Sydney · Route card
Narrabeen trail 20k loop
From the lagoon into the Ingleside bush and back
running2explore.com
Distance
20.34 km
Elevation
323 m
Time
2 hr – 2 hr 45
Type
Loop · Hard
Course overview
A 20 km bushland loop that starts beside Narrabeen Lagoon, heads west along the Deep Creek Valley Trail into the Ingleside trail network, then climbs back over the escarpment before finishing on the lagoon foreshore. Fire trails, single track and one of the most rewarding long trail runs on the northern beaches.
- 0 kmNarrabeen — Set off west on the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
- 2.5 kmNorth Narrabeen — Flat, easy running beside the lagoon.
- 5 kmDeep Creek Valley Trail — Into the bush as the trail narrows.
- 7.5 kmRoad To Nowhere — Fire trail through the Ingleside bushland.
- 10 kmWestern turn — The far point of the loop.
- 12.6 kmSlippery Dip Trail — Turn for home as the climbing begins.
- 15.1 kmIngleside trails — Rolling single track back towards the escarpment.
- 17.6 kmGraham Jones Track — Descend towards Narrabeen.
- 20.34 kmNarrabeen — Finish on the lagoon foreshore.
Photo stops on the map
- ANarrabeen Lagoon — Sunrise
- BDeep Creek Valley Trail — Early morning
- CWestern turn — Morning
Local knowledge
- Best time
- Early morning, before the heat builds in the bush and while the lagoon is calm.
- Transport
- Buses run along Pittwater Road to Narrabeen, a short walk from the start.
- Water
- Carry what you need — there is no reliable water between the start and finish.
- Toilets
- Public toilets at the lagoon foreshore reserve in Narrabeen.
- Parking
- Parking near the lagoon foreshore in Narrabeen; arrive early on weekends.
- Safety
- The Ingleside trails are shared with mountain bikers and feel remote — take a phone, tell someone your plans and stay on the marked trail.
Local tip: Settle in for the first flat five kilometres beside the lagoon; the real work starts when you hit the bush.