While all the yellow-topped marker poles for the three walks have not yet been installed, Harbour Cone steering group chairman Cr Dave Cull hopes there are enough on the site to assist people wanting to try the walks.
He has also installed signs at the entry points to the walks. Each walk has more than one place walkers can start.
He expects that if the extra Christmas kilos have not taken your breath away, the views, particularly from Harbour Cone, will.
The walk signs are the first obvious indication that the city council owns the 328ha property, which is still used as a farm, leased to Brendan Cross.
The council officially took ownership of the $2.6 million property midyear and the steering group has been considering how best to preserve and enhance its biodiversity and heritage features, and provide appropriate recreational access for the public.
Cr Cull asked those using the walks to remember the property was still a working farm.
He advises that tracks are not always formed and in some areas can be a little boggy. Footwear which can cope with this is suggested.
Walkers enter the property at their own risk.
The three walks are. -
Harbour Cone ascent (two entry points):
1: On the upperside of Highcliff Rd directly across the road from the end of the Bacon St track which goes up from Broad Bay.
Follow the poles up and two thirds of the way up there is a flatter area. Continue either descending towards the south or climb to the summit and return.
2: From the saddle on the south side of Harbour Cone. Pull in off Highcliff Rd by some fallen macrocarpas (you will see the gate sign).
Walk up the hill about 60m, turn left at the stone wall and go up Harbour Cone following the poles.
When you reach the flatter area on the shoulder, turn left and go down towards Highcliff Rd and Bacon St, or go up to the summit and return.
Harbour Cone saddle towards Hoopers Inlet (two entry points):
1: From the saddle on the south side of Harbour Cone. Pull in off Highcliff Rd by fallen macrocarpas (sign on the gate). Walk up about 60m.
Turn right at the stone wall and follow poles up the hill to the south and then along the stone wall and farm track.
2: Also from Highcliff Rd. Enter beside double gates on upper side of the road about 1km from the previous access.
Climb up following the poles and then along the marked farm track towards Hoopers Inlet.
Camp St to Bacon St (three entry points):
1: Walk up the paper road walking track of Camp St from Broad Bay, or approach from the Highcliff Rd side and park near the area where Camp St turns into a formed road.
There will be a sign on the fence on the left. Go through the fence and follow poles along the formed grass track south.
After you pass between trees and disused farm sheds, follow the farm track zigzagging down toward Broad Bay.
Habour Cone will be to your right above you. Follow poles, if there are any, down to meet the Bacon St track.
2: The same as above, but in reverse order starting from the Bacon St track end.
3: From the lower side of Highcliff Rd by the double gates (see sign), about 1km towards the city from the fallen macrocarpas.
Follow the formed farm track which curves around to the right and the north, past trees and old sheep yards to the junction with the track above.
Continue in either direction.
The rules:
Will be closed to walkers from October to December because of lambing.
No dogs allowed.
Any old remains, ruins or heritage sites should be left alone.
Old sheds should not be entered because they could be hazardous.
Gates should be left as they were found.
Stiles will eventually be built to make access easier.
