With the recent interest in silo art trails, you might expect to see a succession of painted silos on the Melrose Silo Loop Trail. However, this is not the case. Instead, you cycle charming sections of the Mawson and Heysen Trails with wonderful vistas of the magnificent Mount Remarkable.
It was the end of May and in South Australia we had succeeded in flattening the COVID-19 curve. Restrictions were beginning to ease and we were now allowed to travel within the state.
My husband Derek was very keen to get out in the caravan, so we put together a quick itinerary of camping and cycling, incorporating Walk the Yorke from Edithburgh, some rides in the Melrose area and the Mawson Trail from Laura.
Melrose Silo Loop Trail
Heading south from Melrose for 13 kilometres along the Mawson Trail, the Melrose Silo Trail next turns east and then north to join up with a lovely and ride-friendly section of the Heysen Trail. Finally it crosses the main road and continues north to pass the Melrose silos before returning to town.
The Melrose Silo Loop Trail is well sign-posted with a distinctive blue square and a loop sign.
Mawson Trail south to Rosslyn Road
It was a cold six degrees with quite a chilly southerly wind blowing when I headed up Survey Road to begin my loop. It’s worth a stop at the old quarry to see the ripple marks in the sedimentary rock from 600 million years ago.
Cycling past the Bartagunyah Estate vineyards,
I was starting to warm up from the climb.
After ten kilometres, the Melrose Silo Trail turned east onto Rosslyn Road.
At the crest of the hill, I came to the point where the Mawson Trail heads south to Wirrabara Forest and Laura.
I felt a strong urge to stay on the Mawson Trail and follow it to Laura. However I stuck to my ride plan and rolled down along the Melrose Silo Loop to Dust Bowl Road.
As there had been two milimetres of rain overnight, Dust Bowl Road did not live up to its name. I was just hoping it wouldn’t turn out to be Mud Bath Road.
This dip had a cement surface underneath, so it was not too slippery or difficult to negotiate.
Heysen Trail
The Heysen Trail came in at Brooklyn Road.
Although Brooklyn Road is a Dry Weather Only road, it was in good condition on this occasion.
Charmingly bordered by trees, it revealed lovely views to Mount Remarkable.
Crits Road
At the end of Brooklyn Road, the Heysen Trail headed off along a road reserve towards Mount Remarkable. Meanwhile, the Loop Trail turned onto Crits Road. I loved the views of Mount Remarkable along this stretch.
Arthur Road
From there, the Melrose Silo Loop Trail turns onto Main North Road for half a kilometre before leading onto Arthur Road.
Shortly after this, I met the doom that I had half-expected on Dust Bowl Road. Perhaps this area had more rain overnight, but it wasn’t long before my tyres were caked in thick mud. Soon I ground to a halt as the back wheel locked completely.
Using a variety of strategies, such as scraping the mud off with a stick, trying to ride the rough rocks in the middle of the road, dragging the bike through the grass on the side of the road, and using the highest power possible on my eBike, I gradually inched my way through about a kilometre of mud.
Unlike a more recent occasion when I had to be rescued by Derek, this time my bike remained unscathed.
Once out the other side, the mud fell off quickly on the packed gravel road. Soon I had the silos of Melrose in my sight.
Melrose Showground Trail
The Melrose Silo Loop Trail officially makes it way from the silos back to Melrose along the Horrocks Highway. However, it is much more pleasant to head into the Melrose Showgrounds and join the Showground Trail. My map below shows the connection.
Summary of the Melrose Silo Loop Trail
On the Melrose Silo Loop Trail, I had cycled 33 kilometres and climbed 319 metres.
It’s a beautiful trail, but the moral of the story is, best to be sure of at least three days of dry before tackling Arthur Road. Nevertheless, I absolutely recommend this trail as a beautiful way to enjoy scenic views of Mount Remarkable.
You may prefer to ride the Melrose Silo Loop Trail in the opposite direction to avoid the two kilometre 5% gradient climb at the beginning.
Melrose is famous for its many mountain bike trails, including a few for the less skilled such as myself. While you are in the area, be sure to ride the charming Melrose Wilmington Rail Trail which will be extended to Booleroo Centre next year.
Top picture: View of Mount Remarkable from Crits Road
