Bridge & Gibbs Valley Farm Walk, Tasman

Sunday 2 July 2023

This local walk was a new trip, for the first part on private farmland. 23 keen walkers met at the homestead of Lone Oak Farm. The owner gave us a brief, informative introduction about the farm history and covered the health and safety rules.

With plenty of layers of clothing on for the cool, windy day we were on our way following farm tracks along the flat. These took us to a steady climb up on to the ridge. We carried on along the grassy ridge to the trig (342m) where we stopped for morning tea. It was a reasonably sheltered spot where we had expansive views to the west. The owner had come up on his four wheel farm bike to meet us. It provided another opportunity for him to point out several local landmarks and give us some background about the many and varied farming commitments he's involved in.

The walk then took us further along the ridge, with its ups and downs. We encountered wind that had risen a notch or two so it was 'hang on to your hats' and be careful not to get blown down the hill. It was worth battling the wind though to reach a highpoint with a wireless receiver station, on the neighbouring property. Here there were 360 degree views, including the recent snow on Ben Nevis, not far away.

We didn't hang around too long there before dropping down gradually to reach Bridge Valley Road. It was a flat walk down the valley to Maria and Rob's home where we sprawled out on their patio and lawn for lunch. We were treated with hot soup and scones. Thank you very much for your wonderful hospitality Maria and Rob.

From here we continued our walk down Bridge Valley and south along Higgins Road Cycle Trail. Our final leg was up Gibbs Valley Road to the vehicles. This completed a 14.4km, 5 hour circuit on a stunning winter’s day.

Walkers were: Sue (leader and scribe), Maria, Rob, Marian, Petra, Donald, Jenny, Marie, Pauline, Ross, Diane, Roger, Maureen, Donell, Kari, Tony, Helen, Robert, Lorna, Julian, Lesley J, Dean, Julie M.