Last Updated: 12th Apr 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Boy Scout - Barnicoat

Richmond, Nelson

Submitted by Talei Hayward

Last Updated: 12th Apr 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 17 ?

Gnarl Factor: 47 ?

8.9km

590m

590m

724m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

45%
30%
25%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +17.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:30

Moderate

1:00

Fast

NOTE (Sept 2022): The track to the left of the second skid site is currently closed - if you follow the track straight ahead it still takes you back to the carpark just with an extra km'ish

The track start isn't signposted so I have taken photos and will describe as best I can. From the Barnicoat Walkway Carpark, follow the sealed road up to the gates of the quarry. There is a bridge to the right; cross this. Follow the path to a fork, then take the left fork towards Involution. When you see the turn off to Involution on the left, don't take it - continue straight ahead instead. You will soon come to a stream and a sheer rock face with a rope attached. Here, the fun begins! Cross the stream, climb the rock face and continue straight up the hill for 2 kms. It's a gut buster but you'll love it! Near the top the track will branch left, right and straight ahead. Go straight ahead. At the next junction, head left and follow the trail all the way to the top where you can have a breather before beginning your descent and taking in the views. At the top there is a sign showing the start of the Barnicoat Walkway. Follow this trail all the way down. At the first skid site, take a left turn and continue on the 4WD gravel road which wends its way downhill. At the second skid site, take the left road again. When you are nearing the bottom there is a little track on the left which will lead you straight back to the carpark (not sign posted).

Native forest, pine forest, ridge views, uphill scrambling, gentle downhill descent.

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.

Parking is available at the Barnicoat Range Walkway carpark.

9 km

15:00 minutes

Yes

No

Hard.

Generally good.

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Cellphone

Take your own water as none available.

Probably hazardous going up Boy Scout in heavy rains - I imagine it would be like walking up a waterfall or a river.

You may encounter mountain bikes on Barnicoat but they're usually heading up the hill rather than zooming down.

Trail Legend

Birte Kleinloog

Birte Kleinloog

has completed Boy Scout - Barnicoat 17 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Another one to ignore the uphill gradient...this one gains 550m in the 1st 2.2km of which the first 750m is gently graded for a wee warmup, so grade is more like 35% and gnarly trail to boot!!! Reckon it should be a goat badge trail or on the Scott gnarly collection cause that bit of trail is even called scott trail. Thankfully it is thru native bush so shaded and scenic. The downhill is much more knee friendly trail.

Rebecca Sunderland

January 4, 2021

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Overlapping Trails

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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