We met up and started the walk at the Horoeka Reserve in Stokes Valley. We began on the pleasant walk through the bush, past fairy houses, and a gradual climb. Once we passed the turn off the Horoeka Loop our path got a bit rougher, with a few stream crossings, but still a gradual climb on the Kingsley Loop and lovely in the bush. Once we came to the junction on the ECNZ track and out into the open, we turned left and headed downwards along the hill above the Silverstream tip.

To extend the walk it was agreed the majority would continue down and walk through the Silverstream Retreat and go to the new Pipe Bridge as some had not walked over it. A couple headed back to the cars via the steep Kingsley Road.  It was nice walk down and were able to use the retreat for a quick toilet stop. We enjoyed the walk over the bridge and then sat underneath it, by the river, for our lunch stop.

Then it was a walk along the river trail, up into Stokes Valley, with a walk along the stream rather than the road and then back to the cars. We finished the walk with some of us going for coffee at the nice Tumeric Cafe in Stokes Valley.

Trip Leader – Lynn Marden

Walkers – Amy (prospective member) , Nichola, Andrea, Denise, Nicole, Mark & Helen, Miriama, Delphine, Sue B, Jane, Anna K.