Pine Valley Area Questions

[mjdalessa]

Ok, so I'm staying two nights at Pine Valley hut and was wondering...
a) How long does it take to walk up the acropolis and back (starting and returning to the hut)?
b) How long does it take to walk to lake elysia?
c) Is walled mtn. possible in a day from pine valley? if so, how long/ far and what route is best to take?

Thanks in advance.

[DaveNoble]

Ok, so I'm staying two nights at Pine Valley hut and was wondering...
a) How long does it take to walk up the acropolis and back (starting and returning to the hut)?
b) How long does it take to walk to lake elysia?
c) Is walled mtn. possible in a day from pine valley? if so, how long/ far and what route is best to take?

Thanks in advance.

a - About 3 hours return or longer (best to allow longer). It takes a while to get to the plateau, then you have to climb up to the headwall - then it takes a surprisingly long time to sidle around the base of the peak to the spot where you scramble up onto the summit plateau. If going for the actual summit of the peak - which is a detached pinnacle - then that may take you ten minutes or so to work out the route up it and do the climb. If you take a camera with you and stop all the time to photograph fungi and other delights - then it is a full day!

b - about 2 hours

c - yes, perhaps better in a summer day with the longer daylight hours. You can start from L Elysia, climb the small hill to the west of the lake and make your way down to two small lakes on the ridge to the west. These lakes are only a few metres apart. The track starts between the lakes and goes to the summit.

Dave

[mjdalessa]

Thanks Dave. So you wouldn't recommend Walled Mountain with a fairly average paced party?

[aryeah]

There is a good track all the way starting at the western end of Lake Ophion. Took 4 hours return from the lake in late March, including a fair bit of time exploring the top of the cliffs on top. Average party can easily handle it - no steep climbs or explosed rock involved, unlike some of the other peaks in the area.

[bluewombat]

Walled is doable in a day from Pine Valley but a few thoughts
1. the area is more likely to be socked in in winter
2. Walled is a bit notorious for messing up compasses which is not good if you are socked in
3. If you are only fairly average pace why not enjoy the delights of the Labyrinth a little more rather flog yourself, it is a special place and worth hanging around to watch the light change
bw

[mjdalessa]

Thanks for the replies. Is the parthenon as straight forward as it looks (like a couple hundred metres off track)? Is there a cairn or pad that I should follow?

[aryeah]

As you come up the track from Pine Valley, at the point where it reaches the plateau the main track goes straight on and a minor track heads off to the right in the direction of the Parthenon.

[ILUVSWTAS]

We didnt find the track up it, but it was very easy anyway.

[north-north-west]

I don't recall seeing any sort of track either, but it was a very easy climb. Hard to get lost unless the weather gets REALLY bad.

[mjdalessa]

Thanks for the help. I got up Parthenon with terrible weather (like 10m visiblity) via the track. It is probably my favourite climb. On a clear day the views would be great for the track goes right around the front.

I also got up the Acroplis, starting in fairly good weather, but when we got to the top it was in fog. All the climby bits were pretty dangerous because everything was covered in frost and ice, a unique experience.

I'll defiently be back for walled and a further explore in the labyrinth; maybe even that track that goes right down pine valley from near pool of memories.