Hunting Out A Gorge-ous LoopBeginner - Intermediate

Description

Looking for a quicker shorter run, but still want something a bit technical that gets the heart beating?
Or are you starting out on the trail running and want to test your form on a shorter run before tackling the longer ones in the directory?
Or perhaps your kids are at school down the road and you have a spare bit of time minutes to kill?

Then this is the run for you.

Follow the trail from the end of Albert Terrace and veer to the right fork at the first junction in the bush. You'll be following the wee creek into a gorge and steadily climbing through an increasingly picturesque and closed in valley as you head up the first km or so. There are a few treefalls that are easily negotiated and a few boulder sections to hop as you criss-cross the creek. Pass another junction and just keep heading up the valley until you break out of the forest and into the open slopes upstream.

You'll pass the Dry Valley junction and keep heading up valley towards a shelter half way up the valley. Cross the creek one last time and hop the stile to pick up a poled trail that takes you up the hill flank and eventually out onto Huntsbury Spur. Nice steady uphill till you gain the ridge crest and excellent views.

A short km or so on the tarmac of Huntsbury Ave follows down hill to pick up the steeper but awesome zigzag back down into the gorge, this track starts opposite Vista Place - don't miss the turn off as its the most fun part of the circuit. A rapid descent brings you down into the middle of the gorge where you can retrace your steps out to the startpoint.

Short, but sweet.

Features of interest

Awesome gorge with rock climbing areas
Scenic views of Christchurch
A rare Port Hills waterway

Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 30%

Moderate Single Track: 30%

Easy Single Track: 30%

Sealed Road: 10%

Route Data