Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Ben More Loop

Darfield, Canterbury

Submitted by Nelson Pearson

Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 50 ?

Gnarl Factor: 101 ?

17.1km

1305m

1310m

1655m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

5%
95%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +15.3%

Average Downhill Gradient: -15.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:45

Fast

Cross the Acheron River and head towards the Northern spur making up the loop over the relatively flat valley floor. Climb the steep face of the spur towards pt 1327, where it flattens out.

Continue East up the ridgeline to Pt 1660 following the faint foot paths. Drop off the South face of pt. 1660 and continue to Ben More summit. Take the Western spur off Ben More to loop back to the start.

Once back on the valley floor, return to the start point navigating around any steep gravel sections.

Views over Lake Coleridge and up the Rakaia.

The road has a wide shoulder, with room to park. Be careful not to block 4x4 routes.

0 km

0 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Navigation on the ridgeline is reliant upon line of sight, this is best done in clear conditions.

Very patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).

The only water source may be snow, depending upon the season.

The Big Ben Range is relatively exposed, this is best done in settled weather.

Trail Legend

NP

Nelson Pearson

has completed Ben More Loop once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

A great loop plenty of hiking for this old bird :-) Went on a wee diversion in the fog but corrected ourselves thanks to Topo50! Steep up and down but beautiful views on a clear day so well worth the effort.

Lucy Cookson

December 22

Nice loop, done today counterclockwise in winter conditions. Would recommend crampons and I've axe for the steep part below point 1660 towards the saddle which leads to Ben More

Massimo Nember

August 26, 2023

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