Difficulty
- Walking: Strenous
- Mountain biking: Intermediate
Length: 11km loop
Time: 4 hour walk
Parking: Clarence Mountain Bike Park carpark off Flagstaff Gully Link Road
Dogs: Must be on lead.
The circuit includes the Meehan Skyline Trail which offers fantastic views of the Derwent and Wellington Range while the dry sclerophyll forest of Stringy Bark Gully offers shady seclusion. It can be done in either direction but the notes describe a clockwise circuit.
From the carpark follow the old railway alignment to the park entrance. The Corkscrew Climb will take fit and experienced mountain bikers to the Meehan Skyline Trail while walkers can use the steep fire trail. Both are signed and meet near the top. At the top, turn left and follow the Skyline Trail to the first intersection on your left which is the start of the Clifftop Track, taking in magnificent views until it rejoins the Meehan Skyline Trail. Continue until you reach the intersection with Stringy Bark Gully Trail. Head down the gully alongside the Barilla Rivulet (dry in summer). At the bottom of the gully near Belbins Road are remnants of buildings used by the airforce during the Second World War as a secret bomb storage area. Eventually pass through a gate, go along Belbins Road and turn on to the track beyond large boulders near the Cambridge Road intersection. Follow the track alongside the Tasman Highway and return to the carpark.
Activities
- Mountain biking
- Walking
Warning: The top section of Stringy Bark Gully track is rated black diamond (difficult) for mountain biking so riders may need to dismount. Walkers will need to be alert to mountain bikers using the steep section of the Stringy Bark Gully Track. Do not be alarmed if you hear gunshots as there is a gun club nearby.
Dogs must be on lead.