The Cairnmuir Circuit

The Lake Dunstan Trail has quickly become one of New Zealand’s most popular Great Rides. The spectacular 55km, grade 2-3 trail through the Cromwell Gorge between Clyde and Cromwell is usually ridden one-way with cyclists often booking a shuttle to transfer them back to their car or accommodation at the end of their journey.

But, for experienced and fit cyclists, a challenging 70km loop ride is possible which includes some of Central Otago’s finest gravel roads through iconic high-country landscapes, with a handful of long climbs and steep descents, as well as all the best bits of the Lake Dunstan Trail. Coupled with strategically located country pubs, wineries, and coffee shops this classic Central Otago mountain bike or gravel bike ride needs to go straight to the top of your to-do-list!

The circuit around the Cairnmuir Mountains can be ridden in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, but riding in an anticlockwise direction is recommended to avoid the very steep (and we mean VERY steep) climb from Clyde up Hawksburn Road from Earnscleugh Road…. You’ve been warned!

In this account, we started and finished in Bannockburn from the car park at the end of Pearson Road, but it could also be ridden from Clyde or Cromwell, although from Cromwell it would add another 8km (ish) to the round trip.

The logic of starting in Bannockburn and riding over the Hawksburn Road in the morning is that a) it gets the hardest climbs out of the way when you have fresh legs, and b) by riding earlier in the morning you can ‘beat the heat’ and ride the longest hills when it’s cooler. Also, by tackling the Lake Dunstan Trail after lunch, you can avoid peak trail traffic as most people ride the trail from Cromwell to Clyde in the morning.

For this article, we rode the trail in early January on an overcast day with a light southeast breeze, which was a good decision because the following day the temperature soared to over 30°C with a hot, gusty nor’ west head wind which would have made very unpleasant riding conditions. So, check the weather before you head out and take plenty of water if you’re going in summer. Spring or autumn are probably the optimal times for riding this loop.

From the car park on Bannockburn Road / end of Pearson Road, follow the Lake Dunstan Trail and cross the Bannockburn Bridge using the clip-on cycleway. A short way up the hill, the Black Rabbit Kitchen & Bar is your first coffee stop of the day (#NoCoffeeNoRide). From here follow the sealed Bannockburn Road for approximately 8km until you hit the gravel and reach the fork with the Hawksburn Road and Nevis Road. Bear left and take the Hawksburn Road.

(Take a mental note to come back and the ride up the Nevis Road to Duffers Saddle and the Old Woman Range on another mission)….

The Hawksburn Road offers some of Central Otago’s finest gravel riding. Whilst it’s generally quiet, remember that it is a public road so follow the usual rules and look out for motorbikes, recreational 4WD’ers and farm vehicles. Leave any gates as you found them and beware of stock, especially along the tops of the Cairnmuir Mountains.

At Cornish Point you come out of the gorge and the landscape changes from rugged cliffs and bluffs to geometric rows of vines as you enter wine country. There are some great views across the lake to the historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct.

About 4km from Cornish Point, the trail passes through Carrick Winery. With its grassy lawn, coffee cart / food truck, wine tasting and restaurant it’s an irresistible stop before the short ride back around the Bannockburn Inlet (a top spot for a refreshing swim) to complete the loop. Alternatively, a cold beer awaits at the Bannockburn Hotel or – energy levels permitting – you can visit more of Bannockburn’s vineyards and wineries along Felton Road to finish your circumnavigation of the Cairnmuir Mountains in style!   

• There is no drinking water, no shade or shelter along the route other than in Clyde and Bannockburn.
• The route is exposed to the heat in summer and cold in winter.
• Be prepared for long climbs and steep descents.
• The described circuit is only suitable for experienced intermediate or advanced riders with good fitness.
• It’s suitable for mountain bikes or gravel bikes. E-bikers should make sure batteries have the range to complete this loop and factor in the amount of climbing.
• Be aware of other road users including farm vehicles and obey all road rules.
• There’s limited cell phone coverage across the entire route. Consider carrying a personal locator beacon and always let someone know your intentions.
• The ride time will vary significantly depending on fitness level, bike type and weather conditions. Advanced riders will take approximately 4-hours (excluding breaks) and less fit riders might take up to 6-hours or more. Allow a full day to experience this loop to fully enjoy lunch and breaks in Bannockburn, Clyde or Cromwell.
• Follow the Land Safety Code.
• Please consider making a donation towards the maintenance of the Lake Dunstan Trail which is managed by a not-for-profit trust or complete a trail survey to let us know about your experience. Thanks!