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Roxburgh Gorge - Alexandra to Butchers Point  |
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The ride down the river from Alexandra is a complete contrast to the ride up the river to Clyde. Here a steep rocky gorge, with no other access than the old bridle path, winds down beside what are now the upper reaches of Lake Roxburgh. This is a rugged, lonely landscape that has an ethereal beauty that envelops the visitor in its own world. Here and there relics of the past may be seen but otherwise you are on your own!
The walking track goes for 10km down to Doctors Point but is not suitable for bikes after Butchers Point. This 4km (8km return) intermediate grade ride starts easy but the further you go the tougher it gets!
Start the track at Graveyard Gully, reached via Little Valley Road off Tarbert Street in Alexandra township. Here an old cemetery with stone walls commemorates early settlers and gold seekers who died in the area. Follow the marked track past the interpretation board around the back of the orchard overlooking the town and head down into the gorge. There is quite a current and the ‘lake’ through this gorge is simply spectacular.
This Central Otago cycle trail can be very cold in winter and very hot and dry in summer. There are gold mining remnants and ‘Leaky Lodge Hotel’ at Butchers Point to explore around before returning the way you came. This is a single track, with soft sandy areas and rocky sections. |
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