The Hawksburn Road

The Hawksburn Road runs between Clyde and Bannockburn skirting the Cairnmuir Range. Because it follows the pylon line it is sometimes locally known as the Pylon Road. It is well maintained up to the lookout but is more of a good 4wd route until you get to the last 5km when it becomes tar seal.

This would be an intermediate to expert route of around 25km with some very steep climbs. A good fitness level is required. You will be exposed to all conditions as the road is quite high up so be prepared.

From Clyde cross the old bridge over the Clutha River (from Alexandra ride along the 150th Anniversary Walk before joining the road just over the Bridge) and turn right after 1km to the posted “lookout”. The next 4km will be very gut busting steep up to the lookout. The views over the basin Basin are worth carrying a camera for as they are for the rest of the journey.

After the Lookout the road becomes less well maintained with quite rocky patches in places. You will ride on up to the Cairnmure Flats where it winds itself through ups and downs twist and turns keeping to the main road all the way until you reach a gradual descent on to the last stretch of tar seal then on to Bannockburn.

From the Bannockburn end pass through the township up Bannockburn Road to the Nevis Road this continues up to Duffers Saddle and the start of the Carricktown track, you will turn off onto Hawksburn Road at the Junction of Nevis and Bannockburn Rd.