Starting from the car park off Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect, this circuit walk takes you to Butters Bridge through the grasslands and pine woodlands of Molonglo River Reserve, then loops back. Named after Sir John Henry Butters(known best for his role as the Chief Commissioner of the Federal Capital Commission back in the 1920s), this well-built historical bridge provides you with great views over the Molonglo River. With high and sturdy railings on required areas throughout the track, this walk can make for a great family trip. A riverside picnic can be the icing on the cake as you’re enjoying the ambience. You can also spot and echidna or two, if you’re lucky. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Cotter Road Offramp then drive for 450 m
Keep right onto Cotter Road Offramp and drive for another 70 m
Turn right onto Cotter Road and drive for another 2.3 km
Continue onto John Gorton Drive and drive for another 3.4 km
Turn left onto Holborow Avenue and drive for another 940 m
Turn left onto Felstead Vista and drive for another 120 m
Turn right and drive for another 65 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park off Felstead Vista across Denman Village Shops, head towards the concrete footpath adjacent to the car park, moving perpendicular to the road. Turn left and follow the concrete footpath towards the intersection of Felstead Vista and Holborow Avenue. As you pass the traffic light to your right, veer left and head towards the concrete track marked with a white bicycle lane sign. Follow the track moving parallel to Holborow Avenue and the fenceline to continue along Butters Bridge Loop.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Morning Club (about 65 m back from the start).
There is a viewpoint (about 30 m back from the start).
After another 40 m turn left.
After another 15 m pass the toilet (75 m on your right).
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 100 m long)
After another 50 m continue straight.
After another 65 m head through/around the gate.
After another 65 m turn sharp right.
After another 400 m continue straight.
After another 175 m continue straight.
After another 285 m veer right.
After another 65 m turn left.
After another 620 m turn left.
After another 85 m continue straight.
After another 310 m continue straight.
After another 135 m turn left.
After another 770 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip taking you to the other end of Butters Bridge, providing you with a bird's-eye view over the Molonglo River along the way. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 265 m continue straight.
After another 60 m continue straight.
After another 95 m continue straight.
After another 345 m continue straight.
After another 145 m turn left.
After another 350 m continue straight.
After another 400 m turn sharp left.
After another 130 m continue straight.
After another 200 m turn right.
After another 10 m come to the end.
Side trip taking you to the other end of Butters Bridge, providing you with a bird's-eye view over the Molonglo River along the way.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m turn left.
Then pass the sign (on your left).
Then cross the bridge
After another 10 m head through the bollard.
After another 200 m come to the viewpoint (7 m on your right).
After another 75 m come to a seat.
The end.
A bollard.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 325 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Butters Bridge Loop
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
5.2 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 40 m from the start.
Seat: There is one 3.5 km (plus an extra 570 m along side route) from the start.
Bushwalk
1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Toilet: There is one 40 m from the start.
Seat: There is one 3.5 km (plus an extra 570 m along side route) from the start.
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Morning Club (about 65 m back from the start).
There is a viewpoint (about 30 m back from the start).
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 100 m long)
After another 65 m head through/around the gate.
Then pass the sign (on your left).
After another 10 m head through the bollard.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 325 m to the main route.