Train tracks open in annual Gorge walk
By MICHELLE DUFF - Manawatu Standard | Wednesday, 02 April 2008
The dark tunnels of the Gorge will shudder under feet instead of trains next weekend, as thousands take to the tracks for the annual Woodville Lions Manawatu Gorge track and tunnel walk.
All trains are suspended for the walk, which winds through eight kilometres of track from the Woodville end through to the Ashhurst Domain.
Now in its 14th year, the walk takes around two hours, crossing 13 bridges and two of the longest of the Gorge's five tunnels. Woodville Lions president Clive Boyden, a veteran of the walk, said the trek is not for the faint-hearted. "The biggest tunnel is 600 metres long - and believe me, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It is just so dark." The unique experience of walking the Gorge track draws people from all over New Zealand, Mr Boyden said. "There's always a big stampede for tickets - there's nothing like it. "It's just a great snake of 1200 people weaving through the Gorge."
Though dark, the tunnels don't smell too bad, and the tracks are newly shingled - so it's not overly intrepid, Mr Boyden said. "You might have to dodge the odd dead possum, but that's about it." Held on Sunday April 13, the walk has three start times of 9.15am, 10am and 10.45am, with buses transporting people from the Ashhurst Domain to the start at the western end of the Gorge.
Tickets are available from information centres in Woodville, Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Palmerston North, Feilding, Masterton and Levin.
The minimum age is 10, and moderate fitness, sturdy footwear and a strong torch is essential.
Proceeds from the walk are currently at $106,000, and will be donated to cancer care and community projects.