McLaren Vale hits the trail

Pedestrians and cyclists will soon enjoy a safe and scenic trail connecting McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale.

The Flat to Vale Trail between Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat, and the McLaren Vale Sports Ground, McLaren Vale, is nearing completion after construction commenced in October 2021. Families, runners, riders, walkers and visitors will be able to access the scenic 3.6km shared-use path from August.

The new trail connects to the Coast to Vines Trail, including the Shiraz Trail,
in McLaren Vale, providing off-road pedestrian and cycle access from McLaren Flat to Willunga, Darlington and Hallett Cove, as well as public transport hubs along those routes. The extended trail network strengthens Onkaparinga as a cycling tourism destination and enhances the wine, food and tourism experience for all users.

The majority of the Flat to Vale Trail is a 2.5m wide sealed path positioned between commercial vineyards and Pedler Creek. The redgum trees that line the trail make for a significantly safer and more pleasant journey compared to using Chalk Hill and Kangarilla Roads, which cyclists had to share with cars and trucks travelling at 80km per hour.

The project includes $1.5 million of Australian Government funding through the Community Development Grants Program, sourced by Rebekha Sharkie MP, Federal Member for Mayo.

The trail crosses 10 individual parcels of privately-owned land. Council’s Director City Operations Kirk Richardson commended the collaborative efforts of landowners, the Flat to Vale Trail Community Group and council to achieve the shared goal of creating the best experience for all users.

“Landowners willingly shared their knowledge of the land to create the best alignment for the trail, which helped council to select the best option,” Kirk says.

Measures were put in place to minimise effects to the operation of commercial vineyards during the construction of the trail.

“At one section of the trail, the path crosses a busy vineyard vehicle crossing. A specific fencing treatment accompanied by linemarking and signage will be installed at this location to slow down and protect pedestrians and cyclists from trucks and vineyard machinery at the crossing,” explains council’s Project Leader Jamie Quilliam.

Chairperson of the Flat to Vale Trail Community Group Cherise Vallet says the trail is “about five years of community-led advocacy come to fruition”.

Cherise acknowledged the support of City of Onkaparinga Southern Vales Ward councillor Wayne Olsen in aiding the community group to successfully lobby council to undertake the project.

“The community group was active in making initial connections with the landowners to discuss the project. We’re so appreciative of the landowners for their support of the project, and for providing a portion of their land for the betterment of our whole community.

“The trail makes the area more attractive and accessible for visitors. Having such a pretty pathway going by several wineries is a bonus,” Cherise says.