Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Lake Dunstan Trail

Clyde, Otago

Submitted by Kieran Philip

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 38 ?

Gnarl Factor: 13 ?

37.3km

755m

730m

340m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, small hills only

Riverside

Lakeside

Run Makeup

100%

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +3.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -4.6%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

7:00

Slow

5:00

Moderate

3:30

Fast

The trail can be run in either direction. This description is for Clyde to Cromwell (south to north)

Starting at the rowing club, it is basically a follow the route. You jump on the trail and follow it as it winds pretty closely to the edge of the lake. It deviates into the hills a little at points and gives some great views. The Hugo bridge at about 14.5km is a good point for a breather and to appreciate the construction!

There are a couple of toilets on the trail whilst in the gorge as well as Bannockburn inlet. For the entire trail you are on a dedicated path and there is no need to tarnish your shoes with road.

Large suspension bridge, goldmining remains, clip on bridges, great views!

Designated parking about 100m or so before the trail head. Reasonably public, but hide valuable etc as usual!

5 km

8 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Trail is very well marked with directions, distance etc.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Some creeks cross the trail in the gorge, up to you if you'd like to fill your bottles up, other than that there is little water between Cornish Point and Old Cromwell (after 18km).

Will be cold in winter, but still very accessible.
Will be very hot in summer, so take a lot of water.

Grain and Seed Cafe
Old Cromwell
Good BLATs and coffee, as well as a nice fire to sit in front of during winter.

Trail Legend

RP

Rudolf Plucinsky

has completed Lake Dunstan Trail twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in either direction

You and Lake Dunstan Trail

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

I've run this a couple of times, from Cromwell to Clyde. I've started both times early before it gets hot and before it gets busy with mountain bikers, and had the trail mostly to myself. Unfortunately it has been too early for the floating cafe, so I've missed out on that luxury!
Beautiful smooth flowing trails, great views, a couple of sharp climbs. Some fascinating information panels.
There are a couple of basic toilets on the trail, but no fresh water options unless you try lake water and treat it yourself.
The suspended boardwalk sections under the cliffs are surprisingly bouncy!

Andy Crosland

January 6, 2023

Ran this lovely new trail from Clyde to Cromwell on a clear and scorching hot day. I think this is the preferable way to go as you finish in the Cromwell heritage precinct r with plenty of refreshment options. The trail is quite exposed so be sure to pack and use plenty of sunscreen. Only two minor climbs that are on the smooth and well formed cycle trail. At the mid way point are the Coffee Afloat and Burger Afloat boats for a mid run boost of caffeine or protein. I stopped for a flat white and the burgers smelled amazing but wasn’t sure one would sit well for another 18km of running on a hot day. This trail is primarily geared towards cyclists and I only saw one other runner on the day.

Chris Seymour

November 26, 2021

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now