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Sandpatch Loop - Stidwell Bridle Trail

Sandpatch Loop Allmore Drive. Stidwell Bridle Trail 4 +3 Gallery
Trail difficulty

Regular route markers and warning signs of approaching road intersections or hazards. There are some sections with restricted line of sight where the trail intersects with roadways, including a crossing over Princess Avenue (80km/hr speed limit).

The section of trail along Princess Avenue is elevated above the adjoining road level, with steep drop-offs on one side, and private property fencing on the other side which can be hazardous for nervous or inexperienced horses and riders.

Gently undulating terrain, typically under 5 degrees (8.75%) slope, but with multiple short steep sections that range from 6 degrees (10.5%) up to 10 degrees (17.6%).

Formed trail on natural surfaces which is mostly sandy terrain but includes sections on limestone or gravel with varying levels of surface maintenance. Steeper sections of track can be damaged by erosion, with exposed roots and rocks presenting as tripping hazards in some conditions. Width is typically 1200mm or more.

Trail difficulty

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Trail difficulty

Moderate trail with short, steep hills and variable surface. Occasional obstacles such as rocks, logs and shallow ford crossing may be present. There may be obstacles that require dismounting. Directional signage is provided. Recommended for riders with an intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness. A horse with some trail experience and training is recommended. 

  • Length 13km
  • Est. time 1-3 hours
  • Dog friendly
  • Circuit / loop
Today

14°C

23°

10°

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Read more about this trail

The Stidwell Bridle Trails consist of three clearly signposted loops that start at the Albany Equestrian Centre and travel through parts of Robinson Estate. They are designated bridle trails along quiet bush tracks and over sand hills covered with coastal heath. Marked sections of the Stidwell Bridle Trails are inaccessible to recreational motorbikes and 4WD’s, ensuring safety for non-vehicle users of the Trail.

The Sandpatch Loop is classified as MODERATE - Intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness required. A horse with some trail experience and training is recommended. The steep sections of trail and the sandy terrain may be challenging for unfit horses.

Maintained with minimal obstacles, there are currently multiple gates and cavaletti step-overs, each with mounting blocks alongside. 

This trail is part of the following destinations:

Visit Albany

Albany is a world-class hiker's paradise - with its stunning coastline, pristine nature reserves and proximity to one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. 


There truly is something...

Friends of the Stidwell Bridle Trail Albany

Albany Visitor Centre

(08) 6820 3700

Other Links

Be trail ready

Float and vehicle parking is available at the trailhead.

It is recommended to take drinking water for riders. Water is available at the Albany Equestrian Centre and at the picnic shelter at the summit of Werrilup Hill.

Because of the risk of accident and injury that could occur if dogs and horses physically interact (ie. dogs barking, chasing or lunging at horses; or horses striking out at dogs), dogs must be kept on a lead at all times within the vicinity of the Bridle Trail.

Time / Duration

Depending on pace, up to 2 hrs

Length

13km

Elevation

Undulating trail over varied terrain.

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

420km from Perth, the trail head is located at the Albany Equestrian Centre, on Roberts Road in Robinson.

Trail Start

Albany Equestrian Centre, Roberts Road, Robinson

Get directions

Trail End

When to go

August through to May. Wildflowers are evident along the bushland sections in early spring through to Summer (Sept-Dec)

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Horse

Moderate

Moderate trail with short, steep hills and variable surface. Occasional obstacles such as rocks, logs and shallow ford crossing may be present. There may be obstacles that require dismounting. Directional signage is provided. Recommended for riders with an intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness. A horse with some trail experience and training is recommended. 

Additional information

Regular route markers and warning signs of approaching road intersections or hazards. There are some sections with restricted line of sight where the trail intersects with roadways, including a crossing over Princess Avenue (80km/hr speed limit).

The section of trail along Princess Avenue is elevated above the adjoining road level, with steep drop-offs on one side, and private property fencing on the other side which can be hazardous for nervous or inexperienced horses and riders.

Gently undulating terrain, typically under 5 degrees (8.75%) slope, but with multiple short steep sections that range from 6 degrees (10.5%) up to 10 degrees (17.6%).

Formed trail on natural surfaces which is mostly sandy terrain but includes sections on limestone or gravel with varying levels of surface maintenance. Steeper sections of track can be damaged by erosion, with exposed roots and rocks presenting as tripping hazards in some conditions. Width is typically 1200mm or more.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Steeper sections of track can be damaged by erosion, with exposed roots and rocks presenting as tripping hazards in some conditions.

Trail goes past some Public Bore heads/pumps which are fenced but can be noisy. Stirrup clearance is min. 1500mm wide, although the swing gate that allows access to/from to the back of the Albany Equestrian Centre is narrower than this (mounting blocks on both sides of gate to facilitate dismounting if required).

The section of trail along Princess Avenue is elevated above the adjoining road level, with steep drop-offs on one side, and private property fencing on the other side.

Long grass can conceal trip hazards (uneven ground, rabbit diggings) as well as snakes, particularly in late spring and summer.

Prohibited items

No motorbikes or vehicles

Safety

Riders are encouraged to ride in small groups (safety in numbers), to tell other people of their plans, including their planned route, estimated arrival time and contingency plans in case of late arrival.

Trail users are encouraged to use other technology such as tracking apps and First Responder Apps to allow friends/family to track their location and for emergency services to be able to locate them in the case of an emergency. 

Pedestrians and cyclists sharing the trail are encouraged to call out and alert horse riders of their presence and then yield to horses when requested by riders.

Pedestrians and vehicles shall pass horses "slow and wide" reducing risk of accident or injury if horses 'shy' or react suddenly.

Facilities

Albany Equestrian Centre is the trail head for the Stidwell Bridle Trail. The AEC has allocated float and vehicle parking, horse yards, horse water, hose down bay, manure pits, mounting blocks and roundyard for use by equestrians. Overnight camping to be arranged directly with AEC.

The Albany Equestrian Centre has limited wheelchair access. The clubrooms (where toilets are situated) have an accessible ramp from the gravel carpark. There are no designated disabled toilets.

Trail Accessibility

  • Car Park
  • Water Access Points
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping
  • Shaded Area
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Apr 11, 12:33am

14°C

Feels like 14°C

Max 23°

Min 10°

Precipitation: 0%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 2.61km/h E

8-day forecast

Sat

23°

10°

Sun

28°

11°

Mon

24°

15°

Tue

20°

16°

Wed

24°

15°

Thu

20°

16°

Fri

24°

16°

Sat

23°

16°

Weather data provided by:

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