Call me HerbertBeginner
Submitted by Mike Tennent
Front country - easily accessible
Combo
Undulating, small hills only
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestRiverside
Beginner
1:30 (Slow)
1:00 (Moderate)
0:45 (Fast)
-12.5%
+13.2%
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Description
From the carpark there are two entrances to Swallow Track, take the left hand one and follow some lovely trail which gradually starts to climb a bit more steeply with more than a few steps thrown in. Take time to have a quick look at the wee cave that is clearly signposted, nothing special but worth a look.
After 1.5km you come to an intersection, right takes you back to the carpark and we are going down there later, but for now, turn left and follow the single trail to the forestry road, if you look straight ahead of you you will see the sign for the trails... take the time here to note where you come onto the road as it is not signposted on the way back. Head up the road for about 400m and you will see a large sign for Podocarp Track.... head in there and down... let loose and enjoy the down, as you will be coming back up later.
After about 300m you will come to another intersection, turn right onto Glenburnie Loop and follow this to the end, there are no side trails so all easy. At the end of Glenburnie are a series of signs, you are taking the "Podocarp to Swallows Track" direction (unless you feel like exploring). This trail will eventually go past the Glenburnie turn-off we took earlier and spit you back out on the forestry road... but not before a whole lot of stream crossings, all dry-feet ones though with a bit of care.
On the road turn left and re-trace your steps to the first sign we came to (at 1.5km) and take the left hand trail to complete the Swallow Track and take you back to the car - with a couple of helter-skelter downhills.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Some amazing Podocarps, a cute wee 'semi-cave' and lots of birdlife.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 0%
Technical Single Track: 20%
Moderate Single Track: 30%
Easy Single Track: 40%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 0%
Gravel Road: 10%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run 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 Strava activity for each

Herbert Dabs
Length: 11.60km
Photos:
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I did it!-
Access
Just South of Herbert on State Highway 1 is Breakneck Road, turn onto that road and follow it to the end where you have the option to go left or right, you will see signs with directions to the various trails... you are heading for Swallow Track, which is left and then almost immediately right. About 200m up that gravel road is a dead end and carpark.
Room for about 8 cars comfortably in the carpark
27 km
24 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
Water at several place on the run
The trail can become very slippery on a wet winter day, especially the final downhills.
Several places with narrow tracks and fall-offs. Also stream crossings and green rocks should always get your respect.
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See other runs nearby:
The Elephant
A2O: Duntroon-Oamaru
Caped Crusader
Glen Eden Reserve Loop
Herbert Dabs