Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Awesome Alford
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
9.0km
750m
750m
1171m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 29 ?
Gnarl Factor: 61 ?
9.0km
750m
750m
1171m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.6%
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2:40
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:20
Fast
This quick ascent of this prominent Canterbury Foothill is one of the many trail running windfalls from the Tenure Review process. A well marked trail runs up an easement from the carpark, initially following a fenceline and soon plunging into an awesome remnant forest for the first third of the climb. It can be a bit tree rooty and muddy on this section and it soon starts gaining height and the running may slow to a power walk at times.
Soon the bushline is reached, and you skirt the farm boundary fence for a bit until emerging through a 'hole in the fence' gate and head across country to pick up the main ridge to the top. There's a cool little picnic table about half way up. The trail can be a bit sketchy at times but its well poled with orange markers and waratahs.
Further up through scrub and even some volcanic scree you'll gain the summit ridge and not too long after the football sized field at the summit will be reached. Worth exploring up here and taking lots of photos on a clear day with great views of the neighbouring Mt Hutt, Winterslow and Taylor ranges.
All in all a neat wee peak for a quick few hours hit out, return back the same way. Please stick to the marked trail as the surrounding land is mostly private freehold.
This trail includes the peak Mount Alford.
A commanding view from the summit of the surrounding Canterbury foothills and plains, some interesting old volcanic rock and an observatory all located on this route
Turn left of the Inland Scenic Highway at the signposted Alford Settlement and head around to the right to the end of the public access road
18 km
15 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
If it fogs in the route may be harder to follow so make sure you are suitably equipped and with GPS/ Map
Patchy.
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, Map
Bring your own water
Expect snow in winter, and rapid changes any time of year. Check the forecast
Take suitable clothing if the weather tanks
Anywhere in Methven
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Awesome Alford
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Did this straight after doing Aamped and Clomped just up the road so found this quite the slog on tired legs, great patches of native bush and alpine tops. Made it worth the effort. The downhill was epic!
August 1, 2020
Worth it for the bird song in the bush section alone. As for the views I really can't comment as it was clagged in to a low level when I did it, but I can imagine they're pretty spectacular.
September 9, 2019
Well described route. It was drizzly with low cloud so missed what I imagine would be great 360 degree views. I was visiting Methven so is perfect as a shortish run. Times are quite generous (took me 1:40) however some care is needed on descent. Thanks Tony for the guide!!
November 22, 2017
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