Mt GuyIntermediate
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
LakesideOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate
3:15 (Slow)
2:30 (Moderate)
1:45 (Fast)
-13.5%
+13.5%
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
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!
Trail Community
Features of interest
The Ashburton Lakes, as they are known locally
Wetlands
Retired Pastoral leasehold
Great views
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 50%
Moderate Single Track: 30%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 20%
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
Lake Camp and Clearwater Loop
Length: 14.60km
Photos:
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I did it!-
Access
Lakefront, Mt D'Archiac Drive, Lake Clearwater
Access Lake Clearwater Huts from Mt Somers Village about 45 mins up the Hakatere Mt Potts Road
33 km
34 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
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.
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Post run indulgence
Mayfield Panthers Rock
Mayfield
https://www.facebook.com/panthersrockmayfield/
Nice small town bar with a solid menu for the way home -
Sponsor this trail
