If ever there was an example of great use of public land – the Fernleigh Track is it. The popular and much-used shared cycle and pedestrian pathway was built on the route of an old railway line which once linked the city of Newcastle to Belmont in Lake Macquarie. The railway line was built in the late 1880s, finally opening in the 1890s.
It’s main purpose was transporting coal to the port of Newcastle and the steel works, but for a long time there were also passenger services which continued in various forms until 1971. During the 1980s various coal mines along the line closed and when Lambton Colliery turned up it’s toes, the line was, as they say, history.
Fortunately, some farsighted community members fought for the purchase of the land for the shared pathway that exists today. It opened in stages between 2003 and 2011 and there is talk of extending it on to Swansea.
What we loved
This is an easy 15km (one way) ride suitable for almost all ages and fitness levels (no steep sections, just very gradual inclines). There’s a code of conduct that most people stick to, including keep left and don’t ride like a maniac. People walking their dogs should have them on a lead. There are toilets and bubblers along the length of the track. The ride takes you through pretty wetlands and forrest and there are intriguing signs of its railway past here and there. Details of this history are signposted at various spots. Seriously – at times you can practically here the hiss of steam trains and the tooting of the passenger service as it pulls into the station. Fernleigh Tunnel is one of the highlights. It’s 181m long, restored and very well lit.
The people you meet
We were standing around admiring the hansome curve of this tunnel when a family pulled up on their bikes. Among the group was Pat Keegan who as an 18 year old worked as a fireman on steam trains on this very rail line. That was back in 1961. Mr Keegan explained that before diesel and pneumatic brakes replaced steam trains and manual brakes, the trains would stop on the Belmont side of the tunnel to apply brakes to each coal truck. The train would then move slowly down the incline to Adamstown with the brakes on until they reached flat ground. Then the train stopped again and he and other crew got out to release the brakes for the last section into Port Waratah. He said he remembered going through the tunnel very well.
What we did
We began this ride at the Belmont end – but scores of people were riding in either direction or joining the path from a number of entries along it’s length. The ride is 15km one way, passing through cuttings, under bridges, through bushland. There are many places to stop and rest if you need to, to get a drink, or to read the signs. When we reached Adamstown, we stopped for morning tea before riding back the way we came. One way takes about an hour – but that all depends on how fast your are going and whether you stop to smell the roses.
Where we ate
Just before you reach Adamastown watch out for a sign advertising coffee. It points to The Fernleigh Cafe just down the hill. Housed in what looks like an old corner store – we enjoyed coffee, a juice and some delicious slices. There were stacks of riders enjoying something similar in the garden area at the back. Looks like they’ve got a nice lunch menu – so you might want to plan you day around arriving for lunch. You’ll find them on Facebook if you want to check out the vibe.
