Hanmer Old Forest Loop

Start up at the Woodland Reserve, cross the bridge and follow trails on the true left of Dog Stream back to Jollies Pass Road, going under the bridge to avoid road traffic. A short distance down here ascend a section of stairs with a short sharp climb up onto the forested river terrace.

Follow a broad trail south until it loops around to the east, then crossing a couple of bridges and heading straight through a couple of intersections in a magnificent stretch of forest. Next pick up Alligator Alley and follow out the forestry road north back to Jollies Pass Road and a water tank. The route then returns into the bush southbound on a less defined tree rooty stretch to loop back onto Herdmans Road.

Pick up the cross country section after this to the NW to rejoin the riverside track on Dog Stream, crossing the road and taking you back to the start and completing the first half loop. It will be worth downloading the GPX route to follow the exact route.

The second half is the hillier part. Return back down Dog Stream via the trails behind the obvious building. A short switchback takes you down onto the now familiar main trail back to Dog Stream Bridge- this time take the stairs before the bridge and emerge northbound out of the trees and into a reserve area. Follow the trail around a wetland bounding houses. Re-enter the forest and cut accross to pick up the steeply ascending section of trail that picks up Jolliffe Road. This takes you over the high point of the circuit. Follow this forestry road downhill on the other side to the east until you reach a junction with a bridge that hooks you southbound on the Upper Dog Stream trail. A pleasant mix of riverside and then Mountain Bike trails will loop you back to the main bride at Woodland Reserve, and the start/ finish line. Rinse and repeat as many times as you like if you want to really get to know the race day course!