Transient

Polhill, Wellington, New Zealand

New, mountain bike friendly, track through Polhill Reserve from Aro Valley to Ashton Fitchett Drive.

Intermediate

Bike and Foot (Under construction)

This new two-way track is part of a plan to enhance bike access through Polhill Reserve (the other part is Highbury Fling). This track greatly improves on the old, and very steep, Durham Street walking track that provides access to two radio antenna and joins up with the 4WD road off the end of Durham Street.

From Aro Street the track heads up a deep valley at a pleasant gradient. There are a couple of zig-zag sections, one of which has an almost cliff-like side slope. Most of the track has been well gravelled, providing a firm surface. The design includes plenty of little dips and bumps to keep things interesting.

The track emerges from the valley then continues up a ridge past a power pylon, coinciding with Durham Street for 125m. Just before Durham Street curves around to the east, this track heads back into the bush just past a moderately large tree.

About 340m after deviating off Durham Street there is a connection to Karepa. The main track – currently under construction – continues up the valley towards Ashton Fitchett Drive.

Bottom end is in a small park near the top of Aro Street, just down from the bottom of Planet Ride. Head up to the top of the grassy area next to a culvert. After a few metres there's an old track on the left that heads very steeply up the hill (via a set of crude steps cut into the dirt) – that section has been superseded by this track, which heads up the valley to the right.

Top will be on Ashton Fitchett Drive, connecting with Karepa Street along the way.

You're welcome to help with construction of this track – see the work party discussion for details of dig times, etc.

1.73km

Single track

29 Aug 2010 by Ian

ledzep