BEN Cruachan Walking Club provides a diverse range of walks for those who enjoy the great outdoors.
On Sunday, April 30, the Briagolong State Forest was the setting for a very pleasant eight-kilometre circuit.
Leaving from the Blue Pool carpark along the Freestone Creek, walkers enjoyed fine weather.
This part of Gippsland was a gold mining area from the mid-1860s through to the early 1900s. An old mine shaft was seen along the track, which was fenced-off and boarded-up for obvious reasons.
The walk along the creek was initially rocky underfoot, with a small climb up to the lookout which observes the Blue Pool below. From there, it became gently undulating and easy underfoot.
This part of the track forms the beginning of Track 96 (60km one-way) which originally serviced the needs of miners during the 1800s and early 1900s, linking Briagolong and Gladstone Creek to the goldfields at Lees Creek and Granite Creek.
Photo: Contributed
At McKinnon Point, walkers left Track 96 and stopped for morning tea on the banks of the lovely Freestone Creek. With the high cliffs as a backdrop, this made for a very pleasant stop.
After refreshments, walkers then made their way along the Peregrine Walking Track, which is well-constructed and nicely-maintained, to Peregrine Lookout, winding-up through magnificent Sunshine Wattle in full bloom.
Following lunch, walkers made their way back to the Blue Pool along the Freestone Creek Track through dry open forest, made up of predominantly Red Box, Stringybark and Ironbark. A nicely-placed plank across the creek below the Blue Pool allowed for another dry foot creek crossing.
Afterwards, walkers regrouped at Briagolong for a final chat over a quick coffee before the trip home.
Ben Cruachan Walking Club meets frequently for treks and strolls across Gippsland.
New members are always welcome.
For more information on the club and how to join, visit bencruachanwalkingclub.com
