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Werrilup Loop - Stidwell Bridle Trail

Werrilup Hill. Hill Climb. Stidwell Bridle Trail 28 +6 Gallery
Trail difficulty

Long undulating hill climbs that vary from 2 degrees (3.4%) up to 8 degrees (10.75%). There are multiple short sections of trail, ranging from 60m-200m in length which are much steeper, including slopes up to 13.5 degrees (23%) that exceed the rating for Moderate classification, but are not typical of the trail gradient and may be challenging for unfit horses.

Occasional natural obstacles such as rocks and overhanging trees that affect ceiling clearance. There are multiple gates and cavaletti step-overs to address unauthorised trail activity. Persistent illegal trail activity by motorbikes impacts multiple sections of the Werrilup Loop, near the summit as well as at the lower sections.

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. 

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.

  • Length 8.7km
  • 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 Werrilup Loop is classified as MODERATE - an intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness is 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.

Formed trail on natural surfaces that includes sections of sand, deep sand, rocky ground, limestone and gravel. Steep sections of trail are prone to wash-outs and erosion and can have exposed roots and rocks, affecting the quality and stability of tread. Occasional natural obstacles such as rocks and overhanging trees can affect ceiling clearance and there are multiple gates and cavaletti step-overs to address unauthorised trail activity. 

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

8.7km

Elevation

Undulating hill climbs

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

What’s the weather like?

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. 

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.

Additional information

Long undulating hill climbs that vary from 2 degrees (3.4%) up to 8 degrees (10.75%). There are multiple short sections of trail, ranging from 60m-200m in length which are much steeper, including slopes up to 13.5 degrees (23%) that exceed the rating for Moderate classification, but are not typical of the trail gradient and may be challenging for unfit horses.

Occasional natural obstacles such as rocks and overhanging trees that affect ceiling clearance. There are multiple gates and cavaletti step-overs to address unauthorised trail activity. Persistent illegal trail activity by motorbikes impacts multiple sections of the Werrilup Loop, near the summit as well as at the lower sections.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Steep sections of trail are prone to wash-outs and erosion and can have exposed roots and rocks, affecting the quality and stability of tread.

Occasional natural obstacles such as rocks and overhanging trees can affect ceiling clearance along the trail.

There are multiple gates and cavaletti step-overs to control access and prevent unauthorised vehicle activity. Persistent illegal trail activity by motorbikes impacts multiple sections of the Werrilup Loop, near the summit as well as at the lower sections and motorbikes may frighten horses.

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, 12:48am

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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