Balaklava is a country town 92 kilometres north of Adelaide with an excellent cycling asset: the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail. Built along the former railway line between Balaklava and Halbury, it’s a good quality, twelve kilometre gravel bike path.
Shamus Liptrot
The Shamus Liptrot Cycling Trail is named in honour of a talented young local cyclist, who was involved in a serious cycling accident in 2007. Sadly he passed away as a result of his injuries in 2011 at the age of 19.
Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail
Even though I had scheduled the ride for a weekday, seventeen enthusiastic cyclists turned up in Balaklava keen to try out the trail.
We headed out of town along Railway Terrace. At War Memorial Drive we found the Lions Walking Trail , which we followed to the start of the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail.
Heritage Listed Dunns Bridge
Before long, we came to a diversion from the railway corridor at Bridge Road. The former railway bridge over the Wakefield River no longer stands, but fortunately the historically significant Dunns Bridge remains.
This single span bowstring arch bridge was built in 1880 to replace a timber bridge which was burnt down in 1878. It’s the fifth of five rivetted wrought iron bowstring trusses built in South Australia between 1879 and 1880.
You can see another example of this type of bridge at Undalya, less than two kilometres from the Rattler Rail Trail.
Aloe Avenue
The next point of interest along the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail is this avenue of aloe plants with very tall flower spikes.
Wheat silos
We pedalled on past the Balakalva Golf Course. About five kilometres out of town we came to this impressive line of silos.
Continuing on our ride, we commented about the good quality of the surface.
Also, the trail was clearly marked at most of the road intersections.
Before long, we had completed the twelve kilometre ride and arrived at the small township of Halbury. We took some time to eat snacks, read the information about Shamus
and of course take the obligatory group photo.
As you can see from this elevation chart, the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail is a very gentle climb to Halbury. That means an enjoyable roll back to Balaklava!
It’s noticeable in my video of our ride that we are travelling much quicker on our return trip.
When we got back to Dunns Bridge, we took another group photo
before adjourning for a lovely lunch at Wendy’s Cafe n Cakes.
Part of the Copper Trail
With a caravan park, two pubs and three coffee shops, Balaklava is well positioned to take advantage of the growth in cycle tourism, particularly among grey nomads.
The Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail is part of the Copper Trail, which connects to the Riesling Trail at Leasingham. The Copper Trail follows the route used by bullock teamsters carrying copper ingots from Burra to Port Wakefield between 1849 and 1857.
On the western side, the Copper Trail has now been extended another 25 kilometres to connect to the Walk the Yorke Trail in Port Wakefield.
Another great ride nearby is the Hamley Bridge Cycling Loop. Alternatively, if you are heading to the Yorke Peninsula, why not try the Rotary Copper Rail Trail?
Top photo by Kerri Newell
Railtrail is perfect! Going through mountains gently would be even better. All the views and little sweat.
Pity it has not yet caught on in South Africa, as we have a few abandoned tracks…
Hi Dawid Rail trails are very popular here and the states that invest in them are really getting ahead in regional tourism 😎
Looks like a good place to ride.
Yes Libby, it’s a great ride, even for beginners 😎
As a Balaklava Local, I know Shamus would be so proud and pleased that you enjoyed the trail named after him. The trail was constructed with the the help of Wakefield Regional Council and the expertise of its staff- but all funding to create it came from local community fund raising events and of course the SA Government. The next big thing is to link it to the “Walk the Yorke” trail at Port Wakefield. One of the best things about the Shamus project which started about 5-6 years ago is that it received massive support from the younger people of our area – the peers of Shamus who absolutely revered this fine young sportsman, who had been destined for a great cycling career before his accident in Tasmania. Shamus would say – “keep on riding my trail and enjoying it as much as you can. Everyone is welcome.”
Thank you so much for your comment Terry. The Shamus Liptrot Trail is a great credit to Balaklava and its surrounding community.