The Belmont Regional Park is a runner’s smorgasbord with so many options for long day missions to short and medium runs that cater to a varied audience of runners. This particular trail was once a very rough diamond which has now been groomed into the perfect gradient that anyone can enjoy.
Route Details
- Distance: Roughly about 10km with options to go longer and extend to Belmont Trig
- Elevation: 420 metres up and the same down
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult if you are not used to some uphill and downhill running on undulating terrain
- Estimated time: 80 minutes at faster pace, 90+ minutes at easy pace
Start Point
You start and finish this run at the Stratton Street entrance of the Belmont Regional Park near the historic Woolshed.
Directions
From the entrance to the Park at Stratton Street go towards the Woolshed. You’ll see a marked sign for the Four Degrees Trail which is a well-groomed single trail. Follow this trail as it meanders its way up for about 3km all the way until you reach the top of Old Coach Road. This part is simply lovely through bush with some views across the valley as you come through to the tops.
You’ll come to an intersection where you take a sharp left and enter open ground and run along the grassy top towards the Belmont magazines. This part is very exposed and open so on a windy day you’ll have to keep your wits about you.
Continue along the undulating tops and you’ll come to a sign that directs you to Round Knob and Puke Ariki. Look for orange sign posts that mark the trail. You’ll take a sharp left and climb a steep hill and then will be continuing up and down along the ridgeline until you reach Round Knob.
The next climb will take you to Cannons Head where you take the right hand trail and go all the way down back to where you started. This bit is very steep so be careful as it can be slippery in some places.
Good to Know
- Old Coach Road is the original route between Normandale and Pauatahanui — you’re running on history
- The tops are exposed — bring a wind layer on blustery days
- This run can be further extended towards Belmont Trig for those who want a longer route