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Circuit distance : 8 kilometres We park in River Drive at the end of Schultz Rd, Athelstone.
The plan is to walk the stretch of the river between here and Gorge Road, up one side of the river, and back down the other. [Click on the map below and resize the window for an enlarged version.]
• 1 We first come to one of the many features built along this linear park: a set of play equipment. This is looking back at it; our track goes down to the river at right.
• 2 This track soon passes over one of the many footbridges across the river. The tracks are very well made – mostly concrete slab, and double width.
• 3 Even after recent rains there is not much flow in the Torrens, but some pretty reflecting pools.
• 4 A new feature of the Linear Park is these distance indicators. I note that it is 4.5 km to the Hills!
• 5 We continue eastwards passing various footbridges. Parts of the river seem to be overrun with reeds.
• 6 The Linear Park is not just a narrow strip following the river. Where the river has formed a horseshoe, the whole bounded area is often included, giving vast areas for walking one's dog (as you might notice!).
• 7 From some high points, one looks down into what appears to be a valley wilderness.
• 8 Along the way as we approach the hills, we come upon an historic but restored P. W. Richards force pump, made in South Australia, and used in the area.
• 9 Here is a large clump of thirsty bamboo, hiding away from our hungry pandas!
• 10 A rare rocky outcrop reflecting in still river waters.
• 11 Now here is a find! This old flour mill was built ca 1843 and operated by William and Charles Dinham until 1855. Apparently the original aqueduct and water wheel were irretrievably damaged by floods. The mill was then bought by John Coulls from Helston in Cornwall and used for grape crushing.
• 12 And nearby is Athelstone house, dating from 1838/9, shown here with its present owner. John Coulls named the buildings At Helstone after his hometown, and the suburb took its name from this.
• 13 My first duck sighting of the day ...
• 14 A number of cheeky ibis are scavenging in their usual way.
• 15 Here and there we find a memorial seat, commemorating some past pioneer. A plaque beside the seat gives information about his(!) life.
• 16 As we approach the hills, the familiar outline of the quarry above Amber’s Gully comes into view.
• 17 Crossing the river, the track reaches Gorge Road, and then turns back along the south side. There is a good distant view up the Gorge.
• 18 Residential housing lines each side of the Linear Park along here, sometimes with a boundary road, sometimes without. It makes a very pleasant location.
• 19 This plaque commemorates the completion of the Linear Park in 1997. I feel quite over-awed at the scale of this project, and how well it has been done. It is all so pretty and well maintained. Good one, Adelaide!
• 20 I found the track on the southern side of the river overall less interesting than the northern. It is frequently elevated and more distant from the river. I did find lots of rowdy crows along here, and magpies ...
• 21 Also the charming wood ducks ...
• 22 And then there is another (if more elaborate) old force pump. Perhaps there was a run out sale of these!
So, back past the play equipment to the car. A pretty and enjoyable walk.
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