mt picton

[nina79]

Hello there,

I would like to do Mt Picton soon, does anyone know how long the walk is when I start from West Picton Road?

Cheers

[nina79]

I extend my question: is there another, more interesting route up to Mt picton? If yes could you tell me please where it starts and how long it takes?

Cheers

[wello]

There's a description of the route to Mt Picton from West Picton Spur in Chapman's South West book. According to the book, its 5.2km and 4.5 to 6.5 hours one way to the summit via this route.

The other way would be the old route via the Huon track to Blakes Opening. From there a track goes up the hill to North Lake, from where there used to be a cairned route to the top of Picton. This would be a long two days or three depending on how navigation is. This was part of the route to Federation Peak back in the 40's and 50's, and isn't used much these days. Could be getting quite overgrown.

Wello

[ILUVSWTAS]

The route up to North lake is still followable I hear, but from North lake down it is meant to be very scrubby.

The proper route up Picton takes about 6-7 hrs return. From Cook creek. it is on a very good track (except the last little summit section) and is a very nice walk. Just make sure you park your car safely. I got bogged here after climbing the peak. I then had to walk all the way back to Geeveston.

[Azza]

The route up to North lake is still followable I hear, but from North lake down it is meant to be very scrubby.

The proper route up Picton takes about 6-7 hrs return. From Cook creek. it is on a very good track (except the last little summit section) and is a very nice walk. Just make sure you park your car safely. I got bogged here after climbing the peak. I then had to walk all the way back to Geeveston.

"The proper route" - according to someone I spoke to at Parks and Wildlife was illegally cut and taped by a walking club. However parks was quite happy to supply me with details of the track - enough to help me find the start before it was published in Chapman's latest South West book. Anyway its now pretty much the best way to go, track is well marked.

Just watch out for the weather and I know of a couple of people (myself included) getting into a minor spot of bother on the way down.
Being in a hurry to get back to the car and in failing light its easy to miss the junction near the lake and continue around the lake too far.

Last time I went up there at the end of winter we're greated with horizontal snow and hail and it really wasn't very nice.

Cheers

Aaron