Ride the Amy Gillett Bikeway
Linking Oakbank and Mount Torrens, the Amy Gillett Bikeway offers a delightful ride – or stroll – through the picturesque Adelaide Hills.
The trail was named in memory of Australian road cyclist, Amy Gillett, who was tragically killed by a motorist while training in Germany with the Australian women’s cycling team.
It’s a 17km, shared-use bitumen pathway on an old railway alignment, so all the major ups and downs were ironed out long ago – trains aren’t good at climbing hills. There’s a long, gradual climb on the last section to Mt Torrens, but nothing that will get a rider out of their seat.
Most of the trip follows Onkaparinga Valley Road, with a couple of minor deviations.
Although the southern end of the pathway starts about 900m north-east of Oakbank, the parking area is a further 400m along on Gillman Road, near the junction with Onkaparinga Valley Road.
The northern end of the track officially starts/finishes at Oval Road near Mount Torrens. From here, it’s an 800m walk or ride via a gravel and bitumen road to the centre of the town – downhill heading east and a steepish climb heading west.
See our video of the ride from Oakbank to Mt Torrens.
Attractions
The scenic ride among vineyards, native woodland and farms is the main attraction. There are lots of birds, the odd cow and plenty of superb views.
Specific features include:
- Woody Trails BMX Track – kids will want a crack at the jumps and dips of this extensive BMX park on the edge of Woodside.
- Barristers Block Premium Wines – right on the trail, just north of Woodside, it’s an ideal spot for a grazing platter or lunch.
- Melba’s Chocolates – chocolaty treats at the end of a 500m- detour, via Charles and Henry Streets, north of Woodside town centre.
- Woodside Cheese Wrights – cheeses of the world, right next to Melba’s.
- Lobethal Road Wines – enjoy lunch among the vines.
Facilities
There are bike self-repair stations with tools and pumps at the Gillman Road parking area and at the Woody Trails BMX Track.
You’ll find shops, cafes, pubs and toilets at Oakbank and Woodside, a pub and toilets at Charleston, and a pub, general store and toilets at Mt Torrens.
If you’re looking for a bike shop, visit Bicycle Fix at Woodside.
Bikes can be booked from Bike About and collected at their Woodside Providore agency in Woodside.
Tips
- Apply and carry sunscreen – you might be out and about for a few hours.
- Take care at the several road crossings en route.
- Regular signs indicate the distance and approximate time to the next town.
The bike used for our trip
- NCM Milano Plus.
- 48V battery (with a USB port) – up to 150kms range.
- Eight-speed with six pedal-assist modes.
- Available in black or white.
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