Wednesday Wanderings. Enjoy, laugh, smile and sigh – with our true stories, facts and loves.
Meredith Appleyard takes us on walk along the Clare Valley Riesling Trail.
For a major chunk of the last 25 years the picturesque Clare Valley wine-growing region, 130 kms north of Adelaide, has been the place I’ve been lucky enough to call home. And it’s also the home of the Riesling Trail. In 1994 a stretch of defunct railway corridor, from Auburn to Clare, was redeveloped to become this popular recreational walking and cycling trail. In 2009 a further section from Clare to Barinia, was opened, making the Riesling Trail a 33 kilometre meander through vineyards, farms, bushland, past historical buildings and magnificent gum trees. And over the years I’ve walked and cycled the length of it, and some sections I’ve walked too many times to count.
One of the things I love about the place I live is the changing seasons and a walk along the Riesling Trail is wonderful way to enjoy them - rugged up on a frosty morning or in shorts and t-shirt as the summer sun crests the bushland; in solitude with just my dog as company, or chatting and laughing with a dear friend. No matter the season, the scenery is breathtaking - verdant summer vineyards, winter wildflowers on misty morning, a mixed palette of autumn leaves, spring lambs gambolling away in the afternoon sunshine.
And at the end of the walk there’s just a short trip from the Trail to one of the bakeries along the way for a shot of caffeine and something sticky and delicious, if you so desire of course. My most favourite would be a Kitchener Bun (native to SA) and a soy latte, or perhaps a piece of German Bienenstich cake and a cappuccino! There are yeast buns and donuts, cheesecake and tortes to choose from. If savoury is your bent, there are chicken pies, steak pies, Cornish pasties and sausage rolls, whatever takes your fancy. Mostly, I settle for the latte and try not to drool all over the front of the cake display cabinet.
Meredith’s debut novel and rural romance is The Country Practice, but she has a lot more stories to tell…
Click on the book cover to read the back cover blurb, see where to buy, and find out more about Meredith and where to find her on the web and on Facebook
Discover more about the Riesling Trail on their website RieslingTrail.com or find Riesling Trail on Facebook
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I love the Riesling Trail, Meredith, have only cycled it once with the family and friends, but so enjoyed the glass of wine at the end of it (and the glorious views of course too!) You’re so lucky to have it on your doorstep.
I have never read any of your books but now i’m going to add you to my list of many books i have to read i love rural romance and i am sure i would love your book too so i’m going to go and buy your book i sound like a very interesting read. I can’t help myself when it comes to books
Thanks Meredith for sharing about your home town. You are very lucky and blessed to live amidst such natural beauty of nature. Hope to visit Clare valley someday. I’m a huge fan of Rural Romance and your book is on my TBR list.