Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Mt Somers Woolshed Loop

Methven, Canterbury

Submitted by Jo ONeill

Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 31 ?

Gnarl Factor: 73 ?

14.7km

900m

900m

1136m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%
20%
70%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

Leave from Woolshed carpark on the Cool Mine route, arrive after steep climb at the Woolshed Hut, cross river and enjoy short walk further up to Water caves, then backtrack and follow signs to South Face. Again climb to reach the saddle, then down past the bus stop (!!!) onto the Rhyolite Ridge and the steep decline back to Woolshed carpark.

Old Coal mine, Woolshed DoC hut, Water caves, Swing bridge, amazing views

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.

Good car parking with Toilets

45 km

36 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Always look for the next Orange tipped standard to make sure you are on the track, be aware of the weather and do not attempt in fog/low cloud if not been before

Very patchy.

Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters

You can drink from the flowing rivers by hut and along track no problem i would carry 1litre water with you at all times

Not recommended in winter months - ok during spring and autumn check with DOC staff before hand if worried - weather can come in very fast so be prepared

Normal tree roots and rocks etc constant on the track

Stavely Cafe or Mayfield/Methven depending on your direction
Lovely track with amazing views

Trail Legend

Kat Webber

Kat Webber

has completed Mt Somers Woolshed Loop twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great loop. So much variety; easy runnable to pretty technical trail, with punchy climbs, hectic descents, and some lovely flow. Views are great.

Sarah Coxon

September 4, 2023

Loved this run. What epic views on a clear day. Awesome swimming spots too. Strava did record the run as 12.9km with 820m vert - which included detours to the emerald pools and the waterfall on the way up to the bus stop. Would definitely do again.

Stewie Stuart

April 27, 2023

Wow the views are amazing. great mix of easy, medium and technical trail with some grunty climbs and descents. All in all a great morning out in the wild.

Paul Forbes

August 30, 2020

This is a great varied loop shorter than the full round the mountain

Tony Sharpe

October 5, 2018

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.

Mt Somers - Over the Top V1

Mt Somers - Over the Top V1

Length: 21.0km

Level: Intermediate

Woolshed, Bus Stop Loop

Woolshed, Bus Stop Loop

Length: 11.6km

Level: Intermediate

Mount Somers over the back

Mount Somers over the back

Length: 17.6km

Level: Intermediate

Woolshed Creek Hut via 4wd route

Woolshed Creek Hut via 4wd route

Length: 10.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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