Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Ridging Ross Spur
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 103
Gnarl Factor: 79
36.2km
2960m
2780m
1810m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 103
Gnarl Factor: 79
36.2km
2960m
2780m
1810m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Back country - remote
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.2%
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Not suitable
Slow
8:00
Moderate
5:00
Fast
From the drop off point head up the forest track for a couple hundred meters before turning left through the gate to start the incline up Ross Spur. The track meanders through pine forest, eventually opening up and ending at around 1180m at the remnants of a fence line. That's the last of a track or marker you'll see until the end of the decline to Kingston.
Keep heading up towards the 1400m contour in the general direction of the peaks at Pt1672. At around 1400m you can either continue up and climb through the crags and sidle the NE flank at around 1600m or begin to sidle immediately at around the 1400m contour joining up again directly north of pt 1672 at the creek. If you've gone the higher more technical route, you will descend on the NW side of the outcrop underneath the massive southern face of Symmetry Peaks.
Head NE from here towards Pt1640, either hugging the rocky terrain higher up or descending and ascending down by the creek and skirting the wee cliff up to the Pt. From here you pretty much follow the ridge all the way around to Mt Dick. Don't expect to be going too quick though, there is a lot of undulation and the terrain is pretty tough going. There are also those tricky rock scrambles.
Once at Mt Dick keep following the ridge to the trigs then duck onto to the 4wd track which will take you down to the Glen Allen Track and eventually Kingston. If your nerves haven't already been shaken enough then you can take the alternative descent home from around the 1400m contour linking up with the Shirt Tail track. This is hard to navigate on a descent though so I would leave that for the ascent if you're doing this route in the opposite direction.
Get someone to drop you off and meet you at the other end. This one is great for keeping your designated driver occupied as there is good out and back running either end around Ross Spur or Kingston to keep them busy.
27 km
45 minutes
Unknown
No
Hard.
There are no markers or tracks for the majority of this route. Study the GPX and the topo maps and know your ability.
Patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, 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 bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
Running water at the creek just north of pt 1672. That's it. Take as much as you can.
Not for winter. Exposed to cold winds on tops at any time of year. Could be icey on cusp seasons. Summer recommended. Creek could be dry in Summer.
There is some significant rock scrambling requiring - all 4s and a lot of concentration, both near the start (Pt 1672) and at the furthest point in the route (Pts 1715, 1682 and 1636) so if you haven't got the experience to get through these areas DO NOT attempt this at all as there are no alternative ways through these points (other than the first one as described).
Kingston Flyer Cafe and Bar
221 Kent Street, Kingston 9373
Had some good hearty meals here post runs. Very friendly staff and nice comfortable dining area.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Ridging Ross Spur
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JS
Fantastic route! Did it as a two day fast pack. Ross spur road is technically a private forestry road, with a large no access sign posted on the gate. Alternative access to the basin below Symmetry peaks can be gained by following the Ross Creek to the Ross Hut (if you can find it there is a good track marked) before a tussock bash (mind for hidden spainards) into the gut below point 1672. Not much water on the route, so make sure you bring plenty with you, or streams can be found about 100m from the ridge crest between points 1715 and 1540 (southern creek seemed to have more water).
January 16, 2022
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