Macgregor Peak

Sunday 10th September 2017

View south from Macgregor Peak

The last time I was at Macgregor Peak was about 5 years ago and I did not do a post on it at that time.
Today I took a friend along and we did the traditional circuit walk and also included an extra section east along Schofields Road, because I wanted to check out the access to Deep Glen Bay for a future walk.
The walk start is on Macgregor Road off the Arthur Highway. Macgregor Road is about 5.0 kms. south of Murdunna.
We set off up the gravel road and then up a short track section to the fire tower.

From Fire tower

I climbed up to the platform below the top but the trees are really starting to obscure the view now although there are still some to be had. From here we followed the track up through dry type forest and then into the rain forest proper. This is called the "magic forest" and it is quite beautiful with masses of ferns and moss etc. One thing I was not expecting to see today was some snow, but sure enough as we gained altitude it became thicker. It was only remnant stuff but it was rather pretty in amidst the forest.

We soon reached the trig marker and walked out to the large rock which provides the only real view from the summit.

Macgregor Peak Summit

Pirates Bay from Summit

Cape Hauy in the distance

After taking in the views we walked along the ridge line before descending to Schofields Road. There was actually more snow along here as it was on the sheltered side and there were better views than at the summit from a rock beside the track. There was also nice rainforest along here.

Note: Be careful when venturing past the peak as there are some old tapes and people have become disorientated. See comment below by Sorell Police

 Once we reached the road we turned east and walked down to where I thought the access to Deep Glen Bay should be and sure enough we found a tapped track that was heading down to the bay. This was put in the memory bank for another day. We had some lunch and walked back to the car along Schofields Road and another forestry track.
This was an excellent walk on a perfect spring day.
Distance: 12.1 kms.
Time: 4'50"
Ascent: 615 metres
If just doing the traditional circuit the following data applies.
Distance: 8.9 kms.
Time: 3'15"
Click here to download GPX file.

Old Hobartians

Tuesday 5th September 2017

Beside Old Hobartians Track

While the snow was still around I wanted to do another walk through some of it. Pinnacle Road was closed at the bottom at Bracken Lane due to the snow so I opted to start at the end of Lenah Valley Road and walk up the Old Hobartians Track. This proved to be a good idea.
I set off up the Lenah Valley Track and then on to the Old Hobartians Track. As I gained altitude the snow became thicker but it was easy walking on the track.

Lenah Valley Track

Old Hobartians Track

Beside Old Hobartians Track

The track zigged and zagged uphill and I soon passed the cliffs beside the track.

Old Hobartians Track

Old Hobartians Track

Old Hobartians Track

Old Hobartians Track

I worked my way uphill and walked past the small waterfall on a branch of New Town Rivulet. It was flowing quite well.

Old Hobartians Track

Falls on New Town Rivulet

Falls on New Town Rivulet

At the Falls

Old Hobartians Track

I shortly reached the Hunters Track and followed this up to Pinnacle Road just as the snow plough was doing some clearing. I then walked down the road to the Lower Sawmill Track which I walked down to the Lenah Valley Track. It was very handy that the road was closed as it made walking a breeze without having to worry about being run over.

Pinnacle Road

Beside Pinnacle Road

Pinnacle Road

Once on the Lenah Valley Track I walked up to where I wanted to go up to Kara Hut for lunch. I knew there was a track but didn't know where it started so when I thought I was basically around the right area, I simply headed straight uphill. The rocks were a little slippery but I finally made it to the hut just as it started snowing again. It would have been nice to have a fire but as I wasn't staying long, I didn't bother.

Kara Hut

Kara Hut

Kara Hut

Kara Hut

Boulder Field beside the hut

Kara Hut

I discovered the track and followed it down to the Lenah Valley Track. It was much easier walking than the way that I went up as is usually the case on a track. Once I reached Junction Cabin I followed the Old Farm Fire Trail and then an old track back to the car.
Note: Due to sensitive nature of the huts on Mount Wellington, I have omitted the access information from the map and GPX file.
Distance: 12.4 kms.
Time: 5'10"
Ascent: 940 metres
Click here to download GPX file (less Kara Hut)