Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate

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Mt Somers - Over the Top V1

Methven, Canterbury

Submitted by Mike Steel

Last Updated: 20th Jan 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 53 ?

Gnarl Factor: 83 ?

21.0km

1650m

1650m

1688m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Volcanic

Run Makeup

20%
70%
10%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +18.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

6:30

Slow

4:45

Moderate

3:30

Fast

The route combines a variety of tracks plus a short off-trail section and takes in the summit of Mt Somers.

From Woolshed Creek head up the steep Rhyolite Track and traverse along, then take the South Face track which undulates through open tussock, streams and bush sections. At the signposted turnoff take the Mt Somers summit track for a grunty climb up to the summit ridge. Pleasant running along the airy ridge top to the summit.

After taking in the views, head down open gentle tussock slopes (no trail) north-west for 1.5 - 2 km (staying near the northern edge of the flat wide ridge) till you can see a clear route (mostly a step wide screeslope, but some minor rock near the top) down to the col which is the highpoint of the Mt Somers walkway. Now you're on the popular and cruisy Mt Sommer walkway - follow it to Woolshed Creek hut, and then back to the car.

This trail includes the peak Mount Somers.

Interesting volcanic features (basalt columns etc) and old mine workings passed en route. Good views of Mt Cook, D'Archiac and Alps from the summit on a clear day.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Plenty of parking at car park.

46 km

35 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

The section from the summit back down to the Mt Somers walkway requires some navigation skills, especially if cloudy (i.e. map+compass handy). Don't head straight down (north) from Mt Somers - there's some serious bluffs below.

Patchy.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map

Water at Woolshed Creek carpark and hut. Streams on south side should be fine to drink.

In winter, Mt Sommers often is coated in snow, which can be hard (i.e. requiring crampons).

Stavely store
Stavely
http://www.staveleystore.co.nz/
Classic old-style country store with great food and atmosphere.

Trail Legend

BH

Barrett Hocking

has completed Mt Somers - Over the Top V1 once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Absolutely loved it! Now it is poled all the way down from the summit.

Massimo Nember

June 3, 2023

Agreed with James. Loved it! It was a HOT one today... plenty of streams to fill up water while you’re in the bush, but when you get to the turnoff to the summit, it’s exposed pretty much the rest of the way, and it’s dry for much of it. It was so nice to cool off afterwards in the stream by the car park. Could see Aoraki and D’Archiac clear as a bell from the top.

Matt Halverson

March 14, 2021

Wicked trail. Has a mix of vert, forest and a bit of nav (nothing hard as cairns mark route once off track). Good spot to swim at end. Good times.

James Brewer

January 5, 2021

Amazing loop, bit of everything! Our distance ended up closer to 23km

Siena Brody-Heine

December 7, 2020

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.

Mt Somers Woolshed Loop

Mt Somers Woolshed Loop

Length: 14.7km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Mt Somers - Round The Mountain

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Length: 26.0km

Level: Intermediate

Woolshed, Bus Stop Loop

Woolshed, Bus Stop Loop

Length: 11.6km

Level: Intermediate

Woolshed Creek Hut via 4wd route

Woolshed Creek Hut via 4wd route

Length: 10.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

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