Amy Gillett Bikeway

The Hills' gentlest great ride follows the corridor of the old Balhannah-to-Mount Pleasant railway, which opened in 1918, closed in 1963, and lay quiet until it was reborn as a shared path named for Australian cyclist Amy Gillett, who died training in Germany in 2005. The bikeway now runs 22 kilometres from Oakbank to Birdwood, taking in Woodside, Charleston and the heritage streetscape of Mount Torrens along the way — the final 5.7-kilometre stage into Birdwood opened in late 2025.

Because trains hate hills, the gradients are mercifully mild — this is pedalling for everybody, from kids on trainer wheels to grandparents on e-bikes, and the sealed surface suits prams and horses too (a parallel gravel strip serves the riders on four legs). The trail rolls through classic Onkaparinga Valley country: paddocks, vineyards, old stone farmhouses and avenues of gums.

Part of the joy is how much good eating sits within metres of the path. Build in stops for chocolate at Melba's and cheese in Woodside, a coffee in Charleston, and a finish-line lunch in Birdwood. Ride out and back as far as legs allow, or arrange a car shuffle and do the whole corridor one way.