Users of the Lake Dunstan trail spike on weekends and the new year period was the most popular time for December and January, according to figures released to The Central App.

Southern Lakes Trails Trust eco-counters are located at three spots along the trail at Carrick, Clyde and Cromwell. 

The busiest day at Carrick was January 2, with 525 users, for Clyde and Cromwell it was December 31 with 366 and 470 users respectively. 

The numbers show that weekend averages were more than 30 people up at each counter location, over the weekday averages.

Overall numbers for the two month period were Cromwell - 11,898, Carrick - 13,977 and Clyde 10,143. 

Chief executive Janeen Wood said the organisation was trying to get the message out there to be prepared for the trail, it is a back-country trail with limited access for emergency response.

“Plenty of water, some food, and clothing for all weather. Keep left, ride within your own ability, get off and walk if you are unconfident. It is after all a walking trail too.

“Be prepared for other riders coming towards you, there are some narrow sections and some continuous climbing sections.

“Take your time, rest, read the storyboards, and enjoy the seats and the shelter that is close to the highest part of the trail.”

The Central App was unable to obtain figures for incidents on the trail due to patient privacy.

Janeen said in the first year, when 84,000 people used the trail there were fewer than six rescues by helicopter, according to St John. 

Read more: Quieter summer for Coastguard Clyde

Read more: Go green this Parks Week

Read more: Central businesses feeling positive after summer rush

Have a story to share?

Contact [email protected]