Cowra to Neville - The Wyangala Views Way
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Cowra to Neville - The Wyangala Views Way

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Home  -  Things to doCyclingOVBTCowra to Neville - The Wyangala Views Way

Distance
Distance

83.2 km

Sealed Road
Sealed Road

49.7 km

Unsealed Road
Unsealed Road

33.5 km

Difficulty
Difficulty

5 - Punishing

Terrain
Terrain

Hilly

Time
Time

4.6 Hours

Average Speed
Average Speed

18 km/h

Climb
Climb

17.6 (m/km)

Climb
Climb

1,467m

Descend
Descend

865m

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. The primary route, which includes over 83km of back country cycling (and 1,467m of climbing) on a combination of sealed and gravel roads (described on this page).

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

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

Sensory Engagement

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

Landscapes and vistas 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 Wyangala Dam, 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 no opportunity to recharge bikes during the ride.

A note of caution about Snake Creek Road: this is best crossed on a mountain bike.  It’s a track though interesting eucalypt forest, and with a causeway (beware, you might get wet feet).  Experienced cyclists on gravel or hybrid bikes can traverse this section of road, albeit slowly.  Riders not wishing to ride this part of the route can continue on to Lyndhurst, and then join the alternate route taking riders across to Mandurama.

The alternate route for riders is through Woodstock and Mandurama, with a link to the course notes and Ride with GPS map here

Route Difficulty

This ride is rated as 5 on a scale out of 9, or “punishing”.  With almost 1,470 metres of climbing on the primary route (The Wyangala Views) and no resupply points, riders need to be fit and have a reasonable long-distance self-supported 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 and photograph the beautiful farming country, towns and villages on the way to Neville. There are some great views, including over Wyangala Dam and to Mount Canobolas, but there is a lot of climbing.

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 Milburn Creek Road (21.5km) where the path ahead again turns to gravel. Ride on to Oliver Lane and turn left (26.2km), then right at Scrubby Brush Road (27.2), and right again at Reg Hailstone Way (28.6km).

There is a steep descent for 2 km at Reg Hailstone Way. After another 11 km turn left at Clements Road (33.9km). Do not go past the Wyangala Dam Reserve sign at this turn-off.

After a steep 2.5 km ascent there is a spectacular view back over Wyangala Dam. The road is now gravel for the next 7.5 km and continues to climb through beautiful eucalypt woodland. Veer left onto Quart Pot Road (44.5km) and left again after 4 km onto Garland Road (48.8km) where riders will come across a gravel road on right called Snake Creek Road (58.1km).

A note of caution: This is best crossed on a mountain bike. It’s a track though interesting eucalypt forest, and with a causeway (beware, you might get wet feet).  Experienced cyclists on gravel or hybrid bikes can traverse this section of road, albeit slowly. Riders not wishing to ride this part of the route can continue on to Lyndhurst, and then join the alternate route taking riders across to Mandurama.

For cyclists choosing Snake Creek Road, after 8 km there is a T intersection at Gallymont (a locality - not a village), where riders turn left (66.3km) and the gravel changes to bitumen. After 7 km you meet the road between Mandurama to Neville (72.8km) and turn right towards Neville. There is a steep 2 km ascent then undulating for the next 5 km into Neville.

Route distance is 83.2 kilometres (and 1,467m 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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