Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Mt Guy

Mt Somers Village, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 29 ?

Gnarl Factor: 62 ?

9.6km

670m

670m

1319m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Mountainous

Lakeside

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%
30%
50%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -13.5%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:15

Slow

2:30

Moderate

1:45

Fast

Mt Guy is a prominent peak from Lake Clearwater Huts, and its almost impossible for a trail bagger of any sort to turn up the chance to check out the view on top of this one.

Park up in the village and head down to the shoreline of Lake Clearwater to pick up the trailhead. The first couple of kms is nice 4WD trail around the lake, crossing Lambies Stream outlet. Then the climb proper begins, steady to start but it gets steeper and steeper and gnarlier as you climb.

As you climb the views become more and more expansive, up into the headwaters of the Rangitata - famous High Country Station Country. Mesopotamia, Erewhon, its all up here, with Mt D'Archiac and the Main Divide to Mt Cook on full display if the weather plays its part. Lord of the Rings country for those that way inclined, you can see why this countryside filled in for Rohan in the films.

Eventually after an hour or so of serious uphill grunt things start to level out and you'll find the massive summit cairn on a wide and comparatively flat summit.

Two options for the return, retrace your steps - or else head west along the summit and descend the ridgeline to hook up with part of the Te Araora Trail which passes to the western flank of Mt Guy.

Not a long day, but certainly a steep one and if its hot, a refreshing dip in Lake Clearwater will invigorate the most hard core of us!

The Ashburton Lakes, as they are known locally
Wetlands
Retired Pastoral leasehold
Great views

Access Lake Clearwater Huts from Mt Somers Village about 45 mins up the Hakatere Mt Potts Road

33 km

34 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Take a map. Route is well poled by DOC but weather changes can be swift and fog you out swiftly

Non-existent.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, 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, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.

BYO. Village is on tanks

Snow in winter. High country travel even at the foot of the hill, so prepare for any eventuality- pack wisely and know the forecast

Rapid weather changes.

Mayfield Panthers Rock
Mayfield
https://www.facebook.com/panthersrockmayfield/
Nice small town bar with a solid menu for the way home

Trail Legend

Sia Svendsen

Sia Svendsen

has completed Mt Guy once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

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Trail Reviews

Another honest uphill push with enough technical downhill to really wake up the legs. Completed on a very crisp day, but I had no trouble keeping warm!

Christian Couper

July 23, 2023

Nice little run with stunning view over Ashburton Lakes. Like Alice - we had fog at the top so no view, but loved the moody atmosphere and caught the views on the way down. Would go again :)

Laura Richards

April 25, 2022

I really feel like I was robbed.... couldn't see a thing. Might have to do it with Mystery Lake next time ... and hopefully a view! Good fun though!!!

Alice Brice

September 20, 2021

A really cool trail. Easy running to begin as you go along a 4WD track and then comes the long grunty up! Great views at the top - stunning!

Stefanie Parks

April 20, 2021

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