Barnicoat Walkway

• Nelson
• Walks & Hikes

---

The Barnicoat Ranges form the impressive backdrop behind Stoke and Richmond, rising steeply to more than 500m elevation for most of its length.

Popular with walkers, trail-runners, mountain-bikers and paragliders, the Barnicoat walkway climbs steeply underneath the shady canopy of pine forest, offering exceptional views out over the Marsden and Ngawhatu Valleys, Tasman Bay and beyond.

The trail begins at the end of Marsden Valley Road, testing your calves shortly after you cross Poormans Stream with a steady ascent up Glider Road. Glider Road links up with a fire break, before continuing up the spur to the top of the Barnicoat Range. At the second skid site, you’ll discover just how the road received its name, as thrill-seeking paragliders take to the skies, gaining altitude from the upward currents of thermal air. From here, you can loop back down to Marsden Valley, or continue along the range to Richmond Hill and Easby Park (approx 4-5 hours).

How to get there: The Barnicoat walkway can be found at the end of Marsden Valley Road in Stoke. There is a small carpark on the right-hand side of the road at the entrance to the trail.

Photo credits: Giselle Purcelle.