Twin Iron Loop

Starting on Old Racecourse Road avoids the main car park & gives the option of a water tap halfway around.

Take the access track towards Mt Iron & after crossing the cattle grid (100m or so in) turn right. Follow this track through kanuka forest to the point where it turns uphill and starts a steepish but fun climb towards Little Mt Iron. The trail goes right to the top of this local landmark - make sure to go all the way to tag the peak and get your Peak Pts!

Then head downhill, slightly to the left of your uphill route (vague trail at first) to reach the main descent track. This does a couple of zigzags on its way down to the Hidden Hills access track. When you reach this turn sharp left and follow uphill for a few hundred metres & merge right onto the main Mt Iron Track to follow it all the way up to the trig on top of Mt Iron.

Take in the spectacular views before descending the trail to the north (towards the lake). Towards the bottom of the hill, you'll see an access gate and car park to your right (toilets and drinking fountain here). At this point turn left (not straight down the main trail to the car park) and follow a broad grassy path past the old woolshed to connect with the newer gravel trail.

Turn left on the gravel and follow it around the base of Mt Iron to the point where you turn right over the cattle grid to regain Old Racecourse Road. Congrats, that's two peaks bagged in just 7k!