There is a cue sheet for this route on Ride with GPS, including cues and distances that align with the descriptions below.

Today is a longer climbing journey with ample time to stop, enjoy and photograph the beautiful farming country, towns and villages on the way to Neville. There are some great views, including over Wyangala Dam and to Mount Canobolas, but there is a lot of climbing.

Riders start near the Post Office in Kendall Street, and ride towards Bathurst. After an easy roll down the hill, turn right into Fitzroy Street (0.5km) and ride around 400m then turn left into Broughton Street (0.9km) before crossing the railway line and heading in an easterly direction out of town on Darby’s Fall’s Road.  This is a lovely flat section of the ride with views to the south over the farming flats next to the Lachlan River.

Turn left onto Porter’s Mount Road (5.8km) and the road soon turns to gravel. This is a lovely gravel surface and riders soon climb gently up the hill and are rewarded with views back towards Cowra. There is a little left / right shimmy at Kangaroo Flat Road (9.1km) before riders continue north on Porter’s Mount Road and then turn right onto Woodlands Road (10.8km). This part of the ride is a personal favourite, where riders cruise down to the causeway, then climb the hill to reveal a stunning easterly view.

After a quick photo, riders roll down Woodlands Road to Pine Mount Road (13.6km) and then ride on sealed road through to Milburn Creek Road (21.5km) where the path ahead again turns to gravel. Ride on to Oliver Lane and turn left (26.2km), then right at Scrubby Brush Road (27.2), and right again at Reg Hailstone Way (28.6km).

There is a steep descent for 2 km at Reg Hailstone Way. After another 11 km turn left at Clements Road (33.9km). Do not go past the Wyangala Dam Reserve sign at this turn-off.

After a steep 2.5 km ascent there is a spectacular view back over Wyangala Dam. The road is now gravel for the next 7.5 km and continues to climb through beautiful eucalypt woodland. Veer left onto Quart Pot Road (44.5km) and left again after 4 km onto Garland Road (48.8km) where riders will come across a gravel road on right called Snake Creek Road (58.1km).

A note of caution: This is best crossed on a mountain bike. It’s a track though interesting eucalypt forest, and with a causeway (beware, you might get wet feet).  Experienced cyclists on gravel or hybrid bikes can traverse this section of road, albeit slowly. Riders not wishing to ride this part of the route can continue on to Lyndhurst, and then join the alternate route taking riders across to Mandurama.

For cyclists choosing Snake Creek Road, after 8 km there is a T intersection at Gallymont (a locality - not a village), where riders turn left (66.3km) and the gravel changes to bitumen. After 7 km you meet the road between Mandurama to Neville (72.8km) and turn right towards Neville. There is a steep 2 km ascent then undulating for the next 5 km into Neville.

Route distance is 83.2 kilometres (and 1,467m of climbing).

There are no public services at Neville, and limited accommodation. Best plan and book ahead of arrival.

Neville siding is a unique accommodation spot. The goods shed has 20 beds in 10 rooms. There is also the option of 16 beds of accommodation in four adjacent buildings. Your host will provide dinner to groups. Mid-week bookings suit Neville Siding as weekends are often booked out. This is the only accommodation site in Neville. This is an interesting experience staying in a railway station. Bring your own beverages.

Another accommodation option that will suit bikers who want to shorten the distance by 8 kms is a splendid farm stay at Hilton homestead. Hilton homestead is situated at the top of the steep 2 kms climb after turning onto the Neville Road. The turn-off is on the right, signposted “guesthouse”. It offers 4-star accommodation.

Disclaimer: This trail has been developed with the support of local cycling enthusiasts, The Treadlies to showcase some of our region’s most picturesque rides. Orange360 recommends that visiting cyclists review road, weather and seasonal farming conditions before they embark on their ride. Riders embark on their adventure at their own risk.