Scout loop

This is a great loop if you don't like running uphill as its impossible for mere mortals to run up. The knotted ropes to pull yourself up a couple of sections after the 1st wee stream crossing were an indication of things to come. Beautiful wee glimpses of Tasman Bay thru the trees. Loved the ferns and bush throughout and the flowy trails down.

Rebecca Sunderland

July 9

Seriously impressed with those doing this in under 45min it’s. It took me around 30minutes to get through that ascent which was far more technical then the track description would elude to. No track markers in sight and very limited cell reception made me feel unsafe at times. Really glad I had the GPX track. For that first ascent I agree with others that I would not want to come down that for sure.

I went back via reservoir loop track to add on some extra distance and found a nice swimming hole nearby. Again track is not well marked so keep your wits about you as there are plenty of decoy tracks to take you other places.

Downhill switchbacks were really fun and a highlight was the two waterfalls along that section.

Stewie Stuart

September 1, 2024

Good short and shape hit out. I don't recommend doing it in reverse and down the Scout Track after a recent downpour. Very slippery and then some decent stream crossings!

Jeremy Wheeler

May 11, 2023

This is a nice loop for punishing the quads and glutes. The uphill is 1.6ish km at 25%. After the waterfall/weir it is natural rock and root steps straight up the hill. The return is very runnable at an average of 10% downhill on a mixed use mountain bike track. Running quickly requires me to focus on foot placement due to rocks and roots. Marsden valley is dog friendly and the overlapping and surrounding tracks are worth a look. I save the scout track uphill for when I need extra punishment.

Gareth Harris

November 16, 2022