26 February 2018

Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150 km long walking and biking trail between Clyde and Middlemarch. We did 55 km of it from Ida Valley east of Lauder to Clyde. There are a number of rental companies that provide various trip and transportation combinations. We drove to Clyde and got a ride out to the drop-off point.

The first part of the trail through Ida Valley, Lauder, and Omakau to Chatto Creek was spectacular. Two tunnels and several bridges highlighted the rolling landscapes. The section from Chatto Creek through Alexandra to Clyde was nice but a bit of a let down from the first half. Soar backsides and tired legs didn’t help either but we perservered. In retrospec, 55 km was a bit ambitious for our family. We could have done it easily if the pathway was paved but the rough gravelled surface made it more difficult. Experienced riders might better enjoy the entire trip. If you are like us, arrange to be picked up in Chatto Creek.

Ida Valley to Chatto Creek