Woolshed WhopperIntermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Intermediate - Experienced
4:30 (Slow)
3:15 (Moderate)
2:00 (Fast)
-19.6%
+20.8%
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Description
This one is a gutbuster. Once you've found the carpark, finding the track end can be tricky if you don't have instructions. So here they are!
The track to Woolshed Hill begins behind Kidson Lodge which is not far from the Hawdon Valley Shelter. The track leading into the beech forest is marked with a big orange triangle, so is easy to spot. It climbs steeply - only the most elite will do anything but walk this section - for about an hour before leveling off a bit and providing some views through the trees to the valley floor.
Not long after the view points the track emerges from the trees altogether into bright orange dracophyllum scrub. Now there are glorious views across to Sudden Valley. Follow the path through the scrub, along the ridge, sometimes passing through bare, rocky slopes and sometimes through a bit of tussock and clumps of trees. The route is pretty well defined and cairned, where in doubt just stick to the ridgeline.
There are a few small tarns nestled between moraine walls that make a lovely rest spot. Frome here continue on to the summit of Woolshed Hill, by continuing up the ridge. It steepens near the top and then opens out to a wonderful 360 degree panorama that invites future missions.
Return the way you came, although there are awesome opportunities to explore further along the ranges and back out down the East Hawdon if you really want to supercharge your day.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Stunning views of the Waimakariri Basin
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 10%
Technical Single Track: 90%
Route Data
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Access
Cross the Mt White Bridge off SH73, continue up towards the Hawdon Shelter, then locate the private lodge tucked in the bush.
Park either at Hawdon Shelter or else tuck your car away closer to the lodge if the ground conditions suit.
25 km
26 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Follow the orange markers in the bush and cairns/ slight trail on the tops. Blue / pink ones are trap lines, don't follow these!
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries.
Small tarns near the top in emergence but really you need to carry enough water for the whole trip
Exposed tops, subject to rapid weather change at any time of year. Can get every windy. Expect to be snowcovered in winter/ spring
Snow - avalanche risk should be checked in winter/ spring on the tops
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Post run indulgence
Anything in Arthurs Pass or the Bealey
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Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Bealey - Avalanche Traverse
Goat Pass
Rome Ridge/Rough Creek Alpine Circuit
Cass-Lagoon Trail
Avalanche Peak - Crow River
Hawdon-Edwards Classic
Polar Discovery
The Taipo
Waimak Col (Otira to Klondyke)
The Bloody Limit
Oates for Breakfast
Avalanche Peak
Andrews-Poulter Circuit
Bealey Blaster
Encompassing Arthur's Pass
Barker's for Brunch
KKK (Klondyke - Kelly - Klondyke)
Otira Temple
Kelly Tops
Poulter River Ranger
Dash, Bash, Splash and Dash Harman Pass
Arthur's Pass Taster
