You can start at either end of this trail, or in the middle. Merricks is a good option if you want a downhill run for your return trip after a decent lunch! The 2.8km lower section, which is popular with horse riders, does not follow the original alignment so it is steeper than a typical rail trail.  The original line rose at 1 in 44 up to Red Hill, steeper than normal for branchlines but quite manageable on a bike. Unfortunately, the rail corridor up to Tonkins Rd was sold and the diversion is even steeper. The trail is very narrow in parts and can also be muddy, so it’s unsuitable for road bikes in winter.

ACCESS POINTS

• The Merricks Station Ground car park entrance is obscured from Frankston-Flinders Road (C777). Look for the mobile phone tower about 150m before Merricks General Wine Store. There are public toilets here.
• There is limited parking in narrow Tonkins Rd and it’s not suitable for horse floats. The trail up to Red Hill starts next to #22.
• There is a carpark with room for horse floats, toilets, BBQ and bike repair station at the Red Hill Station Reserve. It’s off Point Leo Rd and behind the shops.

• Look for the ‘Trail’ sign on the timber railing fence, near the  phone tower. A narrow track runs beside the equestrian centre  to the start of the trail proper. You can avoid this section by using the shared path on the other side of the equestrian centre, next to Merricks Rd.
• Turn left, climb steadily for 2km and enjoy the views over Western Port to Phillip Island. After a sharp right turn, the trail continues down a steep hill (with grapevines on the left), where it meets the end of Tonkins Rd. The trail continues to the left after #22 and is now on the original rail easement. It ascends gently for 3.6km to Red Hill, first through pine trees (look for colourful fungi in autumn) and then two small cuttings.
• Next to the mountain bike pump track at Red Hill the station has been partially recreated, with a plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of the railway opening.
• The trail continues to Point Leo Rd behind the shops. Explore the shops, visit the cafés or bakery and either return via the trail or local roads. There are asphalt and dirt shared paths from here along Arthurs Seat Rd.

There are several wineries at the Merricks end or you can ride or walk a rough singletrack on the southern side of Frankston-Flinders Rd to join the Western Port Bay Trail.