A handy link between Alexandra, Clyde and Bannockburn, this farm and gravel route is a favourite way into the back of Bannockburn and through to Nevis Road, which saves you the gorge traffic. Plenty of drivers carry on through Carrick town and up to Duffers Saddle, where you can drop into the Nevis or loop back round to Bannockburn.

The surface mixes seal, gravel and alpine rock as it climbs high into open country, with views over the hills towards Clyde and Cromwell that stretch as far as you can see. Near the top, park by a pylon and walk a short single track to a good lookout back towards Alexandra.

There's a big climb at the start and a few steep descents, so go easy on your brakes and transmission. Low-range comes in handy on the steeper slopes, but otherwise it's an easy drive most 4WDs will manage. Several gates to open and close along the way, so it pays to bring a mate. Best kept to dry weather, since some sections turn to an ice rink after rain.