Rail Trail - Old Coach Rd to Glow Worm Tunnel  

Notes:

Prepare for some hike-a-bike.  Of all the sections of the rail trail from the Car Park to Newnes this section contains the most amount of walking.

The opening two thirds of this trail contain the longest rideable sections broken up with a number of gully crossings, rock slides and narrow sections with big drops to the side.  The gulleys and rock slides are a fair challenge and require a lot of bike carrying.  There are a number of rock gardens with tight sharp rocks that may have you walking depending on your skill level and the strength of your tyre sidewalls however the biggest obstacles while riding this trail are the people.  This is a shared trail and very highly trafficked by families and large groups so be exceptionally patient and expect to be stopped/blocked on a regular basis.

As the trail loops around the Newnes Plateau and comes back into the canyon the trail becomes unrideable.  There are a number of creek crossings and gulley climbs however this is only a short stint leading up to the bottom end of the Glow Worm tunnel. 

The trail itself has a barely noticeable ascent all the way to the Glow Worm Tunnel and with all the stop start, hike-a-bike and rock clambering it's a fairly tiring ride, but this is an adventure ride to be taken at a leisurely pace.

The section just prior to the narrow canyon and leading up to the Glow Worm Tunnel is the most picturesque part of the ride.  There are AMAZING views out into the main canyon and huge walls directly above the trail.  Take the time to enjoy the view and take a few photos.

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