Torrens Linear Track Loop

The Torrens Linear Track Loop is a 2.7 km circuit on the River Torrens path at Thebarton, using the footbridges to cross back on yourself. It is a sealed shared path with cyclists on it, dogs stay on lead the whole way, and the one place to let them off is the fenced dog park a little downstream at Torrensville.

The walk. Flat, sealed and easy, about 2.7 km for the short loop and as long as you like if you keep going. The path forms part of the River Torrens Linear Park, which runs from the hills to the sea, so this circuit is a sample of a much longer corridor rather than a trail with its own end. River red gums and reed beds line the water, and the surface handles prams, wheels and old joints without complaint.

The rules. The loop crosses land managed by the City of Adelaide and the City of West Torrens, and dogs stay on lead on the shared path throughout. Keep that lead short rather than long. This is a commuter cycling route as much as a walking one, and a retractable lead stretched across a shared path is how dogs and bikes find each other.

Water. Not the river. It is an urban waterway draining a large catchment, and it is no place for a dog to drink or swim. Carry your own, or make for the dog park, which has a bowl.

Off the lead. The West Torrens Dog Park sits directly on the linear park at 118a Hayward Avenue, Torrensville, about 800 m south of the Brickworks Marketplace, or you can enter from the path between Hardys Road and Jervois Street. There are two fenced yards, one for small dogs and one for all dogs, both with agility equipment, plus shade, shelter, seating and a bag dispenser at the small dog gate. It is built for exactly this: walk the linear park on lead, stop, let them run, carry on.

Nearby with the dogs. Mister Sunshine's and The Nest Espresso Bar and Kitchen are both a short walk off the path in Thebarton.

When to go. Early morning or early evening on a weekday. The path doubles as a commuter cycle route, so the middle of a weekend day is the busiest it gets and the least relaxing on a lead. Good for seniors and short legs: flat, sealed, and you can cut it short at any bridge.

Sources

• West Torrens Dog Park, Torrensville - City of West Torrens · www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au
• Exercising and socialising your dog - City of West Torrens · www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.