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Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sun 24 Mar, 2019 3:28 pm
by billshep2
I would appreciate some feedback on the Wilmot River walks. It seems as if only the easy main circuit to East Ellis from the Alma is walked.
There are several other wilder walks which involve a huge amount of work to maintain almost entirely on my own. If people can tell me they have an interest it will encourage me to keep going!! The walks are all on my wordpress blog at https://wilmotriverwalks.com
There are some pictures on there which may inspire, and articles on the project's history.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sun 24 Mar, 2019 5:09 pm
by MrWalker
Our family has walked the main East Ellis circuit and were really impressed by the good condition of the track.

We started at the south end but could not find the correct spot to cross the river so didn't go further. My wife had trouble at the section where you need to wiggle along the edge of the river on rough concrete steps, so she didn't get very far.

We have the waterfalls and middle access on our list of things to do, but have not got to that section yet.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sun 24 Mar, 2019 5:53 pm
by teak
Yesterday I walked the Spellmans to Horseshoe Bend track, we used the western side over the landslip on the way there, returning via the eastern low level track. Your tracks are a great asset and I hope you will continue to maintain them, thank you.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Mon 25 Mar, 2019 12:12 pm
by billshep2
Great to get feedback already. especially pleased that the Horseshoe Bend routes are enjoyed. The Shoestring Crossing is about ten minutes before the wire rope and concrete steps mentioned. It is signposted at a junction with a big wooden Lucy's track sign. Turn right towards the river here on a short side track for the crossing. The wire rope rock section can be easily bypassed on a splendid high track Max made a couple of years ago. It is signposted at both ends. I hope this helps.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Mon 25 Mar, 2019 12:55 pm
by billshep2
20190103_133218[1].jpg
Here is a picture of Horseshoe Bend beach to inspire . I am encouraged to keep working on the tracks by your support, I am sure today's storm will have wreaked havoc!
The waterfalls at Groove and Farmers Creeks will not be impressive until we get lots more rain.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Thu 25 Apr, 2019 1:22 pm
by teak
I went for another walk from Spellmans Bridge down to the Rock Garden and back, very nice walk taking about 3.5 hours.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Mon 29 Apr, 2019 6:31 pm
by billshep2
Thanks for that, great to hear you enjoyed the river

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Mon 29 Apr, 2019 6:33 pm
by billshep2
How was the track from Horseshoe bend to Rock garden ? I last cleared it in February

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Tue 30 Apr, 2019 10:03 am
by teak
The track from Horseshoe Bend to the Rock Garden was a little overgrown but still easily followed, there were no recently fallen trees over the track.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sat 04 May, 2019 11:18 pm
by billshep2
Thanks I will try to clip it back next week. helps to know I don't need the chainsaw!

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Tue 07 May, 2019 7:54 pm
by billshep2
Cleared track from Groove Creek right through to Spellman's today. A few limbs down and one gum and dogwoods across track just north of Rock Garden. Clipped back overhanging stuff and cleared side track to Rock Garden. Landslide still dodgy south of Horseshoe Bend

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sun 12 May, 2019 8:09 am
by Davo1
Hi Bill thanks for the updates. The wife and friends still walk the track all the way when they get the chance. They did Groove to Spellmans a little while back and found as you mentioned that the landslip was a bit dodgy. One of those trees came down as they went thru and scared the daylights out of them :)
Thanks for the effort, it is really appreciated.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Sun 12 May, 2019 8:11 am
by Davo1
Just a heads up Bill, have sent some different crews out to Wilmot Gorge and they all reported it was a great short walk.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Tue 04 Jun, 2019 6:22 pm
by billshep2
Thanks Davo Glad the Wilmot Gorge track was enjoyed. I think there is logging in there just now?
Yes the landslide is best avoided when the river is low by using the new route crossing at the cascades above Horseshoe Bend beach and then crossing back beyond the steep loose banks. Falling trees are a fearsome hazard especially on the Wilmot with its unstable slopes. Its great to hear of a range of folk on the tracks. I am going off to Europe for 8 weeks so not much will be done until Spring.

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Tue 24 Nov, 2020 8:39 am
by sirius Tas
I wish to acknowledge the sad passing of Bill Shepherd(billshep2) on 20th Nov 2020.
Bill died doing what he loved, bushwalking and track maintenance on the tracks and trails all over northern Tasmania.
Bill spent an enormous amount of time upgrading and maintaining the extensive network of trails along the Wilmot River and updating his blog for all to use......https://wilmotwalkingtracks.com/
His last entry was on the 13th Nov 2020.
Billls legacy will live on for ever for all of us who have had the pleasure to follow in his footsteps. His legacy..
"we are such stuff as dreams are made on".

Re: Wilmot River walks feedback

PostPosted: Tue 24 Nov, 2020 8:59 pm
by Mountain Rocket
Vale Bill! What a legacy to leave behind. Thoughts go out to all his friends and family.