Warmington Run and Sandy Waterhole Gravel Cycling Loops

I was first introduced to Warmington Run by my friend Rosie, who was a horsewoman before she became a cyclist.

Reputed to be a nineteenth century stock route for bringing cattle and sheep down from the north to Mount Barker, Warmington Run is a scenic ridgetop dirt road, with beautiful views to the east.

Sandy Waterhole, which most likely was a watering place on the route, branches off from Warmington Run, and is a picturesque track with varying surfaces.

Here is one of my favourite rides in this beautiful area.

Warmington Run, Sandy Waterhole from Mount Torrens 27 km, 340 m climb

As Warmington Run is along the ridge east of the Amy Gillett Rail Trail, any route starting from the Woodside/Mount Torrens Valley floor is bound to involve a considerable climb at the start.

This route starts at Mount Torrens Oval and uses Springhead and Sheoak Hill Roads to reach the top of the ridge.

Enjoying the lovely views to the east, you continue on Warmington Run for three kilometres

before turning onto a track down to Sandy Waterhole Road.

Sandy Waterhole Road (perhaps better described as a sandy track) borders a series of descending waterholes

before you tackle a short, sharp climb up to Kings Road.

Enjoying lovely views, the descent on Kings Road is a joy, followed by more gorgeous scenery as you ride along the ridge above Woodside.

From there, a highlight of this route is dropping down Naughtons Road

to Melba’s Chocolates for coffee.

After your coffee break, the route along the Amy Gillett Rail Trail back to your start point is relatively easy.

However, be prepared for a long low-gradient climb before your final roll down to Mount Torrens.

Summary of the Warmington Run and Sandy Waterhole Loop

• Length: 27 kilometre loop.
• Difficulty: Average to challenging, with a four kilometre climb (average gradient 4%) to start and a short, sharp climb later on.
• Surface: Gravel. Some sandy sections on Sandy Waterhole Road.
• Gravel or mountain bikes.
• Signage: No signage.
• Best Times: Suitable for most times of the year. However, Sandy Waterhole Road can become very muddy during winter after a lot of rain. Consider trying one of the Wet Weather route suggestions below.
• Water and toilets: Available at Mount Torrens Oval and at the coffee stop at Melba’s Chocolates.
• Coffee and Food: Melba’s Chocolates for coffee and sweet treats, Mount Torrens Hotel for lunch.

Wet Weather Warmington Run Loops

Sandy Waterhole Road can become very muddy during winter after a lot of rain. Here are a couple of routes which avoid this section and are therefore suitable in or after wet weather:

• Warmington Run from Woodside via Bellspring Road: This 32 km 377 m climb route starts at the Woodside Oval and climbs up to Warmington Run via Ridge and Bellspring Roads. Coffee/food break at Mount Torrens Hotel before returning along the Amy Gillett Rail Trail. Avalon of Woodside is a bike-friendly cafe in Woodside, with plenty of outside bicycle parking. An easier 21 km version of this route starts at Charleston.
• Warmington Run South to North from Mount Torrens: This 24 km 335 m climb route gives you the satisfaction of riding the complete Warmington Run from south to north. As this loop utilises only one kilometre of the bitumen Amy Gillett Rail Trail, it’s ideal for the more gravel-minded rider.

Another great gravel loop in the Adelaide Hills starts from Gumeracha.