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There is a need for a safe cycling and walking path from Clare to scenic ArmaghCreated 2006/03/20, modified 2008/11/08 |
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The purpose of this page is to press for a safe walking and cycling trail between Clare and Armagh and to point out how scenic the Armagh area is.
The 'Clare Valley' is actually a number of small valleys within an elevated area. It has a higher rainfall than the surrounding areas because of its higher altitude, and has retained a much larger proportion of its original native vegetation; see the photo at the right and Armagh gallery, below.
The local Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council has a difficult task in maximising safety for all travellers while retaining the rural beauty of the Clare Valley.
The popular
Riesling Trail follows the path of the old railway line from Auburn to
Clare and is well used by walkers and cyclists. It is to
be extended north to Barinnia and several loop trails
connected to the Riesling Train and mainly using existing roads have been
developed.
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As people become more aware of the greenhouse/climate change problem, and
as fuel prices rise, more will take to walking or cycling, both on holiday
and as a way to get from place to place.
Armagh is 3km from the center of Clare, but the road carries relatively heavy motor traffic, is narrow in places, windy, not well suited for walking, and dangerous for cycling. The alternative roads are very indirect and one goes over quite a high hill. Visitors do not know that the road is unsuitable for cycling until they get onto it. |
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At many other points the shoulders of this road are loose, steep, and/or covered with loose gravel and scattered stones. It is difficult and destabilising for a cyclist to get off the road pavement and out of the way of an overtaking vehicle onto this sort of surface.
There is a double white line on much of this road;
crossing the double line is illegal, but overtaking a cyclist with less
than a metre free space between the overtaking vehicle and the bicycle is
dangerous and also illegal.
On much of this road it would be impossible to overtake
without doing either one or the other. From a cyclist's point of view, I'm
pleased to say that most people go at least a little across the double line
when they overtake a bicycle.
It's a pity when people are forced to either put someone's life in danger
or break the law.
A pedestrian bridge would seem to be the best option for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the Armagh Creek.
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Early sunshine on blue gums partly hidden by a mist;
near Scobie Road, west of Armagh
The early morning is the most beautiful time of day.
Jacobs Range road, south of Armagh
One of my farourite roads for a walk or a bike ride
Curious cows on Jacobs Range road, south of Armagh
They were particularly interested in my little dog
Acacia blossom on Scobie Road, near Armagh
Acacias blossom from mid winter through spring
Spring vineyard and grazing horses adjacent Boconnoc Park road,
south-west of Armagh
Blooming callistemon along the Old Blyth Road, west of Armagh
A new vineyard, Jacobs Range Road, south of Armagh
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Overlooking the Blyth Plain on a hazy day
From the top of the hill on the Clare to Blyth
road, about 2km west of Armagh
The view from Brooks Lookout, about 2km west of Armagh
Not only is there a beautiful view here, but also a large variety of native plants are labelled.
On a clear day one can see eighty kilometres or more from here, from Spencer
Gulf to the southern Flinders Ranges.
The sun setting over the Blyth Plain
Seen from the Clare to Blyth road west of Armagh
Another sunset over the Blyth Plain
As seen from a minor road that follows a ridge overlooking the Blyth Plain; north of the Old Blyth road, about 2km west of Armagh
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On this page...
Armagh gallery
Introduction
The answer?
The present road
