Planning to ride the Otago Rail Trail and not sure which direction is best – Clyde to Middlemarch or Middlemarch to Clyde? Good news: there’s no wrong choice. But each direction does offer a slightly different experience. Here’s a friendly breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide which way to ride.
Starting in Clyde and riding to Middlemarch (West to East)
Pros:
- Gentle downhill most of the way: The trail is pretty flat, but there’s a slight overall descent from Clyde to Middlemarch – just enough to make the ride feel a bit easier.
- More likely to get tailwinds: Central Otago often gets winds from the west, which means if you’re heading east, the wind might be at your back (always a bonus on a bike).
- Great start with food and wine: Clyde has a charming and historic little town center with cafes, boutique shops, and places to grab supplies or a pre-ride coffee.
- Winery visits: If you’ve arrived into Clyde the day before then you can visit some of the local winery’s. Monte Christo is one that is very close to the township with good opening hours.
- Easier to finish near Dunedin: Middlemarch is closer to Dunedin, so it’s convenient if you’re heading that way afterwards and especially if you’re wanting to ride the Taieri Gorge train.
Cons:
- Scenery fades out a little: The landscapes are still beautiful, but the last stretch into Middlemarch is flatter and more open, a bit less dramatic than earlier in the ride. However the Rock and Pillar ranges on your right were used extensively in the filming of the Hobbit.
- Hot and dry near the end: In summer, the eastern end can get pretty warm and exposed, so pack sun protection and plenty of water.
- Fewer amenities at the finish: Middlemarch is quieter than Clyde, with fewer places to eat or stay.
Starting in Middlemarch and riding to Clyde (East to West)
Pros:
- Save the best views for last: Heading west means you’ll finish with some of the most scenic parts of the trail, think tunnels, bridges, the stunning Poolburn Gorge, and riding “down” the Chatto Creek incline which is commonly referred to as “Tiger hill”
- Nicer afternoon light: If you’re riding in the afternoons, the sun behind you makes for great photo conditions as you get into the more rugged landscapes.
- Good connection from Dunedin: Starting in Middlemarch can make sense if you’re coming from Dunedin — especially with some tour packages or shuttles starting there.
Cons:
- Slight uphill overall: It’s still an easy gradient, but heading west means you’re gradually climbing for most of the way.
- Can be more difficult to get accommodation: Hyde is your natural first night and there is a very limited supply in Hyde itself (though that is changing). Basically this means if you want to ride in this direction then make plans with us early.
- More chance of headwinds: Since westerly winds are common, you might be pedaling into the breeze for much of the ride.
- Quieter start: Middlemarch has fewer shops and cafés, so you might want to stock up on supplies before you get there if there are particular things you’ll need. Our gear list will help you arrive with the essentials… if you follow it.
So, which way should you go?
If you’re looking for an easier ride with better odds for tailwinds and a convenient finish near Dunedin, then Clyde to Middlemarch is usually the way to go especially for first-time trail riders.
But if you’d rather build up to the most scenic parts and don’t mind a gentle climb, starting in Middlemarch and finishing in Clyde could be more rewarding.
Either way, the Otago Rail Trail offers an unforgettable ride through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. You really can’t go wrong and many return to ride the trail in the other direction because the experience is great and the view really is different when riding from the other direction.