender Cycling Trail - Murray Bridge to Clare.
- Camping out at the old Rockleigh School.
- Bits and Pieces.
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Opening of the 2022 Walking Season
It was great meeting up with walkers and cyclists at the SARTI stand at Belair celebrating the opening of the 2022 walking season. Our volunteers on hand were able to show visitors the photo display and answer any questions. Walkers and cyclists were on hand to speak to visitors.
Many walkers are also cyclists with an increasing trend towards e-bikes, too heavy to lift over fences & stiles (there are over 300 along the length of the Lavender Federation Trail) hence the creation of the Lavender Cycling trail that avoids sections of trail with fences and stiles.
(Photo: SARTI stand at the opening of the 2022 walking season at Belair.)
PS. Walking SA re quick off the mark this time announcing the date of the 2023 event.
Hiking Expo will be on Sunday 2nd April 2023, from 9am to 1pm,
in Belair National Park.
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We welcome contributed articles and photos of you or your groups experiences on the Lavender Federation Trail and the Lavender Cycling Trails or and of the great connecting Loop and Spur trails to the LFT. Post a comment on the LFT website at https://lavenderfederationtrail.org.au/contact-us/
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Ultra Marathon 2022
Participants in the “Irrational South 200 miler” left Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge at 7.00 am on Wednesday 6th April for Clare 325 kilometers away.
Competitors leaving Murray Bridge Start of the Ultra-Marathon
Heavy showers during the night cleared in time for the start with around 30 competitors, runners, joggers, hikers, and walkers competing backed up by over 50 support staff and volunteers spread along the route. Sleep stations at Keyneton, Dutton, Eudunda, Waterloo, and Mintaro stocked food and drink for the participants. All entrants carried electronic trackers allowing their current location to be monitored at all times.
Life is not all dull at the control stations, this was the scene at Eudunda.
(L-R) Michelle Hanlin (Event Organiser), Leslie Mole, Ian Lilburn (Control Manager at Eudunda), Duane Davies, Kim Welcome, Johnathan Ennis-King (Runner), Ronnie Davies (Runner - retired during event, but stayed on to support the other competitors and Control)
L-R: Runner 169 - Ian Westaway and Runner 120 - Jonathan Miller took a brief moment to admire the newly painted silos at Eudunda.as they pressed on through Eudunda toward Clare.
The oldest entrant was runner 169, Ian Westway age 63.
Ronnie Davies (Runner) with Michelle Hanlin (Event Organiser) showing of "The Grapes of Clare"
In an effort to keep the runners motivated Event Organiser Michelle Hanlin had made up encouraging symbols that she took along the way including this one of "The Grapes of Clare" as a symbol of the vineyards yet to come and of hope to make the run to Clare a positive one.
The first to cross the finish line at Clare was Melissa Robinson at 9.17 pm on Friday 8th July beating her time from last year.
You can find out more at thier website "The Irrational S.O.U.T.H. 200 Miler"
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Event Organisers Involving SARTI Trails -
Please Take Note:
Organizers of any event involving the Lavender Federation Trail (LFT), the Lavender Cycling Trail (LFT) and associated loop and spur trails for marathons or an organized event other than walking or cycling clubs and groups are requested to contact SARTI.
There are several requirements that organizers need to comply with in the early stages of planning an event.
Depending on what type of event is planned, this may include notifying landowners and some local government authorities. The main Lavender Federation Trail and some of the connecting loop and spur trails cross private property. Our agreement with local landowners is that the trail is only for the use of walkers.
Some events, such as the Irrational South 200 Miler have competitors running during the night with check points and rest spots set up at various locations. It is important that everyone that could be affected, local groups, landowners, and State and Local Government authorities are aware of special events.
SARTI encourages use of its trail network, but it is important that we continue having good relations and cooperation of local communities.
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Recommended Walk - Mount Beevor Summit
This is a walk has scenery in abundance with a 360-degree panorama of mountains, ocean, lakes and countryside. Walk to the summit of Mount Beevor and be amazed at the view. Mount Beevor: chances are you have never heard of it.
It is a 503-metre-high peak at the intersection of the Murray Bridge, Mount Barker and Mid Murray council areas and one of the highest peaks on the eastern flank of the central Mount Lofty Ranges.
Access to the start of this walk is 4.5 kilometres north of Harrogate at Snake Gully. Look for a street style sign on the main road. You will need either maps 1 or 2 of the Lavender Federation Trail. A list of map stockists at https://lavenderfederationtrail.org.au/maps/
Pick your day for the walk as the peak can be bleak, foggy, and bitterly cold in winter, with little shelter from the elements. Though it is often windy from all directions, on a clear day, the stunning view is well worth the effort.
 Start of the walk at Snake Gully, 4.5 km north of Harrogate.
In recent decades the summit has become important for communications. Transmission towers are located there to provide broadcast and relay capacities throughout the district for mobile phone providers, emergency services and CB radio. A vehicular track allows servicing of these facilities but is closed to public vehicles about 50 metres from the Harrogate Road. This location is marked “P” on the maps.
The walk requires a reasonable level of fitness with, initially a steady climb along the one-kilometer access road to the main Lavender Federation Trail followed by a gradual climb to the peak except the final steep 100 metres. From the start of the walk to the peak is 3 kilometers.
The track to the summit meanders on and off private property and has several gated fences across the track. Please leave gates as you find them. If shut, use the stile, not the gate.
The view from Mount Beevor – in this case, south-westwards towards Mount Barker – is really something.
The Indigenous inhabitants of this district were the Peramangk people, but because of the barren nature of the mount, their visits were relatively brief and rare.
The headwaters of the Bremer River collect beside the western base of Mount Beevor before flowing southward into Lake Alexandrina.
The first Europeans expedition to discover and visit the mount was that of Dr George Imlay and John Hill on January 25, 1838. They were returning on horseback to Adelaide from Mannum after being the first to reach the Murray overland within South Australia and had initially mistaken the peak for Mount Barker. Despite having realised their mistake, they did not name it.
The present name originates from Captain James Beevor, a former British Army soldier who, in late 1839, was the first European settler in this district. He pioneered a sheep run, with his head station near the southern base of the mount and his shepherds’ huts scattered all around.
In 1844 Captain Beevor moved to pioneer a sheep run on the Eyre Peninsula, where he died in 1849.
Bushwalking tourism has been a more recent development.
Sheep are rounded up ready for shearing at Mount Beevor in either 1900 or 1950.
Photo: State Library of South Australia (B61020/81).
 Sign on the northern side of the towers shows the major features to be seen.
- To the north are the bush-clad summit of the Wirra Wirra peaks, 29 km away, and the Barossa Range, 43 km.
- East are glimpses of the Murray River 25 km distance.
- Far to the south at 51 km is Lake Alexandrina, against the sandhills of the Coorong National Park and the Southern Ocean: the ultimate destination of the Murray-Darling river system 79 km distance.
- West are Mount Lofty at 30 km; Mount Barker 18 km; Harrogate 3 km; and the Bremer Valley.
 A panoramic view stretches out to the north of Mount Beevor.
After taking in the view, retrace your steps back to the carho want a longer walk can continue following the main Lavender Federation Trail down to Fendlers Road or further, but this will require a drop-off and pick-up driver or two cars.
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Lavender Cycling Trail-Murray Bridge to Clare
Mal Duxbury and friend Terence rode the Lavender Cycling Trail from Murray Bridge to Clare over three days in September last year. Here is Mal’s account of the journey.
“Apologies to our friends in lockdown but I've crawled out of the cave to do another bikepacking trip - this time the Lavender Trail from Murray Bridge to Clare.
Monday morning we rode into the city to catch the Link SA bus to Murray Bridge with our bikes in the cargo hold. $12.10 for seniors, double that for all the young-uns.
First day we rode Murray Bridge to Mt Pleasant, 70 km of gravel back roads and rocky/sandy single track. We camped at the Mt Pleasant showgrounds and enjoyed a great meal at the local pub. $20 for a beautiful hearty homemade soup, generous lamb roast of the day and cheesecake dessert. A great warm friendly country pub and a beautiful end to a tough day on the bike.
Day 2 we set off for Eudunda which was 118 km away. It's a long way on gravel roads with a heavy load - but the scenery was stunning!!! Ancient river redgums teaming with life, green fields, old stone farmhouses, quaint little towns, and lots of churches. It's amazing it's not better known and appreciated for its tourism potential - but then again that might be part of its charm.
At Eudunda we camped at the oval. Who knew they'd made the footy finals and there was training on Tuesday night?
Camping at Eudunda Oval.
Please note that this photo (and trip) was taken some time ago. Unforunately: free camping at the Eudunda Oval is no longer available since 2022, as sadly too many were starting to abuse the facilities and generosity of the community and affecting sporting events (including abuse) This was not from trail participants, but has affected us all.
Camping is still available at the Eudunda Caravan Park or Footside Farm (approx 8km South of Eudunda).
Day 3 from Eudunda to Clare saw clear skies and a stiffening headwind with heaps more hills. The endless azure sky, green crops, yellow flowering canola and rich earthy tones of the track were a visual feast. With only the odd farm vehicle sighted we had the day to ourselves, the environment, the birds, wildlife, and grazing stock. It doesn't get much better on a bike.
We're now at Clare awaiting the girls who are coming up with the campers and their e-bikes so we can enjoy the French Festival at Auburn on the weekend and maybe imbibe some of the local wines.”
Lavender Cycling Trail - beautiful scenery along the trail
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Camping Out at the Old Rockleigh School
The Rockleigh Progress Association has recently obtained a grant from the Mid Murray Council for upgrading the public toilets at the Old Rockleigh Schoolhouse.
This once nearly derelict schoolhouse was restored in 2014 by the Mount Pleasant Men’s Shed members, with assistance from the Mid-Murray Council.
Located on Rockleigh Road, the Old Schoolhouse is an approved camping site right on both the Lavender Cycling Trail and the Kidman Trail. It is indicated on Lavender Federation Trail Map 1 and is three kilometres from the Lavender walking trail near Pym Road.
If you would like to see inside the Old Schoolhouse, you can arrange to get access by calling Rockleigh Progress Association member, Barbara Pym on 0428 387 060 (in advance please).
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The Lavender Trails.
Mentioned in the lead item in this newsletter, the Lavender Cycling trail avoids sections of trail with fences and stiles. The walking and cycling sections share a common trail where possible and in time, there will be more common sections such as the proposed upgrade of trail through Rocky Gully.
Where the two trails diverge, trail markers showing both trails have been installed. This still leaves the specific cycling sections unmarked. A funding application to the Office for Recreation & Sport last year was unsuccessful. Currently, applications to five Local Government authorities are being prepared to enable the entire unique cycling sections to be marked.
Like to find out more about the Lavender Cycling Trail? Follow the link to the web site at https://lavendercyclingtrail.org.au/ . There you will find news, accommodation, milestones, stories, photos and much more.
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Trail Maintenace Continues On
Lavender Federation Walking Trail maintenance is an important and continuing job. Trail friend Juanita Sentance spent a morning with Trail Manager Stuart Shepherd out on the trail.
Juanita told us,
"Maintenance is no quick task, but I can see the difference good marking makes.
"As this is my first time doing trail maintenance it is quite an eye opener as to what is needed to complete a very small section of a trail.
"As I found out with Stuart the property was not accessible by car so we had to carry in star droppers, screws, drills, signage, wire cutters, everything we needed to complete the job.
"Imagine doing this over sections of the 325km of the Lavender Trail. Hats off to all the volunteers"
Photo by Juanita Sentance.
In additional News Stuart is pleased to report that all sections of the walking trail are now being maintained by volunteers, which is great news. Well Done to all those who are volunteering!!!
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Marking the Lavender Cycling Trail
Helen & Derek Dominish were busy marking the Lavender Cycling Trail (LCT) from Watervale to Mintaro back in January 2022.
Markers are placed on many different objects & materials in easy to spot locations.
This section has been a learning curve for SARTI to develop the most effective marking of the trail suited to cyclists.
At times you may see both the walking & cycling markers together.
The aim is to mark the whole so that it becomes more accessible to those who do not have GPS.and the Ride with GPS app, which will give better access to lesser equiped more casual riders and families.
Funding is being sought by SARTI to complete the whole of the Lavender Cycling Trail.
Photos by Helen Dominish.
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Wilderness First Aid Basics
Latoya from Pacific Medical Training alerted us to an article about Wilderness First Aid Basics written by Amanda Menard that the company publish on thier website.
Image via Wikimedia
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A Big "Thank You For Joining" To All Our New Members
Are you a “Friend of the Lavender Federation Trail”?
There has been a slow but steady trickle of new members.
All work on the trail network is by volunteers and your membership will help to maintain & improve the current trails and develop new ones - which we hope you will then explore.
Your membership is $10 per year and while joining you can also make a voluntary donation.
Details on our Membership page
2021-2022 Membership available now. Click Here
 Note: SARTI no longer have a Post Office Box, everyone has been paying by EFT. So from now on Memberships can only be paid by Direct Bank Transfer (E.F.T.). Details of the bank account are in the email you receive about joining and payments, so please make sure your email details are correct when you enter them. Putting your name in the remarks of your bank payment will also help us track your payment (thank you).
You can become a member at any time of the year.
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Looking For Camping Sites on the Lavender Trails?
Listings added August 2021 - has had some updates recently.
You can find it on the LFT website under Home, Accommodation, Camping - where You Can Camp.
Please be aware that this is a guide only, things may change quickly and you should phone ahead to the listed contacts to confirm that it is ok when you plan to go.
If you know a spot not listed or details that need updating - please contact us
Image is from Camping near Sanderston Trail.
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Tourism Operators.
SARTI has a special offer to businesses along the length of the Lavender Federation Trails (both walking and cycling trails) to assist them get on their feet after the COVID drop in travel.
Free 12 months advertising of on our website that includes a photo and details.
Leave a message on the website to take advantage of the offer. This includes accommodation, camping facilities, transport services, food outlets or any services that may be of interest to walkers and MTB riders.
Trail's Accommodation Listing Online
Bigger and brighter - if your accommodation is not listed - tell us about your business so we can add it and help people find you.
Check out the example above of the Rabbiters Hut Cottage listing above.
YOU CAN HAVE A LISTING SIMILAR THIS TOO |
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Maintenance of the Lavender Federation Trail
Contact Trail Maintenance Manager Stuart Shepherd at 85682340 or 0431369354 if you are interested in assisting. There are currently 12 groups who look after the Walking Trail. Sharing to load with others could be a pleasurable experience.
Please Report any Damage or Concerns ASAP
We ask all trail users, if you see anything that feel feel needs attention such as missing stiles (several have been stolen this year), improved signage or better track access, you are our eyes. Please report to Stuart or alternatively, leave a message on our web site.
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Trail Warnings & Local Events - Please Tell Us!!!
We ask that the towns & districts along the Lavender Federation Trail send us news and warning items - We would love to be able to broadcast your Community Events to our readers (if in time - to the Footsteps Readers) but more likely to those who follow the Website and our Social Media streams on Facebook and Twitter.
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If LFT walkers know about your community event they may arrange thier arrival in your town or district to be present and enjoy it, creating a unique experience for them, and higher attendance for your event.
For trail warnings: some of the events in your district may not be related to walking, but they MAY actually intersect somewhere along the trail. It would be great if you could let us know, so that walkers could be prepared for safety sake, and perhaps to end up taking the time to enjoy your event. They may choose to walk in another district too, but rest assured; they will be planning to come to yours to complete thier walk of the trail.
Please realise that SARTI is not able to broadcast these events unless someone tells us about them, and sometimes we only find out about them at very short notice.
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Current Trail Warnings:-
We try to give Trail WARNINGS for events along the trail.
Do you know of an event that could impact on walkers and cyclists of the trails?
FLOOD DAMAGE - MARCH:- Eudunda & Neales Flat area may still have markers damaged or washed way and be area slippery after the area suffered a flash flood on the 16th March 2022. Let us know.
EUDUNDA TO TRURO - 9th - 10th July 2022 - the Hardi 24hour Trial (Motorcycle Reliability Trial) will intersect with both walking and cycling trails.
EUDUNDA - 13th August 2022:- Copyworld Walky 100 Rally
The Rally will intersect with both walking and cycling trails at various locations
SPRINGTON TO MURRAY BRIDGE - 14th August 2022:- Murraylands Multisports Inc. - FEDERATION ULTRA TRAIL is planning to run an ultra-trail run on the LFT.
(see article above - Marathon Events on the LFT in 2022)
Please let us know ASAP.
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The SARTI Board has decided to create a specific SARTI website. On this site when it goes live online, you will find, its history, composition, achievements, current projects and much more.
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Find Resources On Our Website
- Retail map outlets for the Lavender Federation Trail are listed on the web site. See website
- Maps & brochures to wholesalers - If you would like to stock Lavender Federation Trail Maps and or brochures please contact Don McDonald who has taken over the distributing maps & brochures to wholesalers.
You can contact Don from the website.
Mail Order Maps - We receive many requests for information on map purchases particularly from country areas or interstate. Click for the website 'Maps' page
- Lavender Federation Trail Cloth Badges For Sale
Cost is $10 plus postage however, some map outlets stock them if you want to avoid the postage.
They are also available from George Adams (phone 08) 8396-8140 or
Order via web form
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
- Do you have any other favourite resources that might help others?
- You are welcome to tell us about your walk experience of the Lavender Federation Trail. Photos are welcome too!
- Spot something wrong on the Trail - Please Tell Us!
WE WANT EVERYONE TO BE SAFE!
- Hear of a Community Event that will happen on or close to the trail that other walkers might like to know about - Let Us Know! - We want the communities along the LFT to benefit. CONTACT US
- WATCH OUT FOR NEWS ITEMS ON THE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
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Additionally there is a great amount of work behind the scenes
collecting information on "Camping sites" suitable for walkers
and these will become available on the website when verified.
Some areas have been delayed as Councils are consulted
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If you would like to attract Lavender Federation Trail Walkers and thier support teams to your tourism related business, please contact us for details. |
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Newsletters
Are you receiving this newsletter indirectly via a club or friend? Why not receive a copy direct and get all the latest news direct to your computer or mobile device?
The Lavender Federation Trail website home page
www.lavenderfederationtrail.org.au gives easy access to subscribe or unsubscribe. Don’t forget to tell us if you change your email address via the link at the bottom of this email, 'update subscription preferences' at the bottom of this newsletter
“Footsteps” Newsletter is free. Reproduction of all or part of this newsletter by any organization may be permitted providing permission is first obtained from SARTI.
Previous Newsletter?
Looking for the Previous Newsletter? You can get it on the website.
If you have any trouble with this link
You can download the latest Footsteps Newsletter from the website at this link.
https://lavenderfederationtrail.org.au/new/news
and follow the links. You can also download previous newsletters here too.
Be Social - Tell Others about our Trail
We hope you like the latest information.
 Please 'Like us' or 'Share' a page on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/lavendertrail
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Sincerely,
Graham Hallandal
Editor (Footsteps),
Lavender Federation Walking Trail.
South Australian Recreation Trails Inc.,
Post Office Box 1052,
Murray Bridge, 5253, Australia.
http://lavenderfederationtrail.org.au
See Website
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