Last Updated: 3rd May 2025

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Leith Valley Swampy Circuit

Dunedin, Otago

Submitted by Dan Boulton

Last Updated: 3rd May 2025

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open

Grunt Factor: 19 ?

Gnarl Factor: 15 ?

15.5km

Length of run

785m

Total Ascent

785m

Total Descent

707m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%

60%

Sealed Road

Gravel Road

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%

Garmin Course

VIP Feature: Send this route to your Garmin account so you can follow the course on your Garmin device.

Send to Garmin

Learn about sending to Garmin.

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

2:45

Slow

2:00

Moderate

1:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the carpark head back down Fulton Rd for 50m and then turn left into Islay St. This takes you down to the Leith Valley Rd. You follow all the way up to the SH1(6km mark). Cross over SH1, be careful, and then turn immediately left up Leith Saddle Track. This is a steep windy well made single track that takes you up to the Swampy Summit. From here head south down the 4WD track away from the summit, after 600m tack a hard left switch back onto a less defined 4WD track. After 450m turn right onto Swampy Ridge Track. Stay on this for 3km until you get to a junction for Flagstaff Summit. (Option to go there). At the junction follow the Pineapple Track back down, this takes you back to your car.

Great views out across Dunedin City, Harbour and south to Mosgiel. Great native bush. 5min from Dunedin City.

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.

Transport and parking:

There is a small number of parks or you can park along the road edge.

Distance from Dunedin:

6 km

Driving time from Dunedin:

13 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Be careful, as cloud can come in quick and makes navigating Swampy to Flagstaff section challenging. Good to have the route uploaded onto your watch if there is inclement weather.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Drinking water available from a tap about 600m from the end.

Seasonality Issues:

Careful in winter or at night. Can be icy, very exposed and windy. And be careful in cloudy conditions.

Hazards:

Careful in winter or at night. Can be icy, very exposed and windy. And be careful in cloudy conditions.

Trail Legend

Matt Sheat

has completed Leith Valley Swampy Circuit 4 times in the last year.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Leith Valley Swampy Circuit

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

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for Leith Valley Swampy Circuit!

Trail Running Community

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

You must register or login to view this feature.

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.