Gladstone Walkway

​The Gladstone walkway runs from the western side of Lake Hawea township to Gladstone, where it joins Timaru Creek Road, which then runs northwards along the lake edge. The first section is through the Esplanade Reserve. Here, the gravel track undulates along the lake front through grassy domains and patches of kanuka bush, before descending through a meadow (where there’s a frisbee golf course). Beyond that, it runs through farmland close to the lake shore, with crossings over the two branches of Grandview Creek, until it reaches St John’s Creek Reserve in the small settlement of Gladstone. For a different route back, you can follow the beach, though some of this is hard-walking through loose gravel. Alternatively, you can extend the walk by following Timaru Creek Road northwards. After 2 km or so, you reach the junction with the track up Breast Hill, but sadly that route is not open to dogs. Another kilometre or so along the road you meet a different impasse – a gate marking the end of the public right of way. So there, you have no choice but to turn around and make your way back – though if you remembered to take the Frisbee with you, you can always pause for a game of golf on the way. 

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