Wanaka LRMI (Lake, River, Mt. Iron)Beginner

Description

From the information centre keep the lake on your left and follow the path around the corner of the lake alongside Lakeside Road. After a few hundred metres veer left into the marina and pick up the Outlet Track at the end of this. Follow around Eely Point on sealed & gravel road to Bremner Bay where it becomes easy gravelled single track again.

At Beacon Point the trail widens to 4WD track that you follow all the way to the Outlet campground and the start of the mighty Clutha River. The next few kms are delightful riverside running on easy single track through largely kanuka forest. You'll run through an open area with car parking and sticking close to the river eventually come to the Albert Town road bridge. Just before you get to the bridge head right up the bank and follow the trail along the side of the Albert Town Tavern to Alison Avenue.

You are now about to run the first few kms of the UltraEasy 100k course. From the Tavern cross the road and run up Frye Crescent. This winds around the residential area going straight through a couple of 4-way junctions before becoming Quail Street. At the end of Quail St. turn left and cross the road to pick up the gravel track on the far side. Follow this along and up an embankment to reach Aubrey Road, where the trail crosses straight over.

This spits you out on to Ewing Place. Turn left and next right on to Old Racecourse Rd. In a couple of hundred metres you'll leave the pavement following the gravel trail on your right that takes you to the very base of Mt. Iron. Turn left and run under the impressive cliffs for a few hundred metres before turning right at the next junction (signposted Mt Iron Loop Track)

You will now climb steadily up the southern side of Mt. Iron and eventually break out on to the summit to drink in the awe-inspiring 360 views. When you've taken a few dozen photos follow the obvious trail off the hill to the north and descend, crossing a couple of stiles to almost the bottom of the hill. Here's there's another stile on your left - cross this and follow the trail down the last easy descent to the main road. Turn right and follow this down into town to complete your loop.

Features of interest

Lovely lakeside & riverside running plus spectacular 360 views from the top of Mt. Iron

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 60%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 20%

Gravel Road: 5%

Sealed Road: 15%

Route Data