Mt Bradley Circuit

Sunday 14 February 2021

Seven of us gathered outside Princess Margaret Hospital and set off on a mild but cloudy morning for Orton Bradley Park. 9am and we were heading up the Tablelands Track, through forest, then to open pastures. After following a fence-line for an hour, we took an early break amongst pine trees, protected from the cold wind.

We continued beside a lengthy fence-line, then took the Faulkner Track to Packhorse Hut. Fog patches became more persistent, then drizzle and we arrived at the Packhorse just over 3 hours from the start, so were ready for lunch. A young couple offered to take a group photo after Stuart mentioned we were members of a tramping club.

On our way again on part of the Te Ara Pataka Track on the Kaituna side of Mount Bradley, visibility was rather poor until we reached the Herbert Saddle.

A brief stop at the junction recharged our batteries for the down-valley track to the cars, with bright sunshine all the way. The Valley Track is part of the Mount Herbert Walkway. Our circuit was a great, 8-hour adventure in a real mixture of weather.

We were: Helen Harkness, Sandra White, Gemma White, Wendy McCaughan, Stuart Payne, Darcy Mawson and Norman Burden (leader). (NB)