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NELSON TRAILS

Glider Road

Marsden Valley Reserve

Short Walks
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Day Walks
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Tramping
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Biking
Glider Road
Marsden Valley Reserve

Glider Road climbs from Marsden Valley to the top of Barnicoat Range, giving access to MTB tracks Widdershins and Involution. The 605 m elevation grassy summit provides views over Tasman Bay and the ranges of Mount Richmond Forest Park, and is used as a take-off point for paragliders.

Details
Length 4.2 km one way
Time Required 1 hr 15 min to summit (walking)
Trail Type Gravel road
Physical Difficulty Moderate   
Technical Difficulty Easy   
Uses Walking, trail running and MTB
Start Elevation 150 m
Finish Elevation 605 m
Connections

Barnicoat Walkway

  Walking and trail running

Jenkins Hill

   Walking, trail running and MTB

Widdershins

   Walking, trail running and MTB




Access

  5 min from Stoke

The start of Glider Road is a 5 minute drive from Stoke up Marsden Valley Road. At the end of Marsden Valley Road there is a car park on the right, just before the quarry. Here you will find an information panel with a map and details on trail times and distances.

Description




Cross the bridge immediately to the right of the quarry entrance and pass the barrier gate. Follow the road to the right as it crosses Poorman Stream. From this point it is almost entirely uphill, with a reasonably consistent 11% gradient for the whole way to the top. After 750 m Barnicoat Walkway branches steeply to the left. Glider Road climbs up the steep western side of Barnicoat Range, following its curvature and passing mainly through pine forest (Ngawhatu Forest). The road ends at the grassy flat at the top of the range, which is used as a paragliding takeoff area. There is a longdrop toilet and picnic table here, but no water. Enjoy the views of the city and the Richmond Ranges.

On the return leg, you can continue north along Glider Road to connect with Barnicoat Walkway and Widdershins. For many mountain bikers Glider Road is just the unpleasant uphill grind necessary to reach Widdershins and Involution. You can also continue south along Barnicoat Range Walkway to Richmond, or drop down into Aniseed Valley via Barnicoat Road.




Gallery
Connections

Barnicoat Walkway

  Walking and trail running

Jenkins Hill

   Walking, trail running and MTB

Widdershins

   Walking, trail running and MTB