The Tasmanian Trail then heads left up the unsealed Old Deloraine Road which has a boom gate across it a few km in. From there we travelled through Forestry plantations until the trail cuts across the middle of a paddock diagonally from corner to corner. On a bike it would be easier to keep following the trail and lift the bikes over two gates instead of riding across a rough paddock full of cow pats and have to lift the bikes over two fences anyway but I can see this would be the better way with horses and a key to the gates.
After returning to sealed road we make our way down to Mersey Lea via Native Plains Road then crossed the bridge over the Mersey, our first crossing and most likely the driest. From there we hit the gravel road again until reaching Railton. A short stop for a bite to eat before joining the start of the old railway line track. This part of the trail is the most pleasant as the Tasmanian Trail follows the old railway line from Railton to Sheffield at very rideable gradient.
Dale had a not so pleasant encounter with an electric fence at this gate.
Mount Roland in the background.
The old rail trail finishes just at the town of Sheffield and a short ride up the main street brought us to our first days destination. A bit of time to unpack and a post ride rundown before heading up to the pub for a great meal and a few cold drinks.
Tomorrow we have a nice 70 odd km ride with a crossing of the Mersey River to wet our feet before reaching Liffey.
