Akuna Bay West Head Loop
Northern Beaches, NSW
At a Glance
About the Akuna Bay West Head Loop
75km Sydney loop through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park taking in Akuna Bay and West Head - the city's premier road cyclist training ride.
The Akuna Bay / West Head loop is the defining Sydney road cycling ride and the route that produces most of the city's WorldTour talent. Starting from Mona Vale or the Spit Bridge, riders head north into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park via West Head Road, descend to and climb out of Cottage Point and Akuna Bay, then return via McCarrs Creek Road and Mona Vale Road. Total distance is around 75km with approximately 1,500m of elevation gain.
The loop's character is defined by three major climb sections: West Head climb (3.2km, 4.8%), the Akuna Bay descent and immediate climb out (4.2km, 6%), and the final McCarrs Creek climb (3km, 5.5%). The roads inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are smooth, lightly trafficked and bordered by sandstone bushland with constant glimpses of Pittwater and Cowan Creek waterways.
The roads are narrow with limited shoulder and are very popular with motorcyclists on weekends - caution is essential.
Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 2%, Max gradient: 10%.
Akuna Bay West Head Loop Safety & Warnings
Narrow roads; motorcycle traffic; technical Akuna Bay descent with blind hairpins.
Akuna Bay West Head Loop Highlights
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