Description

Start up with the trail through the village, and pick up the marked trail that descends to the Thomas River. You may or may not keep dry feet as you cross the river, and pick up the "Loop Track" as it ascends up onto tussocky terraces and then into the beech forest.

The well marked track then ascends steadily up through the forest until emerging into the prominent basin half way up Leith Hill that is known locally as The "Depression". This is a good spot for a break and a fuel up, before you head off for the more technical stuff. I dare you not to start humming "There is no depression in New Zealand..."

From the "Depression" its pretty much a case of follow your nose to the top. Leave the marked trail behind and follow the long sweeping spur to the north of the basin, picking your way up through mixed scrub, tussock and rocky terrain. The higher you go the better the views get. The summit is marked with a very large cairn.

Return routes are either the same way, or conversely you could descend the screes and spur down the south side of the Depression. Pick the track up at the bushline again and complete "The Loop Track" back home to the village. Some nice moderately technical bush trail running as you drop altitude again.

Features of interest

Half way up you will find yourself in the distinctive Depression, a prominent landmark from around the Castle Hill Basin

Great views all round

Make Up of Run

Untracked / Route only: 40%

Technical Single Track: 20%

Moderate Single Track: 20%

Easy Single Track: 20%

Route Data