Last Updated: 25th Mar 2024
Mt Dick Loop
Submitted by Gabor Szikszai
Last Updated: 25th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
8.0km
370m
370m
506m
Last Updated: 25th Mar 2024
Submitted by Gabor Szikszai
Last Updated: 25th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 14 ?
8.0km
370m
370m
506m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.7%
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1:20
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:40
Fast
This is an out and out climb from the onset until you hit the top - no two ways about it. 4km up. 8% average grade. The climb is on forestry tracks that are well formed with a rocky base. You have two options at the top, either turn around and go back the way you came (boring), or go over the back of the hill and go down (way more fun). The over the back option offers incredible sweeping views of the Wairarapa all the way from beyond Masterton in the north to Lake Wairarapa in the south. The top half of the 'over the back' route is wide and fun. The bottom half is steep, with some ups and downs, and deep rutted sections that can get clay muddy after a rain. You'll come off the hill about 200m in front of the mountain bike park, so its not far back to the car no matter where you parked. If you want to extend your run, do a lap or two on the mountain bike track - it is flat and windy - or do another round on the Mt Dick loop.
This is a forestry track with a wicked climb. You'll earn superb views for your efforts. Get up there first thing or end of the day so the dogs have some rabbit/hare scents to keep them busy. Don't be surprised if a few keruru rustle in the trees and hover around watching you grind it out. The odd mountain biker uses this track too (the front side mainly), so keep your eyes and ears open for them.
There are 3 parking options: 1. At the Carterton Mountain bike park 2. 200m further up, just behind the water treatment plant 3. another 500m further up, at the base of the Mt Dick climb I prefer to park at the water treatment plant as it means you've got a bit of space for a warm up. Also this spot has the easiest access to the river so the dogs can have a post-run dip.
9 km
11 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone
Take your own water, although its a short enough route that you can do it with carrying water on the run.
There's a small river running along side the road, which is great for the dogs to take a dip or to splash around in yourself on a hot day
The bottom half of the back side of the run can get pretty claggy after a bit of rain.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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We went up the road which is a steady but runable climb. The views are (or would be) cool at the top on a clearer day. There are a few forks in the track on the way down which aren't always obvious - stick to the left veering trails and you'll be ok. The mixture of mtb/motorx and old 4wd tracks down in the slippery clay get pretty technical as far as downhill running goes and we ended up with shoes heavy from the clay that sticks to them.
May 3, 2020
I went up the road first but I think next time Id go in the reverse direction as the steep clay track was very slippery going down. Even my pup got a bit nervous at one point and refused to move. The day we were out a toilet was being installed at the Mountain Bike Park. Didnt see if there was also a drinking fountain going in.
June 14, 2019
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