Double TopIntermediate
Submitted by Steve Hanmer
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bushPlantation/exotic forestOpen farmlandsOpen tussock/grasslands
Intermediate
5:00 (Slow)
3:30 (Moderate)
2:30 (Fast)
-12.1%
+10.5%
This area is subject to seasonal closures during lambing season, usually earl August to mid-October. Also, as the trail starts in Orton Bradley Park, it would pay to check that the park is open before your journey.
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Description
A chance to knock off the two highest named peaks on the Banks Peninsula in one concise loop; everyone prefers loops right?!
From the parking area follow the signs for Mt Herbert. It is fairly well signed all the way up the valley, although the markers get more spaced out towards the top of the valley. Work your way through the bush into more open farm terrain, which can get very hot on a sunny day. Eventually you will reach a junction at around 700m. Turn left here and head towards the summit of Mt Herbert past the Mt Herbert Shelter (a good place to respite if in need of a rest or shelte from the weather).
The trail is obvious along a wide 4WD track, with a marked turnoff just below the summit. Enjoy the views, and then head back the way you came, this time sticking to ridge and following the trail which heads around the back of Mt Bradley towards the Packhorse Hut. This is an interesting, technical, varied section of the trail.
The turnoff to Mt Bradley summit is easy to miss, and is indicated by a marker post (see pics) which takes you up a steep grassy trail, winding through gorse to the summit. The summit itself is fairly uninspiring, but there are some views to be had on a clear day.
Head back the same way and rejoin the trail towards the Packhorse Hut; a chance to get some water/toilet here if required. From here head north around Mt Bradley; there is a marked track, although this section is not as well travelled as the rest of the route. The markers are sparse and the trail is technical/rocky and off-camber for the most part. Allow more time for this section than the map would suggest, as it can be slow going.
Eventually you will arrive back at the top of the Orton Bradley park and if you look closely you should be able to pick up the posts with light blue markings on the top (tablelands track), which will take you back to your car.
Trail Community
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 50%
Moderate Single Track: 25%
Easy Single Track: 15%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 10%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each
Photos:
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Access
Orton Bradley Park (entry fee payable)
Drive through the park, past the camping area to the end of the road where there is a map of all the trails in the park and a block of toilets.Lots of parking available. Generally a safe area looked after by a manager of the park.
26 km
41 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
The turn off to Mt Bradley summit is not very obvious. Keep a close eye out for a very discreet marker post which indicates the turnoff up a vague trail to the summit.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Water available at the Packhorse hut.
Not much shade if it's hot - take lots of water, and refill at the Packhorse hut if required.
The valley up to Mt Herbert from the start can get quite muddy after some rain.
Orton Bradley is a working farm, and as such contains a large number of animals. You are most likely to encounter cows at some point, so take care when passing these, especially if they have young calves with them.
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Post run indulgence
Orton Bradley Cafe (if open)
http://www.ortonbradley.nz/cafe
Great spot to have a beer/coffee/ice cream after a solid workout in the hills. -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Godley Head loop
Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour
Halswell and Kennedys
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The Bowenvale Elevator
The Gorsetrack Strikes Back
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Lava - H.ELL Loop
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