Back country - remote
Loop
Very hilly
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.5%
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Not suitable
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2:00
Fast
This is a good hard hill climb route (no marked trail) up to the summit of Peters Hill (1177m) and then along, down and up a few saddles before branching off to meet up with the Edwards Valley trail towards Peters Pass and then joining the St James Cycleway trail back to the St James Homestead.
Park at the Homestead and then run over the bridge past the horse paddocks on your left. You'll then spy a borken down wooden gate in the fenceline at the base of the hill on your left. Through this gate and to the right for a few hundred meters and you'll find a pylon maintenance track cut into the hill, heading up to your left. Mind the matagouri! Head up to the Plyon tower and then turn right onto the ridge. Keep following this up to the summit - there are several ups and downs on the way. When you get higher watch out for the prickly Spaniard too.
Once you've joined back up with the Edwards Valley trail, turn left onto the track to Peters Pass and follow the trail all the way back down Peters Valley to the Homestead.
This trail includes the peak Peters Hill.
Amazing panoramic views of the Clarence River Valley, Edwards Valley, and Peters Pass - actually amazing views all over St James.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Park at the St James Homestead, either up near the public toilet or down by the river, just before the bridge.
21 km
45 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
At no point should you head left off the hill down into Peters Valley, there are extremely dangerous swamps between the hill range and the track on the far side of the valley. Heading right earlier than indicated on the map shouldn't lead to swamps but take care anyway, this should just bring you onto the Edwards Valley track earlier.
Non-existent.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Map, Gaiters
No water throughout, there is the occasional stream/trickle which you could lifestraw, don't rely on this and carry sufficient for the whole adventure.
Very exposed high country, high likelihood of snow in autumn, winter and early spring.
Very steep and rocky in places - take care of those ankles!
Powerhouse Cafe
Hanmer Springs
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and A Tale of Two Peters
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Lovely loop with awesome views of the valleys on either side as you travel along the ridgeline. Lots of spiky plants to contend with on the hillside but then an easy route back along the cycle trail.
October 10, 2021
Awesome run in wide open spaces. Pretty exposed. Great introduction to cross country running off trail. Be prepared for the boggy cycleway in winter - very heavy and sticky underfoot. Nice steep climbs with easy last 6-7km to finish.
July 14, 2021
Awesome track, defintley achievable for any fitness . A bit or matagouri to contend with! We bikes from Hanmer, did run
Loop and biked back 4 hours total
September 9, 2020