This training hike is an alternative to popular hiking trail Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty track, which is overcrowded during weekends.
What I like about this hiking trail is, that is short and that you will be rewarded with a good workout and great scenery.
Hiking Trail description
Park the car at Cleland Conservation car park which is free and has numerous parking spots.
From here, go down the Long Ridge track towards Chambers Gully Sugarloaf. Take a quick detour to the Lookout for views towards Adelaide city. There is also an opportunity for geocaching if you are interested in it. The geocache is called the “Long Ridge Lookout”.
Returning back to the track you left, go around the Sugarloaf until the Chambers Gully track. Follow Chambers Gully track until the intersection with Bartril Spur Track.
If you look on the right side you will see a track blocked by some trigs. This is the infamous “Widow Maker”. The trigs and fallen branches might give you a clue that you should not take this track uphill. If you venture at your own risk, you can follow the dried footsteps of other ventures and end up to the Long Ridge Track which takes you back to Cleland car park.
If do not want to take the risk, go forward on the Bartril Spur that will take you to the Long Ridge track and back to the car park the way you came.
Hiking Trail Statistics
Distance: 7 km
Time: 2 hours
Climb: 241 m
Difficulty: The climb is difficult but the rest is not.
How to get here:
Bus 823 West Crafers to Cleland Park, stop 26
Driving from Greenhill Road, turn right on Mount lofty Scenic route, then right towards Cleland Conservation Park
From Crafers drive on Mount Lofty Scenic Route and turn left towards Cleland Conservation Park at the sign, Gurra Track
What is your training hike in Mount Lofty?