Riesling Trail and Cycling
The Riesling Trail is a former railway line, almost level, running from Auburn to Clare and beyond. It’s about 33 to 35 km end to end, and it’s a gentle ride for almost anyone. Bikes can be hired in Clare from Riesling Trail Bike Hire, Clare Valley Cycle Hire or Scoot the Valley, and in Auburn from Cogwebs.
Moderate: The Full-Day Ride
Who it suits: Riders comfortable with three or four hours in the saddle with some breaks.
Why we love this option: you ride out to the furthest point and then crawl home. The more tired you become, the closer to home. We tried this option many times. There are a couple of route options and the whole adventure feels amazing.
Time: A full day, about 5 to 7 hours with stops.
Distance: Clare to O’Leary Walker is about 17 km on the trail.
Outbound: Clare to O’Leary Walker on the Riesling Trail (about 17 km, roughly 1 to 1.25 hours riding depending on bikes and your fitness levels)
- Sevenhill Cellars, 8 km from Clare, for a morning tasting or platter.
- Lunch at O’Leary Walker, with views over the Watervale vineyards.
Return Option A: Riesling Trail back to Clare (about 17 km, roughly 1 to 1.25 hours riding)
This is a lovely safe ride sticking to the trail. Slight uphill to highest point in Penwortham and then downhill to Clare from there. The whole trundle is gorgeous and you can take your sweet time to enjoy the views, the sounds, and the towns you cross.
- Watervale: Solly’s Shed, a gallery and pottery workshop, is just off the trail (check opening hours or contact them direct)
- Uppside restaurant in Penwortham – frequently changed European style menu, local food, dog and family friendly.
- Sevenhill Cellars, on the trail.
- Time Adams Wines just southern edge of Clare
- Finish at Mr Mick, which is a short ride from the Cottage.
Return Option B: Upper Skilly via Hughes Park Road (dirt sections, very little traffic)
We love this route as it showcases the most beautiful roads in the region. There is a bit of dirt to ride on, but it is generally safe and easy route. Although in summer it can get dusty with occasionally passing vehicles. This route is a lot hillier than Riesling trail, but hills are medium difficulty and not very long. Highly recommend to consider this option, it is rather stunning. Overall distance is very similar to Option A. Keep in mind, to get back to the cottage, you will need to cross to the Riesling Trail near the showgrounds.
- Mitchell Wines on Hughes Park Rd –
- Jeanneret Wines for pizza and tapas – very steep incline/decline that may be challenging for some riders. Short enough to push the bike up the hill.
- Sawmill Gin, for an afternoon tasting – if you are coming from Jeanerret wines, half way up the hill you can turn left for a shortcut to Sawmill Gin (dry weather only).
- Skillogalee, for lunch in the barrel hall – they have recently won the best Cellar Door in the region, so highly recommend to visit.
- Check our the Heritage Garden along the route on Gillentown Road – there is a small admission fee (cash only) to visit, but very worth it.
Option A is the simpler choice. Option B is the more memorable one.
Easy: Clare to Sevenhill and Back
Who it suits: Beginners, families and anyone on a hybrid bike.
Time: About 1 to 1.5 hours riding, plus stops.
Stops:
- A tasting at Sevenhill Cellars
- Lunch at Sevenhill Hotel.
- On the way back you can either go on Riesling Trail, or Gillentown road – makes a nice loop along gum tree lined road (this option may not be ideal if you have very inexperienced riders as it goes along the road, very few cars though). If you are taking this option, however, consider stopping at the Heritage Garden (small cash only admission fee required) – it is an award winning garden with a labyrinth, rose garden, amazing sculptures and some extraordinary old trees.
If you are not sure where to start, feel free to reach out – we are always happy to help our guests find the best adventures in the Clare Valley.
