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 (hence the road’s name).
| Details | |
| Length | 4.2 km one way |
| Time Required | 1 hr 15 min to summit (walking) |
| Trail Type | Gravel road |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking, trail running and MTB |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 150 m |
| Finish Elevation | 605 m |
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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.
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 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.
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 (hence the road’s name).
| Trail Details | |
| Length | 4.2 km one way |
| Time Required | 1 hr 15 min to summit (walking) |
| Trail Type | Gravel road |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking, trail running and MTB |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 150 m |
| Finish Elevation | 605 m |
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.
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 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.
Updated 18 August 2021