Gloucester bushwalkers take on Peppers Mountain

A SPECTACULAR spring day greeted the Gloucester Environment Group bushwalkers for an assault on the 370m peak of Peppers Mountain near Stroud Road on 21 September.

Peppers Mountain (sometimes referred to as Peppers Hill) is located approximately four kilometres north west of Stroud Road.

It hosts a new communications tower that has improved the digital TV viewing pleasure for those living in the Stroud Road area.

Eleven bushwalkers undertook the ascent under the guidance of local resident Allan Raine who had cleared a path up to within 300m of the summit.

“Along the walk we saw areas of rainforest re-generating from recent fires, as well as some magnificent trees (including spotted gums and tallowwoods), grass trees and some majestic and fascinating rock formations,” said Gloucester Environment Group’s Rod Eckels.

“At the top of the path, a short rest was taken under the eyes of a couple of circling wedge-tailed eagles before beginning the final ‘push’ to the peak which followed a trail that Allan had marked over uneven and rocky ground.”

Upon reaching the summit, walkers were rewarded with spectacular views across the Mill Creek Valley towards the Waulinbakh Conservation Area and The Glen Nature Reserve to the north-east, with a panorama around to the south-east including the Girvan Tower (on Booral Road) and way off to the Tomaree headland at Port Stephens (about 48km distant).

After the strenuous three-hour hike, walkers relaxed for a well-earned morning tea, and to catch up with a couple of bird-watching colleagues who had joined the group.

The Gloucester Environment Group plan a range of activities including Rivercare, Koalaways, Bird Watching, bushwalking and quarterly feasts.

To participate in any of these activities please contact Gloucester.environment.group@gmail.com.