For those looking to ride from the Alpine Valleys in Myrtleford, to the Beechworth wine region, we’ve provided a little snapshot of how it might look…
The day starts in Myrtleford — a town framed by river gums and the soft hum of the Ovens River. The first coffee of the morning is still warm in hand as the sun pushes over Mount Buffalo, painting the valley gold. Ahead lies the road (or the trail, depending on your mood): a steady, beautiful climb through the heart of Victoria’s alpine wine country.
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is the most popular way to go — about 30 kilometres of sealed path that gently trades the valley floor for the high-country edge. It’s a quieter ascent than the road, free from traffic, but don’t be fooled by the serenity — there’s work to be done. The elevation gain is around 450 metres, stretched over a patient gradient that rarely bites, but never quite lets you rest.
From Myrtleford, the first leg to Gapsted is a dream: smooth bitumen, vineyards rolling past on either side, and the faint aroma of fermenting grapes when the season’s right. Gapsted Winery sits temptingly close to the trail — a fine spot to pause, refill a bottle, or just admire the rows of vines stretching into the hills.
Beyond Gapsted, the climb begins in earnest. The rail trail tilts upwards, winding through tall gums and cool forest, with filtered sunlight dancing on the path. It’s a steady grind — a meditative climb more than a challenge — and as the elevation rises, so does the view. Each switchback reveals a wider sweep of the Ovens Valley below.
The old Beechworth railway line delivers you neatly into town, and just like that, the effort fades. You roll past heritage stone buildings, smell woodsmoke and coffee, and hear laughter from one of the local establishments for a cool refreshment – a vermentino, or verdicchio perhaps!
But for those chasing a challenge — or perhaps a little bragging rights, you can instead take the Buckland Gap Road up to Beechworth…This offers a very different experience. Turn off the trail just outside Myrtleford, point the bike skyward, and prepare for a proper climb. It’s only about 10 kilometres to Beechworth via this route, but don’t be fooled by the short distance — it’s a sharp and demanding ascent, with gradients regularly nudging 10% through the middle section.
Either option, there’s no better finish line than with a glass of Beechworth wine. Whichever you choose, it tastes of altitude, effort, and the reward that only a good climb can earn.
Ride Snapshot:
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Distance:
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Via Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: ~30 km
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Via Buckland Gap Road: ~10 km
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Elevation gain:
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Rail Trail: ~450 m gradual climb
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Buckland Gap: ~500 m+ with steep gradients up to 10–12%
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Difficulty:
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Rail Trail: Moderate — steady but accessible for most riders
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Buckland Gap: Challenging — short, steep, and best for experienced climbers
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Surface:
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Rail Trail: Fully sealed, traffic-free path
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Buckland Gap Road: Sealed country road, minimal shoulder, light traffic
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Highlights:
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Sweeping Ovens Valley views from Buckland Gap Lookout
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Forested climb into Beechworth’s high country
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Finishing with a well-earned glass at of Beechworth wine
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Keen for more?
To view the ride from Chiltern to Stanley via Beechworth, see here.
To view the ride from Wangaratta to Beechworth, see here.
To view the ride from Wodonga to Beechworth via Yackandandah, see here.