Hyde to Middlemarch Distance: 27 km
- The section from Hyde to Middlemarch can be prone to strong winds, especially over spring and summer seasons. Generally though, winds are from the north which means a helping push. But should there be a head wind, you can take a break to rest and read the information panels in four gangers’ sheds:- Scrub Burn, Rock and Pillar Access, Strath Taieri and Rock and Pillar Station .
- Due to a lack of flat land at Hyde, the station is 2km down the line. Here is a well maintained station building and a number of original stock wagons. The station site also has road access from State Highway 87.
- Past the Hyde Station is ‘Straw Cutting’, site of the Hyde railway derailment that on June 4th, 1943 claimed 21 lives and injured 46. Around 200 metres along the trail from here is a memorial area with a commemorative stone cairn. This also makes a convenient meeting place for Rail Trail cyclists and support vehicles.
- As you approach the flatter farmland of the Strath Taieri Plain you’ll ride over Five Mile Creek, the rail’s last substantial bridge.
- The Strath Taieri is flanked by the majestic Rock and Pillar Range to the nor-west and Taieri Ridge to the south-east.
- Another good meeting point for support vehicles and cyclists is at the Rock and Pillar Gangers Shed where the Rail Trail crosses State Highway 87.
- Regardless of wind direction, it is rewarding sight to see Middlemarch getting closer and closer, and where fine food, beverages and country hospitality await you.
- Congratulations. You’ve done it. 153km.
Hyde Station
The Hyde Station is 2 km from the township of Hyde and still contains some of the original stock wagons.
Site of the fatal Hyde railway disaster
Past the Hyde Station is ‘Straw Cutting’ the site of the fatal Hyde railway disaster that occurred on June 4th 1943.
Memorial Site
The memorial cairn to the 21 people killed in the Hyde railway tragedy of 4 June 1943. The location of the cairn is about 500 metres south of the site of the tragedy.
Five Mile Creek
The last substantial bridge you will cross is over ‘Five Mile Creek’.
Rock and Pillar Mountains
The majestic Rock and Pillar mountains are to the nor-west with the Taieri Ridge to the south-east.
