Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.0%
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1:20
Slow
0:55
Moderate
0:38
Fast
NOTE: As at Jan 2020 the lower section of the Lava Flow Track has been rerouted a spur to the NW, it is obvious when going down but if approaching from the valley floor take the earlier bridge that connects the Hidden Valley Track and head up the new section. The old bit is still there, but is no longer maintained.
This is a short, sharp kick in the gut with some quick downhill for treat.
Warm up by running in the valley along the Bowenvale gravel track. About 1.3km in you'll cross a few small timber bridges. After the third bridge there will be a track going up to the left with sign saying 'Lava Flow Track'. Go up, and keep going up. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, if they're coming down this track they'll probably be moving at high speed. You'll arrive at the top of the ridge near the Summit Road with zero breath left in your lungs.
Start along the MTB east and cut down towards the Huntsbury gravel track. After 200m-300m on the Huntsbury Track, veer left down the zig-zag track. Zig-zag down to the Bowenvale Bonus MTB track. This a nicely graded, fast track, lovely place to pick up a bit of speed for a mile or so. Look out for mountain bikers coming up behind, and give way to them.
This track will bring you back in to the valley, with a short trot back to the car park.
Do the track in reverse for a hair-raising downhill on the Lava Flow.
A nice steep climb up ancient volcanic rock
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
There are a few parking spots regularly used by walkers / mountain bikers / runners. On-street parking should be available during busy periods.
7 km
16 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Perfect throughout.
Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Headtorch and spare batteries
Usually none available
The single track can get quite slippy after rain, especially the lower halves of the Lava Flow and Bowenvale Bonus tracks.
Just keep an eye and ear out for mountain bikers, particularly going up the Lava Flow, because they'd have to be a bit mad and stupid to bike down that track.
Brickworks Bar
Centaurus Rd
Good food & drink
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Up to you whether you use the re-routed MTB track or the original route - either count for FKT and Challenge Pts purposes.
You and Lava Lite
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If you intend to follow the old lower part of the Lava Flow track, note it is no longer signposted. Just around the corner from the third bridge referred to in the trail notes, look out for an overgrown track - this is where you need to go.
September 11
KR
Great, fast run, even on the wet track. Bonus about running this in the winter is that the track is often closed to MTBikers so no worries there. I enjoyed the stipulated route as it made for a flowy downhill run.
August 6, 2021
The gorse has been pruned on the "old " section. Everything in mint condition, best I've seen it
February 28, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.