Frenchmans Cap

[Roger]

Thinking about doing Frenchmans Cap walk in Nov, anyone been on the track recently and what's the condition like. Interested to know if they have progressed with the board walks over some of the areas in the Soddens

[Strider]

Not finished yet from what I can gather. By the way, the new track is completely new and bypasses the Loddens almost entirely - so you won't see any of it from the existing track.

[Roger]

Thanks Strider. That's a shame about the bypass .... I kinda liked the mud but I'm sure there will still be planty around to make it a wilderness experience.

[north-north-west]

Not finished yet from what I can gather. By the way, the new track is completely new and bypasses the Loddens almost entirely - so you won't see any of it from the existing track.

It would be fun to use both and make the in and out section a loop. But I assume the old route will be closed off once the new track is finished. Be a pity in a way, all the sweat, blood and tears shed on that track.

[Strider]

Not finished yet from what I can gather. By the way, the new track is completely new and bypasses the Loddens almost entirely - so you won't see any of it from the existing track.

It would be fun to use both and make the in and out section a loop. But I assume the old route will be closed off once the new track is finished. Be a pity in a way, all the sweat, blood and tears shed on that track.

Not much of a loop. The new track is about 200m from the old one.

[north-north-west]

It's still better than walking the exact same bit of ground both ways.
Although, if that 200m manages to bypass the Soddin' Loddens, it must vertical distance, not horizontal.

[Strider]

It's still better than walking the exact same bit of ground both ways.
Although, if that 200m manages to bypass the Soddin' Loddens, it must vertical distance, not horizontal.

Might not be exactly 200m. New track is towards Pickaxe Ridge (I think?), will turn off the existing track at the hump between north lodden and south lodden and come out again just above Philps Forest.

[ILUVSWTAS]

The new track will be open by the end of the year. It is an excellent track and avoids 99% of the mud. It rejoins the existing track just after the uphill starts up Philps lead.

There has been some clearing around Vera hut too. And there is talk of tent platforms in the future.

[Strider]

The new track will be open by the end of the year. It is an excellent track and avoids 99% of the mud. It rejoins the existing track just after the uphill starts up Philps lead.

There has been some clearing around Vera hut too. And there is talk of tent platforms in the future.

Plenty of tent space just down the track anyway. And with that area already impacted, what are platforms going to achieve?

[ILUVSWTAS]

Well given that there is a new super highway being built, this area will get alot more visitors now, all year round. As it currently is not many go in winter. With extra numbers comes extra pressure. I think more tent spaces are a must as the ones you speak of at Vera are very prone to flooding, even in light rain.

Just seems logical to me.

[norts]

I agree Vera needs platforms, I have used the chopper platform on at least two occassions. Platforms at Tahune would be good too.

Roger

[Strider]

Well given that there is a new super highway being built, this area will get alot more visitors now, all year round. As it currently is not many go in winter. With extra numbers comes extra pressure. I think more tent spaces are a must as the ones you speak of at Vera are very prone to flooding, even in light rain.

Just seems logical to me.

Woops I wasn't allowing for the increased patronage!

Tahune definitely needs more camping space. Platforms, or otherwise.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I agree Vera needs platforms, I have used the chopper platform on at least two occassions. Platforms at Tahune would be good too.

Roger

Haha really? That's a bit risky.

There's a new heater at tahune. A small coal fire. Works a treat!!

[north-north-west]

The new track will be open by the end of the year. It is an excellent track and avoids 99% of the mud. It rejoins the existing track just after the uphill starts up Philps lead.

Damn. Too late for me to enjoy the old one. Suppose I'll just have to go in and hope it rains like buggery so there's a bit of mud around.

[Strider]

The new track will be open by the end of the year. It is an excellent track and avoids 99% of the mud. It rejoins the existing track just after the uphill starts up Philps lead.

Damn. Too late for me to enjoy the old one. Suppose I'll just have to go in and hope it rains like buggery so there's a bit of mud around.

Whats to enjoy on the old one?????

[Ent]

Personally I just hope that the improved track helps slows the erosion damage. The Loddons might be just shifting mud about but other parts past that section make us bushwalkers look like environmental vandals.

I dread the lack of thought given when someone publishes a great bucket list walk and then the hordes head in. Apart from restrictions the only option is track hardening. Examples IMHO of getting it right is the Wallls area and Parks can be proud of their work there. But I do scratch my head on other areas such as the endless stair case at Mount Field.

I look forward to checking out the Cap.

Cheers

[ryantmalone]

Whats to enjoy on the old one?????

I'm actually happy to say that I got to enjoy the Soddens at least once.

Walk in was near bone dry on a cold day. After a ton of rain the night after, the first half was mostly flooded, and ended up being one of the only 40 degree days I've ever experienced in Tas.

Nothing beats doing the Soddens in 40 degree weather after a massive downpour. Was horrendous, but beautiful in a strange kind of way...