The Buckland Valley
Porepunkah, Distance: 26km return
Region: Regional Victoria
Written up by: U3A Yarra City OYB
Last ridden: 24 April 2018
Cafes | Terrain | Getting There and Back |Ride Details | Variations | Maps
Spring in the valley
“The Buckland Valley ride evokes images of early European settlement, but thoughts quickly turn to the many thousands of years of Aboriginal custodianship.”
Overview
This is a scenic ride with the cliffs of Mt Buffalo rearing on one side and verdant farmland on the other.
The ride is a return ride from Porepunkah up the Buckland Valley to the Buckland Bridge.
It wanders up the valley, giving one the opportunity to admire various trees, apple orchards, vineyards and eventually a dairy farm.
The route is undulating, giving plenty of time to stop to catch your breath while feasting your eyes on the surrounding nature. Eventually after travelling nearly 13km from Porepunkah, the Buckland Bridge is reached where a picturesque picnic ground and tables provide an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
Cafes
There are cafes in Porepunkah.
Terrain
The ride is along a quiet road. It is undulating upwards on the way out, and down on the way back.
Getting There and Back
There is no public transport for bikes to Porepunkah. So either bikes need to be transported by car, or you can catch the train to Wangaratta and one of the bike transport companies will take you to the start of the ride and pick you up at the end of the ride.
Alternatively you can drive, or catch public transport to Bright or Porepunkah and hire a bike, then ride to the start of the ride.
The Buckland River
Ride Details
- Start the ride behind the Porepunkah Pub on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
- Head west keeping the Ovens River on your left.
- Just before passing under the Great Alpine Rd take a path to your right.
- Turn left onto Nicholson St.
- Turn left onto the Great Alpine Road and cross the river. (You may prefer to wheel your bike on the side concrete verge.)
- At the roundabout you take the 2nd exit straight ahead. (You may prefer to walk across the centre of the roundabout.)
- You are now on the Buckland Valley Rd.
- Continue for 12.4km until you find the river crossing and picnic area.
Variations
This ride is a side trip of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. It is also possible to ride further up the Buckland Valley Rd., although the road becomes a gravel surface shortly after crossing the Buckland Bridge. However, those that do continue on will be rewarded by the discovery of an ancient cemetery dating back to the late 19th century.
Maps
Google:
- Please click on box with arrow at top left corner to see the map legend.
- Please click on box at top right corner to see the map in Google Maps. You must be logged into Google Maps to do this.
