Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

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Lake Rochfort Ramble

Westport, West Coast

Submitted by Sarah Coxon

Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 15 ?

Gnarl Factor: 58 ?

6.5km

490m

490m

468m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Lakeside

Run Makeup

20%
40%
40%

Gravel Road

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.3%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:40

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:50

Fast

From the road, locate the "Lake Track" sign hanging in the trees, and take the trail into the bush. You will quickly come across one of the hydro scheme buildings; head around to the right and over the bridge, staying in front of the building. The track is marked with pink triangles, and initially you might need to keep a careful eye out for them as you move through a rocky, rooty section alongside the stream.

The track then veers away from the stream and starts to climb. About 1.1km, you pop out at the private road - check for traffic, then head straight across and up the stairs to regain the track. The vegetation becomes a bit more scrubby (this section can be exposed to the wind) before heading back into forest. Eventually you reach a series of large concrete blocks/steps, and emerge at the lake.

There is a picnic table just along to your right - grab a seat and a bite to eat, or just take a moment to catch a breath and admire the view. Now there's a little flat running to stretch out the legs. You can't quite loop the lake, but you can enjoy views around 2/3 of it. Follow the road around to your right until you reach a small beach (about 500m), then double back past the concrete steps where you emerged from the bush, to skirt a short distance around the other end of the lake.

Once you reach another small 'beach' and the road heads up and away from the lake, it's time to turn around. Retrace your steps to reenter the bush, and follow the track all the way back to the car. Take care on the various roots, rocks and timbers as you descend, especially if it's been wet.

Beautiful native bush, small lake and hydro scheme

Limited parking on the narrow grass verge. There is a small gravel space just prior to the start of the track, but take care not to hinder access to the hydro plant.

11 km

10 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

There are a few points within the first few hundred meters where you may need to keep an eye out for the pink trail markers, but mostly the trail is obvious.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Just as easy to take water with you. There is the lake if you really needed, but like many on the Coast, it's dark with tannins, and you'd need to take care around access and hydro plant.

Sections of the climb can be exposed to wind. In heavy rain you can find creeks appear across/along the track quite quickly.

Watch for vehicles on the road crossing.

Trail Legend

DW

Dave willis

has completed Lake Rochfort Ramble once in the last year.

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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Can be run in any direction

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Trail Reviews

This is an absolute gem tucked away. For someone that isn't typically a fan of steep ups, I thoroughly enjoyed this short sharp pinch that lands with the reward of the lake (and greeted by a couple of surprised goats)! Then the real fun begins with the technical down, soon much fun!
I recommend this as a great end of the day blast to keep the lungs honest 👍

Aaron Campbell

March 2, 2023

The early part of the trail clearly took a hit during the 2022 storms, and the fun rooty section that ran along beside Christmas Stream has been washed out and replaced with a stretch of boulder hopping. New arrows have been placed so it's easy enough to find your way.

Sarah Coxon

March 2, 2023

A ral fun grunty track to a magical misty lake. Just next time might not go straight after torrential rainfall :-)

Mike McManaway

December 6, 2021

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