Last Updated: 6th Feb 2024
The Pipeline of Pain
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 6th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
5.2km
465m
465m
340m
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Last Updated: 6th Feb 2024
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 6th Feb 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
5.2km
465m
465m
340m
Urban fringe
Loop
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +21.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -18.7%
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1:15
Slow
1:00
Moderate
0:45
Fast
Here's one for the slightly masochistic. 'The Pipeline' is a classic Christchurch gutbuster, often used by sports teams training for new seasons, walkers wanting a bit more grunt, and even the odd mad trail runner.
Leave the carpark and head straight up the Bridle Path a few hundred metres to the first hairpin bend. Here you will be eyeballing the LPG gas pipeline that heads straight up a steep ridge. Yes- this IS your route- simply follow the pipeline to the Summit Road. Hop the fence and away you go, there is a pretty well defined trail but your calves will soon feeeeeeeeel the burn as you crawl up!
It might only be 1km to the Summit Road, but most people will take 10-15 minutes to grovel, clamber and gut-bust their way up. Once you've hopped the fence at the top and caught your breach follow the Summit Road around to the Bridle Path summit and take the downhill towards the Lyttelton Port. Spare a thought for those early settlers who got off the First Four Ships and panted their way up this hill with all their worldly belongings all those years ago.
About 3/4 of the way down you will spot a knobby outcrop to the right side of the trail. Pick up the unmarked side track that heads to the right off the Bridle Path here. This technical wee section will zigzag a descent down to the Lyttelton Harbour side of the gas pipe, diving in and out of native regeneration as it gradually drops its way to the lower sections of the pipeline before it hits Harmans Road. take note, it can get very slippery in here after wet weather - you have been warned!
Just before the pipeline hits Harman's Road there is a signpost marking the Stan Helms track, accessed by a large stile over the pipeline. Stan Helms is your friendly return back up the hill to the Summit Road again, initially zig-zagging and then steepening up a rocky ridge before it sweeps around onto the top. Nice technical trail uphill, with fabulous views.
The final section is the rapid descent down the Heathcote side of the Bridle Path where you complete your historic journey, and get to eyeball the mighty pipeline again on the way past. If you are especially keen you could always go up again!
250m of vertical just in the first 1km
Classic views of Christchurch and Lyttelton
The Historic Bridle Path
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.
Park at the start of the track, or just down the road if its full
10 km
19 minutes
Yes
No
Hard.
If you keep touching the pipeline you can't get lost! On the rest its pretty well defined.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
You can fill up at the bottom of the Bridle Path (start)
In winter it can occasionally get a bit icy or a bit muddy.
As noted, take good grippy soles if its been wet, especially for the trail descending the Lyttelton side.
Christchurch Gondola
Mt Cavendish.
https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch_gondola/
Take the ride from the run finish line, or divert up to the Top Station for a 'free ride" and hit the cafe. Stunning views
Valley Inn Tavern
2 Flavell Street, Heathcote Valley
http://www.valleyinntavern.co.nz/about-us
Historic rebuilt tavern with great food and refreshments
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and The Pipeline of Pain
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Epic little trail that really gets your heart racing, I did it a few days ago in the near 30 degree heat, super dry and windy...stunning landscape..definately a gold star run for "Gnarl enthusiasts"!!!
November 16, 2023
This has become my go-to route in 2023, partly becuase I was foolish enough to publicly commit to adding a lap a month throughout the year until I have to run 12 laps in one day in December. With 28 laps done by July and still another 50 laps to go, I can confirm that 1) the route is aptly named and 2) shoes with good grip are a must, particularly in the winter! #adventurefordementia
July 7, 2023
Five stars for the audacity of putting this up as a running route. Ludicrous :D Surely no one actually runs the uphill… right? Good fun anyway. Have done pipeline repeats for Mt Difficulty training but otherwise I tend to avoid it. Nice to revisit old stomping grounds, and I enjoyed the connector trail off towards Stan Helms. Always nice to run some new trail in the Port Hills :)
September 26, 2021
Such a fun wee track on a nice day. Certainly one of the better ways to wake up calves for the day! I will most definitely be back to get some more training in.
September 18, 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.
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