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SIXTH CREEK
Circuit : 2 hours 10 minutes, 8 km |
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SIXTH CREEK
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We begin this walk by first driving to the ford where Sixth Creek crosses Valley Road. Valley Road branches off Corkscrew Road, which in turn runs between Montacute Road and Gorge Road, Athelstone.
Sixth Creek is a lovely little stream with a steady flow of water.
We follow this fire track which runs up the valley alongside the Creek.
Along the way we find this plea for help, or perhaps it s modern art?
Then there is this attractive stand of gum trees. It must have been a small plantation, planted by some early settler.  The track emerges from this more enclosed section of the Valley, and crosses over a second (dry) ford.
At this point we can continue following the creek for a little way alongside farms and orchards.
However, we soon find our way blocked by private property. A friendly farmer told me that this came about historically because the surveying of the Fernhurst Road extension was never completed. A shame, because it is lovely walking country. So just after the ford we take the right hand fork, following the Heysen Trail up Narrow Range.
This section of the track is quite unpleasant: two very steep sections with a steep section in between! However, there are some compensations. The track follows up the ridge with nice views out either side.
After the climb there is a pleasant undulating section ...
... leading to a gate and stile.
We then come to Narrow Range Road, where some of the houses have spectacular views.
So to Montacute Road where we turn right. There are some nice views here too. In this photo we see Narrow Range Road in the foreground. This is the pleasant ‘level’ section before it turns feral! I find it hard to explain my enjoyment of these hills. Standing on a high point and overlooking endless blue bush-clad ranges makes one feel on top of the world!
About ten minutes along Montacute Road we come to Hill Road where we turn right and follow up a short distance to a large parking area at the top. A fire track (#24) leads down from here past the water tank. Along the way I came upon this dead burnt tree: beauty from suffering?
This fire track follows along its own ridge, up and down with pleasant views, before descending more steeply towards the end. We pass through a couple of farm gates before emerging onto Valley Road where we turn right. Along here we can see the valley where Sixth Creek descends to the Torrens River.
Ten minutes from the fire track we are back at our starting point. An enjoyable if energetic walk. |
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SIXTH CREEK
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