Walking tracks

Press, 12 January 1987, Page 20

Walking tracks

Glentui Loop Track, I*2 hours (return) From the Glentui Picnic Area, this track descends to the Glentui River and then climbs a ridge on the other side to link with first the Bypass Track, then the Richardson track before return-' ing to the picnic area. This track is suitable for reasonably fit people of all ages. Stout footwear is recommended. Glentui Waterfall Track, 30 minutes (return). Signposted from the Glentui Picnic Area, this easy walk leads to a. waterfall on the Glentui River. It is suitable for family groups. The Richardson Track, 3-4 hours (one way). Starting at the Glentui Picnic Area, this moderate to steep track, which was once a stock route, climbs first. through mountain beech forest and then, higher up, through tussock grassland and Dracophyllum scrub, to the summit of Mount Richardson (1047 metres.) People of all ages with a moderate degree of fitness can complete this walk. The Blowhard Track 5-6 hours to Lees Valley This track, once a stock route like the Richardson Track, starts at the end of the road near the Boys Brigade Camp. It takes 3-4 hours to walk to the Mount Richardson summit — the lower portion of the track climbs up a wind-swept ridge through tall open forest,, emerging through stunted beech on to the open grasslands. From the summit there is a choice of either backtracking, descending via the Richardson Track to the Glentui Picnic Area or

following on down the Blowhard Track to Lees Valley. This section of the track, to Lees Valley, begins about 10 minutes back along the ridge from the summit and descends through tussock to Ashley River, which must be ■ forded to reach Wharfedaie Road. It Is a 2% hour walk up from Lees Valley to the summit. The Blowhard-Richardson Bypass Track 1-2 hours (one way) The Richardson and Blowhard tracks are linked by a bypass track, which starts near the mid-point of the Blowhard Track, and emerges near the lower end of the Richardson Track. The round trip from the Glentul Picnic Area via the Richardson, Blowhard, and Bypass tracks is 7 hour walk, only suitable for fit trampers. The Ashley Gorge Waterfall Track, 45-60 minutes to the waterfall The Ashley Gorge Waterfall Track, on a northern tributary of the Ashley River, begins from a signpost on the main road to Loburn, 1 km north of the Ashley Gorge Bridge. A moderate-grade track leads to the head of a small gully, passing through mountain beech with emergent podocarps. At the end of the track gnarled fuchsias with ragged bark provide an interesting setting for the 12 metre waterfall. Wooded Gully Complex A number of tracks have been developed around Wooded Gully, near the Forest Headquarters. Wooded Gully Track: A 3 hour walk up Wooded Gully leads through mountain beech to the saddle west of

Mount Thomas summit. From this point you have a choice of two tracks, each taking approximately a further 3 hours (Tracks 1 and 2): Track 1: Continue up to the summit of Mount Thomas for a good view, and descend the south-west face of the mountain through exotic plantings. Track 2: Return down the forested ridge west of the Wooded Gully. Loop 1: Beginning a short distance up the west side of the Wooded Gully Track, this hour-long walk is suitable for less fit people. Loop 2: This 2 hour walk starts a little further along Wooded Gully Track and passes through mountain beech forest to meet and return via Track 1. Some portions of the track are moderately steep. Mount Thomas is a popular hunting area within easy reach of Christchurch. It has a moderate population of red deer, low numbers of pigs and a few chamois. Most of the native forest is part of the Oxford Recreational Hunting Area. It is subdivided into nine hunting blocks which are heavily booked throughout the year. For safety reasons hunting is prohibited in the Wooded Gully complex and the Glentui/Mt Richardson area. Permits are required for hunting and possum trapping and can be obtained from Mount Thomas State Forest Headquarters. From the Pinchgut car park in the eastern area of the forest there is a 2 hour walking , track to the Pinchgut Hut, which has accommodation for ten people. School parties and community organisations may stay at Glentui Youth Camp (contact Camp Manager, telephone Christchurch 68-716)