Mount Lofty is very popular with Adelaide hikers, runners and fitness pals. Less traveled tracks are Pengana Track and Winter Track.
Winter Track, Pengana , Mount Lofty Loop Walk describes a short walk with a good hill for training. The walk has incredible views over city, making it a pleasant, short outing in Mount Lofty.
Description of the loop walk
The walk starts at Woolshed Gully Gate 11 at the address 104 Waterfall Gully Road, Waterfall Gully
Park the car in the small car park next to the Green shed. Cross the road and walk about 50 meters towards Waterfall Gully to find the sign for the start of the Winter Track and gate 11. Follow the track past the gate and after a short distance turn right at the track marked Pengana.
From here is a steep climb on the hill with an ascent of 316 meters. Reaching on the top, continue to walk on the track, watching for kangaroos lazing around near the bushes.
Continue walking forward and you will reach a signpost Pengana Spur Track which you follow. Follow the Pengana Spur track to reach soon the Perimeter track that surrounds Cleland Wildlife Park.
Here you turn left to continue on Perimeter Track, where you are greeted by emus and wallabies from the other side of the fence. Exiting the Perimeter Track follow the road and turn left at the next gate to take the Long Ridge Track. Walk along the Long Ridge Track taking in the views over the city.
Reaching the intersection with Winter track you can turn left to follow the track and return to gate 11. Optional you can walk forward for a small detour to the Long Ridge Track Lookout, for more stunning views over the city. Take a break, rest on the bench and admire the 360 degrees views.
After a deserved break, return to Winter Track to resume your journey back to the car.
The loop walk is 8.27 km and takes 2 to 2. 5 hours
Links to other walks
For a longer and more challenging walk you can go around Sugarloaf and return via the Widow Maker back to Long Ridge track. See link at https://aussietrailwalker.com/mount-lofty-training-hike/