The Whole Hog is undoubtedly an epic adventure that will challenge and reward those brave enough to endure its 54km!

 

Setting off from the picturesque Castle Hill Village, the course joins the Thomas River Track briefly before linking up with the Leith Hill Loop Track. Depending on the river levels, you may get wet feet within the first 200m! 

 

The Leith Hill Loop is a fairly steep and arduous climb, however the expansive views across the Castle Hill Basin more than make up for the effort! The descent meanders through stunning native beech forest along single track. After crossing the road at the Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge, the course once again crosses the Thomas River and begins climbing via a series of mountain bike trails towards the Hogs Back Track. After breaking the tree line, you will pass the iconic ‘lightning tree’ within a few hundred metres. From here, the course follows the undulating Hogs Back Track to Texas Flat Car Park. A shared mountain bike and walking track, this section is great fun and diverse in nature.

 

Upon arriving at Texas Flat, there will be an aid station to replenish your supplies before joining Mt Cheeseman Ski Field Road and eventually, the Cockayne Alley track. This technical downhill MTB track is steep and has exposed tree roots. It is a gruelling climb up through the dense bush but eventually you will break the canopy and head towards the gravel ski field road.

 

From the top of Cockayne Alley, the course follows a rugged poled route up towards Mt Cheeseman Ski Field Day Lodge, the highest point on the course. A buffet aid station including hydration, first aid and toilets is available here.

 

After departing the day lodge, the course follows the gravel ski field road for a few kilometres before joining the Cuckoo Creek downhill MTB track. Another technical piece of single track, be careful with your footing on the exposed tree roots.

 

Cuckoo Creek eventually links up with the Dracophyllum Flat Track at a T-junction. From here you I’ll be guided by a marshal towards Broken River Ski Field. Beware, for the next few kilometres, the track will have two-way traffic with runners in both directions. 

 

Once you reach Broken River Ski Field Road, you will encounter anothet aid station before a gradual downhill run along the gravel ski field road. Marshals will guide you on to the Luge track, which climbs gradually towards Lyndon Saddle before linking up with the Lyndon Saddle Track. There is a sharp right-hand turn when you reach the Craigieburn Edge track before joining Craigieburn Ski Field Road for a few kilometres to stretch out the legs!

 

Before reaching SH73, the course joins the Sidle 73 track which links up with Mistletoe Flat Campsite. From here, the course follows Broken River Skifield Road for a few kilometres until the start of the Hut Creek Track, which crosses the creek and climbs gradually through logged pine forest. 

 

Eventually linking up with the Bridge Hill Track, the course then descends past the alpine lodges back towards Broken River Ski Field Road. You will pass the aid station for a second time so remember to refuel for the return!

 

The course then descends along the Dracophyllum Flat Track, an undulating mountain bike track, towards Texas Flat. Shortly after crossing Tims Stream, the course veers left along an unmarked route which culminates in a punchy hill climb and some tactical line selection through the matagouri!

 

After navigating the tussock and matagouri, the course follows Mt Cheeseman Ski Field Road for a few kilometres until it reaches the road bridge across the Hogs Back Stream. This is the location of the final aid station and the start of an unmaintained section of the course. The route takes you through a riverbed via several creek crossings and up on to a grass terrace. It is important to follow the course marking carefully here to avoid deviating off course!

 

After dropping down into a gully, you are presented with one final gruelling climb. Often referred to as the ‘sting in the tail’, this 300m section involves almost 100m of elevation gain. There may even be a rope to help you up!

 

After reaching the top, the course then links up with the Hogs Back Track and a left-hand turn will begin your final descent towards Castle Hill Village. Only a few kilometres remain between you and the finish line so make sure you have some energy in the tank!

 

After reaching the Hogs Back car park, follow the pathway along Castle Hill Drive towards Trelissick Loop and bring it home by making your way towards the village green!

 

54km of epic trail goodness, congratulations!

 

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