The Cairnmuir Track

The Cairnmuir Track is a marked tramping and cycle track that runs from Clyde to Bannockburn following the Cairnmuir Range. The route was used in the 1800’s prior to the development of the Cromwell gorge road.

The full route of 25.5 km is for a fit expert with a lot of grunt for the climbs and some hairy descents. For the most part the track follows 4wd tracks so is bikeable however you need to be prepared for punctures as part of the track is lined with spear grass and Matagouri.

A good walking guide and maps with mountain bike options showing this trip can be obtained from the Cromwell Information Centre.

Starting from the Bannockburn end turn left immediately after crossing the Bridge over Lake Dunstan on the Bannockburn road. Continue along the Cairnmuir road past the Motor camp and Bannockburn Heights vineyard to a DOC sign marking the start of the track.

The track winds steeply uphill on a well formed 4wd track through tussock land. After climbing a ridge descend to a small saddle. The main track continues down into the Cromwell gorge. You will go through a gate and continue up the main ridge on a less well maintained 4wd track, there are markers to guide you. This is arid country with the ground covered with wild thyme and higher up short cushion plants that don’t mind the conditions.

Continue up the to just before the track turns left and makes a small descent. You will be at 622m with views of Cromwell, Bannockburn, the Pisa range, Dunstan mountains and Lake Dunstan. For those deciding not to go on this is a good place to catch your breath before returning the way you came and maybe take in a vineyard when you get down for food and refreshment. All the way down the views are spectacular.

This next stage will give you a longer trip and will take you to the derelict Boundary Hut that is believed to date back to 1860. You are back into climbing mode again still on a 4wd track Round a small knoll climb over a spur and descend to a junction with another 4wd track. This track climbs back up to the ridge line where two gates mark a sheep holding pen, climb further up a gully to another junction and take the left gate this will take you through pasture to the Hut.(844m)

Again return the same way if you don’t want to carry on. If you continue this traverse you will reach a height of 1250m so you should be very sure of yourself and the conditions have plenty of water and food and suitable clothing. You can be almost certain to be walking for some of this stage. You will continue to find the DOC markers but these can be hard to spot in low cloud.

Return up the hill from Boundary Hut and continue on another long steady climb, however take heart it is the last of these big climbs. Just below the summit of Mt Jackson the track crosses the basin between Mt Jackson and Cairnmuir Hill and takes a sharp right hand turn then continues on up to a stile. You can go through the fence at the right hand turn if you want to and walk up to the summit of Cairnmuir Hill.

From the stile follow the fence line along the Fish and Jackson Creeks marking the boundary between Cairnmuir Station and Earnscleugh Station. A short climb then a stile leads to a 4wd track which follows the hilltops where you will get good views of the Obelisk Range (Old Man Range) and Fraser Dam. A steep descent takes you to Sheehey Lake track then another gate and onto the Hawksburn Road and down to Clyde.

Return via SH8 the main Cromwell Clyde Highway or for those with a lover for more punishment the Hawksburn Road.