Swampy Summit Circuit

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Swampy Summit Circuit uses fire and utility access roads to loop up and over Swampy Summit. This route features miles of above-treeline riding with huge views in all directions. Mostly easy-intermediate riding (though there is a lot of climbing!) with a few rocky and rutted sections that can be walked.

As its name implies, there can be mud on this route so avoid in wet weather.

Starting from the Bull Ring parking area, descend Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road to the intersection with Rollinsons Road, where you'll bear right and uphill to ride to a locked gate. Throw your bike over the gate at the stile and continue up Swampy Summit Road. This track is well-graded, but closed to private vehicles. The climb steepens as Swampy Summit Road ascends via a single enormous switchback to the broad summit. Increasingly expansive views of the Silver Peaks, Silver Stream Valley, and Taieri Plain help to take your mind off the climb.

The summit of Swampy is dotted with equipment to aid airplane navigation. Swampy Summit Road has a short spur to the north end of Swampy Ridge, where there are fine view out to Blueskin Bay. The circuit is continued by following Swampy Summit Road south along the gently rolling ridge. As head south you'll hit an unsigned fork where you'll bear right on the obviously more minor two-track (the main Swampy Summit Road bends east and slightly uphill to a microwave tower, where it ends). After a few hundred meters, a signed intersection marks the junction of the Powerline Track and the Swampy Ridge Track. Bear right to take Swampy Ridge Track as it leads toward Flagstaff.

The remainder of the ride follows the Swampy Ridge Track as it rolls (sometimes steeply) along the ridge. It eventually merges with the Firebreak Track at an unsigned junction and then heads back to the Bull Ring. There nice views, but the trail can be muddy, rutted and rocky.