Wendish Dutton Loop Ride SA

Taking in the historic Wendish sites of Ebenezer, Neukirch and St Kitts and including the scenic village of Dutton, the Wendish Dutton Loop ride is a great gravel and dirt ride from Stockwell.

The route for this loop was devised from three of the Barossa sites on the South Australian Wendish Pioneer Trail and the Dutton and St Kitts Historic Drive.

The Wendish immigrants were a distinct cultural group from what is now eastern Germany, who came to Australia between 1848 and 1860. They had their own language and were devoutly religious.

Stockwell

The Wendish Dutton loop starts at the scenic village of Stockwell in the northern part of the Barossa wine region.

Leaving Stockwell behind, you cycle past vineyards to the first Wendish historic site of Ebenezer.

Ebenezer

The Lutheran Church at Ebenezer was built in 1905 to replace the original church from 1859. Like the hedge that shelters it from the road, it’s in excellent condition.

You can find the Wendish Heritage Trail sign near the corner of Ebenezer and Research Roads in front of the old school building.

Wendish Pioneer Heritage Trail sign at Ebenezer on the Wendish Dutton loop ride. — Photo by Kathie Pitman

Now somewhat derelict, the old Ebenezer schoolhouse was used as a school between 1871 and 1917. Originally the students were taught in their Wendish language, then later in German until all German-speaking schools were closed by Government decree in 1917.

Peering into the old schoolhouse at Ebenezer - on the Wendish Dutton loop ride — The old Ebenezer schoolhouse – photo by Kerri Newell

Neukirch

A few kilometres away, you will find the next Wendish Heritage Trail sign in front of the Neukirch church. As with Ebenezer, the existing church replaces one built in 1859.

After Neukirch, you pass through some more vineyards,

Autumn vineyards near Neukirch – photo by Kerri Newell

and then the country is wide and open.

St Kitts

Continuing along the Wendish Dutton loop up towards St Kitts, you encounter some very pretty and interesting historic farmhouses and barns along the way.

Pausing in front of a historic cottage on the Wendish Dutton loop ride — Cottage built in 1860’s – Photo by Kathie Pitman

Historic barn in the St Kitts area – photo by Kerri Newell

The St Kitts Wendish site also includes two churches, two cemeteries and the former school site (with an interesting information board).

But for me, the most interesting thing about St Kitts, is the beautiful stone arch road bridge, built in 1868 and still in use today.

It’s easy to miss and without looking, you would have no idea it’s there beneath the road. Check out my marker in the map below. To see it, walk down through the grass and bushes on the left hand side of the road.

After the bridge, there’s a short climb and then a wonderful four-kilometre roll down to Dutton.

Dutton

Once in Dutton, you join the Lavender Cycling Trail, which you follow for eleven kilometres until you turn off onto Kupkes Road, south of Truro.

Established in 1866, Dutton has many historic buildings.

The Lutheran church complex is the highlight with a school (in use from 1876 to 1917), a teacher’s residence (built 1876), an unusual double-bell tower made with gum tree posts (1891), a church (1871) and a historic cemetery.

Teacher’s residence and bell tower in the Lutheran church complex – photo by Kathie Pitman

Over the road, you can see the former blacksmith, which was in operation between 1875 and the 1940’s.

As you cycle along the Dutton Mail Road towards Truro, you come upon another abandoned farm complex. The earliest cottage on this site was built in the 1850’s.

The right side of this cottage was built in the 1850’s

At Truro, you have your first opportunity to buy refreshments at the Sunrise Bakery Truro or Pie Face at the petrol station.

Truro to Stockwell

Continuing on the Wendish Dutton Loop, there are some very enjoyable dirt roads between Truro and Stockwell.

Some great dirt tracks between Truo and Stockwell on the Wendish Dutton loop — Dirt roads between Truro and Stockwell

However, if you encounter them in muddy condition, use Miller and Duck Ponds Roads for a good alternative gravel route.

You finish with a well-earned two-kilometre roll down to Stockwell.

Rolling down into Stockwell on the Wendish Dutton loop - photo by Kerri Newell — Photo by Kerri Newell

If you finish your ride in time for lunch or dinner, a wonderful meal awaits you at the Stockwell Hotel (open Wednesday to Sunday). Please check their website for restaurant hours and be sure to book.

Summary of the Wendish Trail and Dutton Loop

Length: 46 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate (total climb of 397 metres. If you do the loop clockwise, the only significant climb is out of Truro.
Suitable for: gravel or mountain bikes
Surface: Mostly gravel, some bitumen near the towns of Stockwell, Dutton and Truro, some dirt between Truro and Stockwell.
Signage: No signage. Download the map below.
Best Times: In cooler weather as not much shade. Also, the roads between Truro and Stockwell may be muddy after rain. If you do encounter mud, Miller and Duck Ponds Road make a good gravel alternative.
Coffee and Food: Bring our own for most of the ride, but coffee and food is available in Truro. For lunch or dinner, the Stockwell Hotel is open between Wednesday and Sunday, but booking is essential.

Map of the Wendish Dutton Loop

If you are staying in the area, why not think about doing some more of the Lavender Cycling Trail, such as Eudunda to Truro or Truro to Eden Valley?

Alternatively, you might like to try this Barossa Backroads loop. Another enjoyable ride which incorporates a different Wendish Heritage site is the Peters Hill Trail.