M ember s hip
Heritage festival event follows in the footsteps of our remarkable pioneer women More than 180 years ago, women from the German pioneer settlement of Hahndorf regularly made the long trek to Adelaide so they could sell their family’s produce. Each year a growing number of people join the National Trust to celebrate their achievements by following a 26-kilometre trail inspired by their journey and joining special celebrations at Beaumont House. The Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk celebrates the endurance and history of our early European settlers, particularly the women and girls who bundled up their butter, eggs and vegetables, then set off barefoot for Adelaide. Following paths used for millennia by the local Kaurna and Peramangk people, they walked some 30 kilometres through old Stringybark forest and the Beaumont foothills to the Adelaide markets. After selling their produce, the women made the return journey carrying two bricks each for the construction of St Michael’s Lutheran Church in Hahndorf. The trail was resurrected by a team of National Trust members in April 1980. A map from 1841 was recovered and the original route adapted to take into account building developments and modern boundaries.
According to Hahndorf National Trust branch committee member Lyndell Allen the event has come a long way since the first walk with some 150 participants. The past few years has seen a big growth in the number of participants. After being postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19, the event reached a milestone of 1000 walkers — a goal organisers had been striving towards for many years. Interest and participation in the walk continues to grow, with Lyndell crediting the interest to the sense of connection it provides between the present and the past. More and more walkers, both young and old, are also taking on the challenge of the full distance of 26 kilometres from Hahndorf to Beaumont.
When asked what they enjoy most about the event, highlights mentioned by walker include the scenery, history and the sense of accomplishment. One walker particularly liked “the history, the camaraderie, the organisation, the sheer joy of walking in the footsteps of those amazing women”, while another commented that it was a “great day to be a part of.“ Participants can start the walk at Hahndorf, Bridgewater or Stirling before winding their way down the scenic route to Beaumont House where they can buy local produce, and celebrate with food, wine and entertainment. This year the event takes place as part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, the country’s largest festival celebrating built, natural and cultural heritage. Places are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions so walkers are urged to register early. Registrations open 1 March. Are you up for the challenge?
Join us on Sunday, May 15, for the Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk 2022. Register for the walk at: bit.ly/pwtw2022 For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.au/event/2022-pioneer-womens-walk/ search for Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk 22 on Facebook. H E R I TAG E L I V I NG
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