Penwortham: Cycling Trails, Wine Towns and History

Penwortham offers several specific points of interest for planning a trip: the Riesling Trail passes through the town, and the John Horrocks Loop is another named cycling route around Penwortham and Sevenhill. Wine towns, scenery and local history round out these themes. The routes differ both in length and in the features described for each one.

Cycling on two different routes

The Riesling Trail is about 33 kilometres long and runs between Riverton and Spalding along the section of the original railway line from Auburn to Barinia. It passes through Penwortham and reaches its highest point near the town. Its surface is well developed; the route is suitable for walkers and cyclists of all ages and experience levels. This gives it a broad description of who can use it and connects a stay in Penwortham with a longer route.

A shorter option is the John Horrocks Loop: this 10.3-kilometre cycling route is rated as moderate and loops around Sevenhill and Penwortham. The Riesling Trail is notable for its approximately 33-kilometre length and suitability for walkers and cyclists, while the Loop stands out for its shorter distance and its expressly stated rating as a moderate cycling route. This information helps you compare the two routes by length and described character without treating their different features as equivalent.

Local history and wine towns

Penwortham is considered the site of the region’s first European settlement. One specific historic building is John Horrocks Cottage: it was built in 1839 by pioneer and explorer John Ainsworth Horrocks. Together, the town’s historical significance and the dated cottage provide a distinct point of interest for travellers who want to consider Penwortham’s history alongside cycling.

Mitchell Wines offers tastings hosted by a member of the Mitchell family in a cellar dating from the 1890s. There is also a cheese platter and a carefully selected range of wines by the glass in the garden. As tasting arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current options before visiting.

Kilikanoon Wines’ cellar door is located in a carefully preserved 1860s farmhouse in Penwortham. From the terrace, the view stretches across Skilly Valley and Tregea Vineyard. Penwortham therefore offers different wine destinations: Mitchell Wines describes hosted tastings and its garden offerings, while Kilikanoon’s setting is defined by its historic farmhouse and the view from the terrace.

Scenery and a drive to Skilly Valley

Penwortham is surrounded by natural eucalyptus bushland and a section of the Skilly Hills. The Skilly Hills are part of the Mount Lofty Ranges and provide another distinct point of reference in the landscape. In addition to the two cycling routes, a drive is another way to include the surrounding area in your trip plans: the scenic drive to Skillogalee Valley is accessible from Penwortham.

This lets you choose a destination based on the interests that matter to you: a longer route with broadly described suitability, a shorter moderate cycling route, wine destinations with different features, or scenery and local history.

Discover more destinations: Mintaro, Watervale, Clare, Auburn

For the main travel overview: Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.