Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Chartwell-Skyline Loop
Submitted by Magnus Edwards
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 9
Gnarl Factor: 29
7.0km
220m
220m
410m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Magnus Edwards
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 9
Gnarl Factor: 29
7.0km
220m
220m
410m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Impossible to get lost on the first 2 km - from the car park just follow the main 4WD track all the way to the Skyline Ridge track. You can take the sharp hairpin left turn just before the ridge at the pylon and it joins the Skyline track but carry on another 100m or so to the next pylon and take that hairpin left turn - the views are better ans the track is more interesting. Then it's 2.5 km along the ridge until another sharp hairpin left down the farm track through regenerating bush. Follow the track all the way through the horse paddock then a short uphill back to the road and another 300m uphill back to the carpark.
Long slog up to the ridge but great views from the top. Final km or so is through a horse paddock
Space for 10 or so cars at the top, or park on the roadside leading to the car park.
8 km
17 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
It's all pretty well sign-posted.
Generally good.
Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
None.
It can get very windy along the Skyline ridge, and there's no shade from the sun on the first 5km.
It's a popular dog walking track so there are occasional loose dogs that don't like being run past.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Chartwell-Skyline Loop
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Classic Wellington - a good, character-building climb, all the wind and stunning views from the top. There are some fabulous, grassy stretches of trail along the Skyline and you can pause to drink in the feeling of being far from town before a fast finish. Just make sure your hat’s on tight!
March 6, 2021
Ran this today as part of a longer loop around the skyline and Karori cemetery. Was surprised how much vertical was on this track but it was mostly runnable. Great views as always from the top of the skyline. And wind. Lots of wind.
August 6, 2020
Skyline is your reward for running up the 4 wheel drive track!Dog friendly but keep them on the lead as there are horses and cattle. One horse was leaning on the gate we had to go through and wasnt the least bit worried about Sparky. Can get very windy and cold on the ridge so take an extra layer.
May 23, 2019
What a magic wee run.... a runnable uphill (well mostly for an old bloke like me).... then along the ridge line with views to die for.... gale force winds up there meant I had to be careful but did not detract at all from a great after work run.
February 27, 2019
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.
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