Mt Somers track ‘spectacular’

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 14

Mt Somers track ‘spectacular’

Work on the Mount Somers tramping route by local residents and outdoor recreational groups this summer has ensured that it will be adopted into the national walkway system.

The track was developed round the northern flank of Mount Somers, inland from Ashburton, opening up an area of high country to the public that has so far been explored mainly by

trampers, musterers, and deer stalkers. Volcanic rock formations on the north face of Mount Somers provides a spectacular backdrop to the track, which follows the rim of an impressive canyon past abandoned coalmines. The relics of several coalmines, old tramlines, and even a railway line could be explored by trampers along the route. Coal was discovered by

Europeans in the Mount Somers area in 1856. Mining began in 1864 and continued until the 19505.

To begin the nine-hour walk, trampers can go to the car park at Sharplin Falls Scenic Reserve or to Woolshed Creek, 10.5 km along the Ashburton Gorge Road and 3.5 km along the railway embankment now called the Jig Road.

The track traverses a complete cross-section of

Canterbury foothills country including beech forest, deep gorges, swift streams, sub-alpine scrub, and snow tussock. At different vantage points trampers can view the Canterbury Plains, the Ashburton River catchment, and the distant Two

Thumb and Arrowsmith ranges. The track climbs to an altitude of 1100 metres. Trampers are advised to take warm, water-proof clothing.

Several shorter walks can be made in the Mount Somers area.