Last Updated: 11th Feb 2024

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I've done it Done

Dam Dam

Blenheim, Marlborough

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 11th Feb 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 11 ?

Gnarl Factor: 15 ?

10.0km

155m

155m

101m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

15%
85%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:25

Slow

1:05

Moderate

0:45

Fast

Head through the gate and follow the clear 4WD track for about 800m, where it crosses a gravelled turn-around area and enters the single track.

After another couple of hundred metres you reach the intersection where you have the choice about which way to go... you do both, so it's up to you, however we suggest you go right first... this takes you to Humphries Dam. This is the less impressive of the two you will visit (hence the suggestion to do this first). The dam comes on you quite suddenly after about 1.7km from the intersection and is not extremely impressive although the lake is very serene.

Once you have finished there, retrace your steps to the intersection and head out to Barnes Dam, this is by far the more interesting trail with more river highlights, a short tunnel, bridges and an impressive dam that you can climb the steps to the top of (you can't go further though). Also the waterfall caused by the outlet of the dam is very cool.

Once you have you fill, head back to the start.

Historic water pipes and dams, one of which is still used as back-up water for Picton.

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.

A good size carpark just short of the start

29 km

27 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Patchy.

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Lots

This trail should be pretty good all year round, it's very well built.

There are some steep fall-offs to the side of the trail, not much danger to runners but something to be careful of.

Trail Legend

Kane Aitken

Kane Aitken

has completed Dam Dam once in the last year.

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You and Dam Dam

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Trail Reviews

Yes a lovely shady run for a hot afternoon!

Mike McManaway

November 9, 2021

Really nice gentle gradient to each of the dams with plenty of shade to make this a great outing on a blistering hot summer's day. Thanks for sharing Mike.

Anthony Sowerby

January 1, 2021

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