Last Updated: 7th Oct 2023
Water Racing
Last Updated: 7th Oct 2023
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 6
15.0km
175m
175m
649m
Last Updated: 7th Oct 2023
Last Updated: 7th Oct 2023
Grunt Factor: 13
Gnarl Factor: 6
15.0km
175m
175m
649m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Plantation/exotic forest
Other
Sealed Road
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +3.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -4.2%
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2:15
Slow
1:40
Moderate
1:10
Fast
Start anywhere on Derwent St. Run along the main road out of town towards the curling rink on Channel Rd. Cut through the car park running diagonally towards the back corner towards a 4WD track heading into the forest. Follow this up until you get behind the rink and near the bobsledding course where you will meet and run along a MTB single track.
Follow this MTB single track always taking any right hand tracks at intersections. You will pop out one the main road at about 2.15km where you will run along the sealed road for 800m before turning right into Coal Pit Road. At Coal Pit dam, run up the 4WD forest track until you see the sign for the Mt Ida water race, turn left and keep running along the water race for the next 8-9km.
When the water race goes down the pipes, simply follow piles to the other side of the hill. Towards the end of the water race you will need to go through two gates, close them after you. Follow water race until it meets a gravel road, George Rd. Turn right onto Danseys Pass Road and head back towards Naseby. When Danseys Pass Road heads down the hill, take the trail to the right of the road and follow back into Naseby and where you started.
Runs alongside the historic Mt Ida and Great Naseby water races contracted from 1863 to supply water for sluicing and gold mining activities during the goldrush with a grade of 1 in 754 - stunningly accurate for the time!
Plenty of streetside parking available.
0 km
1 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
The first part thought the forest behind the Curling Rink may be tricky. As long you ultimately head towards the main road out of town, it doesn't matter where they pop out of the forest, you will be able to find your way on track again.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).
Plenty of water if happy to drink out of water race. This water race does supply Naseby township with water (although it is treated).
In winter, this route may be covered in snow at times - you could run along the main road to Coal Pit Gully if this is the case, missing out the fist bit in the forest, making it a little over 1km shorter.
Forest work occurring at times but this will be obvious and signposted. Other times forest may be closed due to extreme fire risk.
Black Forest Cafe
Derwent St
The Black Forest Cafe has delicious cakes, coffee and a variety of cabinet and menu food options.
The Royal Hotel
Derwent St
The Royal has some vegetarian and vegan food options and a huge variety of top shelf liquor especially Scottish whiskies.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Water Racing
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This great extended variation on the water race track which takes in the majority of the runnable water race is an excellent addition to the local trail loops. Only issue I had was the uphill over the mountain bike trails from the curling rink (through the area known as “The Sandpit”). If you follow the instructions you will go off course as there is a track that bisects Roach’s Gully halfway up which will take you well to the right of where you want to go. Additionally, the GPX above appears to deviate significantly from Roach’s Gully towards the top, skipping onto the more straightforward Flushing Race track and then back on to Roach’s Gully. My advice: follow the GPX (ideally live - I used Trailforks) for this part of the trail. The rest is straightforward and as described.
July 21, 2021
Fun and mostly flat with stunning Naseby views.
The climbing and the mountain bike track at the heartrate up, then it's a beautiful blast along the water race right to the end.
The first km or so of the race is a little overgrown (I bled a bit) and the final part of the race had two large gates which I only realised are unlocked after I'd employed some gymnastic shimmying to get around the end of the fence overhanging the race.
No real problem navigating, the directions are mint.
December 30, 2020
Alternatively,at the curling rink continue just over 200m down Channel Road. About 5m before the car park for the mountain bike area turn W and run the entire length of the well sign posted Roach's Gully.
October 6, 2020
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