Although we were unable to walk from the Erskine Falls end due to ongoing works on the access steps, the day was still a resounding success.
22 people set off up the Erskine River from the Kia Ora Caravan Park end at Lorne, and had a leisurely 6 km up-and-return walk along its banks. The day was warm, but plenty of shade was offered through the riparian vegetation.
![Erskine River crossing Erskine River crossing](https://angair.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/erskine-river-crossing.jpg)
Erskine River crossing
Along the way, we stopped at the historic Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre on the Erskine banks, used in the 1850s for services by visiting clergymen.
![Sanctuary sign Sanctuary sign](https://angair.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sanctuary-sign.jpg)
Sanctuary sign
After successfully negotiating those stepping stones, we crossed the Erskine one more time, and lunched at a beautiful small waterfall.
![Lunch at a waterfall Lunch at a waterfall](https://angair.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/lunch-at-a-waterfall.jpg)
Lunch at a waterfall
On our return we finished at a waterhole at the base of a broad series of cascades, and a few intrepid walkers donned bathing gear.
![End of the day dip End of the day dip](https://angair.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/end-of-the-day-dip.jpg)
End of the day dip
Interestingly, many participants, though experienced walkers, had never explored this fabulous walk. The journey can be done as a 5km return trip, that doesn’t require any river crossing, so is suitable for any time of the year.
Joe Bolza