This route is under evaluation as a possible marked cycle tourist trail. The 359 km ride runs from Armidale in the high Northern Tablelands, through the historic small towns of Uralla and Walcha, then descends via the Cockburn and Peel valleys to Kootingal and Nundle. From there it crosses the hills via Wallabadah to Quirindi and Werris Creek on the edge of the Liverpool Plains before circling north again to finish in Tamworth. I have divided it into 7 stages, but fit, experienced cyclist tourists would be able to do the route in less than a week.
There are both indoor accommodation and camping options at the end of each stage, as well at some intermediate points, allowing for flexibility. There is also a wide variety of points of interest along the way. Most of the roads are quiet to very quiet. More than half of the route is paved, but there is some gravel, the condition of which varies with the weather and how recently it has been graded. Main sections to beware of traffic are: 25 km from Walcha to Woolbrook along the Oxley Highway on stage 4, and 6 km of the New England Highway on stage 6.
It is possible to ride all year round but the high areas around Armidale can be very cold in winter, particularly in July. High temperatures may make summer riding unpleasant down around Tamworth. The recommended times of year for this ride are spring (August to November) when the flowers are out, or from March to May; autumn colours are at their peak in late April. There are extended distances without shops, cafes or drinking water, so be prepared.
Stage 1 Armidale to Uralla 35 km, 330 m ascent, all paved
Stage 2. Uralla to Walcha 62 km 630 m ascent, 37 km gravel
Stage 3. Walcha to Kootingal 69 km, 320 m ascent, 30 km gravel
Stage 4. Kootingal to Dungowan 31 km, 170 m ascent, mostly paved but with an adventurous dry weather short-cut (Condons rd).
Stage 5. Dungowan to Nundle 36 km, 229 m ascent, 23 km gravel. Optional side trip up to Hanging Rock Lookout is fun and challenging.
Stage 6. Nundle to Wallabadah or Quirindi 41 km or 56 km, 430 m ascent, Old Wallabadah Rd has approx 18 km of gravel.
Stage 7. Quirindi to Tamworth 65 km, >500 m ascent, approx. 15 km gravel and mud (dry weather route). We recommend finishing the ride at Werris Creek as the road from here to Duri is narrow with significant traffic.
Return to Armidale from Tamworth or Werris Creek by train; bikes need to be packed in pre-ordered box
