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Coal Pit Spur Loop, Canterbury

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Coal Pit Spur LoopBeginner - Intermediate

Submitted by Katie Smith

Info Info
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Trail Information

15.50km

660m

660m

 

Canterbury

Castle Hill Village

Front country - easily accessible

Combo

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open tussock/grasslands

Beginner - Intermediate

2:15 (Slow)
1:45 (Moderate)
1:20 (Fast)

-10.2%

+10.2%

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Description

Cross the creek right by the car park. Head up the track (Coal Pit Spur) which vaguely follows the pylons uphill initially and across an open scrubby area before dropping south into beech forest. Switchbacks take you down into the valley then up alongside a creek, before climbing up the other side with several more switchbacks. Its a long steady climb through beautiful beech forest.
After about 4km you reach the Craigieburn ski field gravel road. Turn right and head up here for about 500m until you see the DoC sign on the left heading back into the beech forest, signposted Lyndon Saddle.
Follow this track as it sidles up through the trees, then turn hard left at the junction just before the 6km mark, again signed Lyndon Saddle. Keep climbing gradually until you pop out on the saddle. From here the 10 minute detour up Helicopter Hill provides expansive views across the area.
From the saddle follow the track downhill towards the Craigieburn campsite. Just before you reach here keep left onto the Sidle 73 track.
This clubs briefly through beech forest before popping into pines. You then meet the ski field gravel road again - keep left and head uphill for 500m before meeting the track you arrived on - signposted to Coal Pit Spur.
From here follow the track back the same way to your car.


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Features of interest

Views of Craigieburn forest park, beech forest.


Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 10%

Easy Single Track: 80%

Gravel Road: 10%


Route Data

Reviews:

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Overlapping Runs

The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each

Helicopter Hill

Helicopter Hill

Length: 7.20km


Photos:

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Wild Explorers

I did it!
  • Access

    Just past the bridge to Flock Hill station heading north there is a pull-in off SH73 - park under the tree and follow your nose across the creek - you will see DoC markers appear shortly.

    Plenty of parking, limited public transport.

    13 km

    11 minutes

    Yes

    No

  • Staying Safe

    Easy.

    Follow signage and you shouldn't get lost.

    Very patchy.

    Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

    Several creeks are crossed along the way and are fine to drink from.

    There is likely to be snow on many parts of the track through winter.

    Most of these tracks are open to mountain bikes (mainly over the summer months) so beware.

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