Coal Pit Road and Beyond
A great backcountry track with stunning scenery and several options on where to go.
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The first section "Parking to Coal Pit Saddle" is a good steady climb of approx. 500m and 4km each way and is a rough 4x4 track with wash outs and rocky, rough areas, skill required for a 4x4 but easy for a horse and rider. It took us a bit over an hour to climb with a few rest stops for the horses. Lots of springs and creeks all the way up.
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The second section "Saddle to Doolans Creek" is a kinder gradient for the most part and then a zig zag down to the river. Climb about 350m down to creek and 4 km each way. A great spot for lunch near the river. The gate is locked on the track past the river.
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The third section "Saddle to Mt Edward and beyond"is steep in places and mountainous. This section can be as long as you want it to be and your work is rewarded with spectacular views!
At the beginning you need to go through the double gate at the saddle and shoot straight up the fence line to the right. There is a good motorbike track to follow. There is a section of the road that cuts through private land and the gate is locked. Once you meet up with the proper track again its good 4x4 track.
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Another option is to follow the Glen Roy Water race track. We have been to Mt Edward Summit (first trig station) Then went straight down (off track) and found a motorbike track to the dog leg on Glen Roy and back to the saddle. The other half we haven't explored but looks possible. The section we did is a decent track following the race. The total Glen roy section is 5km.
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Please check the map for these routes. A good loop is the one we did and is approx. 13 km total from carpark. The other loop could be up past Mt Edward and back down and around the full Glen Roy race track, I cannot confirm if this is possible yet.
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The trail goes all the way to Ben Cruachan (which is FAR) on Conservation Land.
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Exposed and mountainous terrain. Be prepared! High winds, heavy rain and snow are common. Cell coverage fades in and out up high.
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Please be aware. Stay on formed tracks, there are hidden dangers and disused coal mine.
This track is popular with 4x4s and motorbikes on weekends.
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Map:
Red
Carpark to Coal Pit Saddle. 4km each way​
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Orange
Saddle to Doolans Creek. 4km each way
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Aqua
Mt Edward small loop. 5km loop
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White
Glen Roy water race track 5km (including lower aqua section back to saddle)
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Yellow
Track to Ben Cruachan
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Directions and Float Parking
Enter "Coal Pit Road, Gibbston" into Google Maps.
Follow the road until it turns to gravel. Be careful as it can be very bumpy. Continue up a bit further until you get the Gibbston Back road intersection. Park in the bay just on Gibbston back road or on the grass verge. Please avoid gateways and the obvious turning area for trucks near the warning sign.
Don't venture far past the warning sign as you will not be able to turn around.
Theres loads of places for floats if you are clever with parking.
Don't drive past the warning sign or park on the turn bay.
Accommodation
Camping TBC
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Check out the "where to stay" tab to find places to stay with your horse in the area.