IMBA estimated rating: Easy (green circle). mtb, hybrids, walk, run.
10km each way or 7km to Musk only.
L, R, SA=straight ahead
Description
Broadly follows the Tourist Train route from Daylesford to Musk, at one point using a little known track I ‘discovered’ alongside the railway in the forest – a delightful setting. Extends to Leitches Creek Spring. Some tarmac, dirt roads, some 4WD and 2 short sections of single track. A very short hill at each of Musk and and the spring. Great picnic area and mineral water at the spring.
Route
The route is Daylesford – Musk – Leitches Creek Spring out and back although you can use the map to take options on return. On a Sunday the Daylesford – Musk sector either way can be via Tourist Train with your bike for just a few $ more.
As a detailed map is downloadable, here are just the highlights. Depart Daylesford Station which on Sunday mornings throngs with market stalls and buyers.
Entering the refreshing forest section, turn hard right onto a 4WD track alongside the fields until you get to the rail crossing in the photo. Immediately prior to the crossing on your right a small, fun ‘bike park’ has been carved out with bumps, berms, cross overs. Give it a whirl but do ride within your capabilities.
Immediately over the crossing L onto a sometimes overgrown grassy short single track. Skirt around the rather large trunk and make a mental note to buy me a beer for clearing away the impassable detritus. Continue parallel to the rail line onto 4WD track and further on curve slightly away from the rail into a shallow dip and another short single track. This time the beer could be for me or for Tourist Railway volunteers who also hack at the encroaching vegetation for you. As you top the rise and exit the bush, to the L you will see a traditional white milestone (#2 on map) marking 77 miles from the now defunct Carlsruhe Station where this line used to join the Bendigo – Melbourne main line. A good possy for a break and train photos.
When you hit the tarmac, you could shortcut by SA to the main road then R to Musk Station. This also avoids the only gravel (as opposed to dirt) road that drops into Musk (#3 on map) on the marked route. Even if you choose the shortcut, I strongly recommend the marked route first to the deservedly increasingly popular Istra Smallgoods (#4 on map) just up the road. Beautiful ham and other smallgood products made on the premises and very reasonable. Open 9-5 weekdays, 9-2 weekend. If you bought a fresh roll at one of the many Daylesford bakeries, some proscuitto from Istra will make a memorable lunch at Leitches Creek Spring (#5 on map) complete with effervescent mineral water from the pump.
From Musk Station a good red dirt road followed by tarmac is a pleasant bucolic route to the spring. This is our favourite spring water in the area and it is in a sylvan setting. In season, there are blackberries to be had just up the roadside. If you leave with a filled water bottle, just take in your stride a fizzing between your legs or even a loud pop! It’s the effervescence enjoying the ride (you hope).
On your return, instead of L into the Daylesford Station precinct, SA another half block and on your right is the Farmers Arms pub well known not only for its cool beer but also its excellent bistro. Check out your Age Good Food Guide.
GPS
None this time as this downloadable PDF map is supplied. 1:25,000 Download Railway Recreation Route 090126
