Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.5%
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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
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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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Somers Woolshed Loop
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Great loop. So much variety; easy runnable to pretty technical trail, with punchy climbs, hectic descents, and some lovely flow. Views are great.
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.
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.
August 30, 2020
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.