Have you ridden from Eudunda to Inspiration Point along Scenic Road? If not, add it to your bucket list!
At 54 kilometres with over 400 metres of climbing, this ride is at the upper limit of what I would normally schedule for the Uncool Cycling Club. However, our riders agree that it’s worth it!
Just over 100 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, Eudunda is a rural town with German heritage, established in 1870.
Overview
The first 22 kilometres of this loop follows the Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trail out of Eudunda towards Inspiration Point. After Inspiration Point you enjoy a thrilling descent for six kilometres most of the way to Robertstown. From there, quiet dirt backroads lead you back to Eudunda.
Eudunda to Hampden
The hard work starts immediately as you climb for one kilometre at a gradient of 5% out of Eudunda on the Thiele Highway. Once you turn onto Wahroonga Road, the ascent flattens out to three percent and then undulates a little as you ride into the village of Hampden.
In the future, this climb will be shortened, flattened and made safer when the Eudunda Hampden Rail Trail comes to fruition.
In the village of Hampden, you can see the remains of the former railway siding. Locally born and raised author Colin Thiele used to catch the train from here to High School at Kapunda.
Scenic Road to Inspiration Point
From Hampden, it’s only a few kilometres along the Eudunda Inspiration Loop to Scenic Road. Following the ridgeline of the Bluff Range, Scenic Road continues for thirteen kilometres to Inspiration Point.
A short way along, you will notice a point of interest marker. A silhouette of the Colin Thiele character Gustav and his dog indicates the childhood home of Colin Thiele from 1920 to 1936. The homestead is just in sight at the end of a long entrance drive.
A few kilometres further up the road, another Gustav marker indicates a historic stone fence.
Scenic Road is aptly named. The views to the east towards Eudunda, Point Pass and Robertstown are breathtaking and increasingly beautiful as you climb towards Inspiration Point.
Unfortunately our simple phone cameras don’t do justice to the depth and breadth of the beautiful view.
It is worth noting, however, that Scenic Road can get muddy after rain.
Inspiration Point
When you arrive at Inspiration Point, you are rewarded by panoramic views east towards the Murray River.
Here is a short video of the view.
Descent from Inspiration Point
I don’t know which I love most – the beautiful view from Inspiration Point or the picturesque, six kilometre descent.
Robertstown
At Robertstown, there is an excellent picnic area with restrooms (behind the Australia Post building).
If you are there on a weekday, it is well worth buying an icecream or drink from the iconic Lehmann’s General Store, which has been operating continuously since 1912.
Return to Eudunda
The return ride on the Eudunda Inspiration Point Loop is relatively easy, although there are still a few gentle climbs.
Looking to the west, you can see the Bluff Range, where only a short while ago you were riding along the ridgeline.
When you arrive in Eudunda, there are a number of places to buy a coffee and/or eat.
The Eudunda Bakery, which opens every day, has always been friendly and efficient in looking after the Uncool Cycling Club. Also, there is plenty of space to park your bikes near the outdoor eating area.
If you enjoy excellent Indian food, the Good Karma Cafe is open Tuesday to Friday. We can also recommend Kooky’s Kafe and Katering, at the back of the Eudunda Clubhouse and open for lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday.
Summary of the Eudunda Inspiration Loop
- Length: 54 kilometres
- Difficulty: With over 400 metres of climbing, this would be considered difficult for an average cyclist
- Suitable for: Hybrid and mountain bikes
- Surface: Mostly dirt or gravel, some paved. Scenic Road can be muddy after rain.
- Signage: No signage – download the map below.
- Best Times: In cooler weather, but not too soon after rain as Scenic Road can become muddy.
If you would prefer a shorter loop also incorporating the Lavender Cycling Trail, try the 31 km Eudunda Southern Ridge Loop. An alternative loop which incorporates the Lavender Cycling Trail between Dutton and Truro is the Wendish Dutton Loop Ride.
Top photo: The Uncool Cycling Club at Inspiration Point
