Last Updated: 8th Oct 2024
Darfield Dash
Submitted by Renee Lyons
Last Updated: 8th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 5 ?
Gnarl Factor: 10 ?
5.0km
50m
50m
254m
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Last Updated: 8th Oct 2024
Submitted by Renee Lyons
Last Updated: 8th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 5 ?
Gnarl Factor: 10 ?
5.0km
50m
50m
254m
Urban fringe
Loop
Totally/mostly flat
Dog Friendly
Plantation/exotic forest
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +0.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -0.7%
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0:40
Slow
0:30
Moderate
0:20
Fast
McHughs Forest park is a flat, single track on the outskirts of Darfield. There are a variety of tracks in the forest, the greatest being 5km, the inner loop being 3km. The loops are well sign posted, so you can mix and match, or loop back and forward to increase your running distance. There is a central wide, fine gravel track, which is suitable for running with a buggy, and the single tracks are suitable for a child riding a bike - ideal for parents who want to get a run in with kids!
This is a dog friendly and bike friendly track, and its not uncommon for a half dozen cars to be parked outside, but its unlikely you will be crowded.
There are plenty of piwakawaka to keep you company. There is a clear information board with trail map, public toilet, and water fountain at the carpark.
McHughs Forest Park site is a former plantation - there is a history/information board at the carpark.
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.
Plenty of parking available.
2 km
3 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Look for the track marker posts at any intersection, they are colour coded. The whole forest is only about 5km long and 3km wide so if you really loose your bearing you won't have to go far to get out!
Generally good.
Cellphone
Water fountain at carpark.
Boggy patches on track after prolonged or heavy rain.
Darfield Bakery
Main street
BEST pies in all of canterbury, and a donut filled with custard and salted caramel sauce....
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Very pretty forest for old plantation. Great little leg stretcher while in the area.
May 20, 2023
BP
Nice respite from the sun, and a quick run to fire out if you have time to kill in Darfield. Fun enough, and a few trails to add some extra distance / time. Surprisingly quiet if you ask me!
October 7, 2020
Good short loop, can be extended by adding in the MTB tracks and the tracks along each side of the forest, lots of fairy doors to keep the kids occupied.
March 14, 2020
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