Mosgiel people will already know what a sweetheart the Silverstream floodbank walk is, writes Clare Fraser.
An extension went in about a year and a-half ago, starting at the rest area near Invermay Agricultural Centre. After crossing a railway bridge and heading down the road past the aero club, the new bit links easily to the main floodbank walk.
The whole thing’s mostly flat, allowing you to kick back and go for it. Portions of track near the north end are such good quality they appear to be fully accessible, with plenty of exit paths out to smooth, flat suburban streets. It’s right on the edge of Mosgiel.
This means passing distant sunny green paddocks on one side and stride-stoppingly impressive private gardens on the other. It seems rude to gawk but let’s call it a compliment.
Lots of locals use the walk and people are really friendly to the degree someone’s put out a water bowl for dogs. There’s even a Lilliput Library right on the track. Handy seats look as if they’ve been installed out of the goodness of people’s hearts.
Heading south, the walk’s crossed atop by bridges but there are passageways underneath.
Things become more rural and next you realise you’re walking straight down the middle of the Taieri Plain, circled by distant hills. Being on top of a floodbank means an elevated view of the surrounding land, like being on a conveyer belt through a 3-D Country Calendar.
Seeing Pukemakamaka from this angle shows why Captain Cook called it Saddle Hill when he saw it from out at sea. We land lubbers finally get to appreciate the full saddle shape.
In some places there’s a track on both sides of the river if you’re prepared to climb gates. After about three hours the route meets the Taieri River but to the west, backroads are quiet enough for more exploring.
Turn back, mentally shut down, open up to the big skies and intravenously inject the peace.
