Ridge near Collins Bonnet

Tuesday 25th September 2018

The Summit of the Ridge

I had been eyeing off this ridge for a while, and as it had some rocky outcrops, I thought it was worth a visit. The ridge is north of Collins Bonnet and runs for a fair distance but I only walked the real rocky section where I suspected there would be good views. I was not disappointed.
I set off from Myrtle Forest and here I made my first mistake. I intended coming back along the Myrtle Forest Trail and should have had enough foresight to check if it was still open as I had not walked it for some years. Anyway, I did not. The Myrtle Forest Track was also supposedly closed due to flood damage but only a small section where it runs beside the creek was washed out and it was fine after that to the Collins Bonnet turnoff. The falls were flowing well.
Note: Do not use the Myrtle Forest Trail as there is a Parks sign at both ends stating that it is closed because of erosion and it also crosses private property. It is also severely overgrown.

Myrtle Forest Falls

I headed up the Collins Bonnet track to a point where I wanted to head up to the ridge. The scrub was quite thick but as I knew it was only a short distance to the scree, I persisted and was soon in the clear. It was a steepish climb up to the ridge and soon the views started to appear. As I neared the top some large rocky outcrops came into view. I could see a gap in the cliffs so I headed for that and that provided good access to the top of the ridge.

Near the top

Heading up to a gap in the cliffs

First bit of snow

Collins Cap

Looking north

The ridge provided quite easy walking and there some great rocks that provided clear views.

The Derwent

Collins Bonnet

Looking North

Looking North East

It was about this stage that it started snowing lightly as I made my way up to the peak. It was not quite the highest point but it was as far as I intended to go.

More Snow

A very steep and deep crevass

Rocks at the peak

Collins Bonnet with the emergency shelter in the foreground

I headed down to the main track through some more annoying scrub. It started snowing heavier.

It is snowing

I soon reached the track and headed for the emergency day shelter below Collins Bonnet for a break and some lunch and to get out of the snow.

Snowing on the East West Trail

Snowing on the day shelter

After warming up I ventured out again along the East West Trail  and very soon the snow stopped and the sun appeared. It was rather pleasant. I carried on to The Myrtle Forest Trail where I saw the track closure sign.

Mount Connection in the sun

 There was no way that I was going to retrace my steps back uphill. It would have made me too late getting home so I just walked down the trail to Myrtle Forest. The track was badly eroded, badly overgrown and there were signs of habitation on the private property. I arrived back at the car cold and wet but had a good day.
This was a good walk with great scenery from the ridge but of course it is not recommended to use the Myrtle Forest Trail. An out and back walk would be the better option and carrying along the ridge further would also be worth a go.
Distance: 11.6 kms.
Time: 5'38"
Ascent: 740 metres
GPX file is here.