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No 31, December 2003
Editor: Catherine Stuart
Production: Keith Griffin
The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common views shared by a majority of Bike North members, or Bike North policy as formulated by the Bike North Executive Committee.
Have you cycled the Prospect Loop?
Not many months ago a few extra kilometres of cycleway was opened around Prospect Dam.
This cycleway was eagerly awaited by many Sydney cyclists, with regular excursions to the 'gate' which prevented further discovery. Expeditions were made through unpleasantly busy industrial areas to get around this blockage and explore further territory. But eventually word was out that the gate was unlocked and everyone can now enjoy around 50km of off-road sealed cycleway, mostly of excellent quality. The Prospect Loop connects Guildford and Canley Vale on the Parramatta-Liverpool Rail Trail with the picnic areas of Prospect Dam to the north and Abbotsbury, the site of the Olympic Games Mountain Bike events, to the south.
To ride the Prospect Loop you first need to find the Parramatta-Liverpool Rail Trail. If you can find your way to Olympic Park then check out the last Chain Mail (October 03) which tells you everything you need to know about using the new M4 Cycleway to cycle between Olympic Park and the Rail Trail. Alternatively you can always take the train to Guildford Railway Station and start directly at the Rail Trail on the eastern side of the station.
GUILFORD TO PROSPECT DAM
The Loop itself starts from the Pipeline bridge overpass of the railway line just south of the Guildford Station. Don't cycle south on the Rail Trail, instead cross the road and follow the cycleway along Trenton Road which parallels the pipeline. The first few kilometres are pleasant but not stunning as you cycle along widened footpaths, through land easements and cross quiet roads.
Cycling gets decidedly better once you reach Pipehead. Here the cycleway deviates from the Water Supply Pipeline and follows the old disused canal from Prospect Dam. The cycleway runs on top of this canal with periodic dives down and under all the busy roads. There is not one road crossing from Pipehead to and beyond Prospect Dam, and cycling on a smooth, wide, well cambered cycleway is quite a treat. The old Boothtown aqueduct provides an interesting diversion but do watch out for the bollards on the approach. The Prospect loop follows a ridgeline with sweeping views of the area. Eventually the backdrop of housing disappears as you enter the bushland and quarry surrounding Prospect Dam and you can look down on yet another cycleway snaking along in the valley below and see the connection developing. The beginnings of a real network of cycleways!
Cowpasture overbridge
Prospect Dam picnic grounds provides conveniences and water but you do need to BYO food. A short detour up the entry gives you a view over the dam itself. To leave the picnic area, follow the road and car park to the continuation of the cycleway around Prospect Dam. After a short sharp hill you cross your first public road for many kilometres at Chandos Rd.
PROSPECT DAM TO ABBOTSBURY
view back along cycleway
From the Dam you follow another water supply channel but now the terrain and character of the surrounding land have changed. The rolling hills unfold a truly delightful experience of old tumbletown cottages, abandoned trucks, small farm dams and animals. After the signalised bike light crossing at The Horsley Drive, the little hills become even more persistent as you ride through the Western Sydney Regional Park and past sections of the Equestrian Centre, Cross Country Course. Eventually you crest a hill to see the town of Abbotsbury beneath you and one more major downhill run and sharp hill to tackle. After this you enter suburbia again to the sounds of sheep at Fairfield City Farm. Follow the well marked cycleroute to the IGA supermarket, a newly emerging coffee/lunch spot for Bike North rides.
ABBOTSBURY TO GUILDFORD
From Abbotsbury the terrain changes remarkedly again as the cycleway follows the Orphan School Creek. The amble through Stockdale Crescent Reserve, after leaving the IGA, can be hazardous in magpie season but even more amazing is the monstrously large overpass that has been built over Cowpasture Road. Some engineer had a wonderful time designing that bridge, but it is a shame they included several hairpin bends rather than rounding the ramp like the Anzac Bridge.
The cycleway along Orphan School Creek is much older than other sections and this shows with some sections fairly narrow. The route winds along the creek, through many parks, over many roads, behind Fairfield Showground and eventually links into the Rail Trail at Canley Vale.. This is a flat and fairly open ride, but quite pleasant. The loop is completed along the Parramatta-Liverpool RailTrail back to Guildford. An interesting alternative is to do this ride in reverse. We suggest you chose your direction based on the prevailing winds. Its always better to come home with the wind behind!!
THE VERDICT
This is a delightful recreational ride which is very accessible from Bike North territory, the return journey from Meadowbank Wharf being around 75km. Shorter options are available by starting from one of the train stations along the Liverpool line.
Better still, the Western Sydney community has received a wonderful present in terms of community pathway access that offers continuous walking and cycling corridors for transport away from the busy, noisy roads. It will be interesting to see whether, over time, these pathways change the way we think about the physical and cultural linkages between Northern and Western Sydney.