Lorn Peak LunacyIntermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Fleur Douglas
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Mountainous
Open farmlandsOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
05:45 (Slow)
04:00 (Moderate)
02:30 (Fast)
-21.5%
+21.5%
The lower half of this route is closed during Sept/Oct for lambing.
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Description
Are you ready? Let's go! From the stile at the end of the access road, the route is following the orange poles up the relatively overgrown farm road. Be prepared for some steep ascents as there's more than 200m climbing in the very first kilometre. It's always good to start a run as far into VO2Max as possible! There's limited chances to catch your breath on the way up, both from the spectacular scenery and from the sheer steepness of the terrain. It does get better the higher you go, but for the most part, remember those zigzags you saw going up the mountain on your drive in? You're following them all the way up to the top - which is further back than the false summit you see from the road.
After around 2.7km, you cross another fence and stile onto the conservation land. From here, there's a loop track that goes off to the left - ignore it and continue on up the hill. After about 500m, you run out of trail, and from then on, you're on your own! The best way to the top is to directly follow the fenceline - it leads right to the summit. You cross through some tall tussock and the steep terrain continues. Be aware that there is water underfoot here and it will freeze in winter.
Once you get onto the summit pyramid the tussock gives way to rocky terrain - the fenceline curves away to the left and so do you. Beware of getting your hopes up for false summits, as there's about three of them. But before you know it, there'll be nowhere further to climb, the beautiful Central Otago landscape will open up in front of you, and you're at the top! The way back down is the same route - the only trick is catching the track when you rejoin it from the fenceline, but it is clearly visible as you descend.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Incredible views from the top right over into Central Otago, the Hector range and across Lake Wakatipu.
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 50%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 50%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
Follow the Glen Nevis Station Road (off Kingston Road just out of the township); there is one fork in this road, veer left. Follow it until the closed gate and DOC sign.
Plenty of room to park in the paddock at the start of the trail.
3 km
6 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Hard.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Be aware of generally travelling in the same direction and ignore the loop track (unmarked) to the left after the major stile at 2.7km. This is also the end of the orange markers on your route. Stick to the fenceline once you leave the farm track and you won't go wrong.
Perfect throughout.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.
There is little to no drinkable water on route.
There is a significant part of this route in what you would consider an alpine environment, so be sure to have enough warm and windproof clothes and bring plenty of water.
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Post run indulgence
Kingston Flyer Cafe & Bar
Kingston
Great food and coffee - and beer - day or night, a wonderful place to sit out in the sun and reminisce about your amazing day in the hills. -
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