Cowra to Neville - The Woodstock Way
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Cowra to Neville - The Woodstock Way

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Home  -  Things to doCyclingOVBTCowra to Neville - The Woodstock Way

Distance
Distance

77.9 km

Sealed Road
Sealed Road

62.8 km

Unsealed Road
Unsealed Road

15.1 km

Difficulty
Difficulty

5 - Punishing

Terrain
Terrain

Hilly

Time
Time

4.5 Hours

Average Speed
Average Speed

18 km/h

Climb
Climb

16.9 (m/km)

Climb
Climb

1,319m

Descend
Descend

718m

Min Elevation
Min Elevation

291m

Max Elevation
Max Elevation

943m

At a Glance

Two route options are available to riders between Cowra and Neville, with both being challenging due to the amount of climbing.  There is also an option to cross over between these routes near Lyndhurst.

1.  This alternate route, which includes almost 78km of cycling (and 1,319m of climbing) crosses a combination of sealed and gravel roads, whilst experiencing the friendly places of Woodstock and Mandurama along the way (described on this page).

2. A primary route, which includes over 83km of back country cycling (and 1,467m of climbing) criss-crosses a combination of sealed and gravel roads.

3. The Lyndhurst Link.  Almost 10km of cycling on sealed roads, which connects the two routes above, and riding through the village of Lyndhurst.

N.B.  During our harvest season (which varies each year but typically runs from late November to late December), these roads may be shared with heavy vehicles as part of this busy and critical time of our farmers' year.

Sensory Engagement

This route returns riders to the tablelands. If you like hills, you will enjoy this route. 

Landscapes, vistas and the villages of Woodstock and Mandurama are a feature of this route, making it a perfect day to capture photos.  Riders will enjoy agricultural variety, including cattle, sheep, and alpacas, as well as stunning canola crops in spring or the seasonal cropping of wheat.   River country views are replaced by stunning views over the Lachlan River valley before Mount Canobolas and Mount Macquarie reveal themselves in the last parts of this ride.

What’s the best bike for this route?

There are a combination of sealed and unsealed road surfaces on this route.  Gravel and hybrid bikes are probably the best choice for this ride, with most riders choosing tyres above 32mm.  Riders on e-bikes will have an advantage on the climbs, however there is limited opportunity to recharge bikes during the ride.

Route Difficulty

This ride is rated as 5 on a scale out of 9, or “punishing”.  With almost 1,320 metres of climbing, riders need to be fit and have a reasonable long-distance cycling skill set to manage this ride.

Disclaimer: This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.

Something for everyone, on and off the bikes

Orange 360 showcases the natural beauty of this gorgeous Region.  Set in the heart of Wiradjuri Country, people can explore historic sites, wineries, cideries, towns, villages and events all year round.  Catering for all forms of experiential adventurers, there is something for everyone on and off the bikes.

Check out the Orange 360 website to explore the locations and local events on offer for when you are riding this section of the Orange Villages Bike Trail.

Course Notes

There is a cue sheet for this route on Ride with GPS, including cues and distances that align with the descriptions below.

Today is a longer climbing journey with ample time to stop, enjoy Woodstock and Mandurama, and photograph the beautiful farming country and villages on the way to Neville. There are some great views, including over the Lachlan River valley, to Mount Canobolas and Mount Macquarie.

Riders start near the Post Office in Kendall Street, and ride towards Bathurst. After an easy roll down the hill, turn right into Fitzroy Street (0.5km) and ride around 400m then turn left into Broughton Street (0.9km) before crossing the railway line and heading in an easterly direction out of town on Darby’s Fall’s Road.  This is a lovely flat section of the ride with views to the south over the farming flats next to the Lachlan River.

Turn left onto Porter’s Mount Road (5.8km) and the road soon turns to gravel. This is a lovely gravel surface and riders soon climb gently up the hill and are rewarded with views back towards Cowra. There is a little left / right shimmy at Kangaroo Flat Road (9.1km) before riders continue north on Porter’s Mount Road and then turn right onto Woodlands Road (10.8km). This part of the ride is a personal favourite, where riders cruise down to the causeway, then climb the hill to reveal a stunning easterly view.

After a quick photo, riders roll down Woodlands Road to Pine Mount Road (13.6km) and then ride on sealed road through to Scrubby Rush Road (16.6km) and turn left. Climb up to the T-intersection at Goodacre Drive (20.0km) and turn left again towards Woodstock. Riders will see some fabulous views over this 7km part of the ride, before turning left at Reg Hailstone Way (26.9km) and arriving at Woodstock (28.0km)

Continue straight out of Woodstock up the hill and turn right onto Sheppey Lane (30.1km). This is a gravel road with some lovely views to the west. Turn right at the intersection with the Mid-Western Highway and follow this road for about 1 km and turn left onto Walli Road (32.7km). This Highway is used by heavy vehicles, but there is a shoulder for cyclists on this section of the route.

Walli Road includes a moderate 4km up-hill climb, before riders again return to the gravel by turning right onto Reedy Creek Road (36.8km). This is another personal favourite part of the route for riders, as there are some gorgeous views along this road. Follow this road through to the Belubula Way and turn right (41.3km). There are a couple more climbs on this undulating section of road, and follow it through to Mandurama (61.0km).

This is a resupply village, with Mandurama store stocking food and drinks.  There is also a pub.

Neville Road is adjacent to the store. The 17 km journey to Neville goes over the foothills of Mount Macquarie. At 69.1km the ascent is steep for about 2 km. From this point the road is undulating for the next 5 km through to Neville. At the T intersection with Neville Road, turn right and ride 1km to the tiny village of Neville (73kms).

Route distance is 77.8 kilometres (and 1,319m of climbing).

There are no public services at Neville, and limited accommodation. Best plan and book ahead of arrival.

Neville siding is a unique accommodation spot. The goods shed has 20 beds in 10 rooms. There is also the option of 16 beds of accommodation in four adjacent buildings. Your host will provide dinner to groups. Mid-week bookings suit Neville Siding as weekends are often booked out. This is the only accommodation site in Neville. This is an interesting experience staying in a railway station. Bring your own beverages.

Another accommodation option that will suit bikers who want to shorten the distance by 8 kms is a splendid farm stay at Hilton homestead. Hilton homestead is situated at the top of the steep 2 kms climb after turning onto the Neville Road. The turn-off is on the right, signposted “guesthouse”. It offers 4-star accommodation. 

Disclaimer: This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.


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