From this point the track heads on up the ridge through waist deep scrub. The track is well cut, but unfortunately it's turned into a steadily flowing creek for about 1km. Perhaps it dries out a bit in drier weather? Some drier ground signals that the top of the ridge is near, and there's some spectacular views from here, looking on to the peaks of the South Picton Range that were the objective for the walk (Chapman and Burgess Bluff). Loads of waterfalls tumbling over the cliffs too, but they'd be difficult to get close to. Along the ridge a bit more, and descend into Square Tarn. This looks like it should be a good campsite, but most level spots are wet, and most dry spots are lumpy. I set up my tent and headed off to climb Chapman with what was left of the day.
John Chapman's south west book shows a pad heading up to the top of Abrotanella Rise, but this really doesn't exist. Not that it needs to, is an open ridge, with only one band of scrub where it gets steep. I stayed south and had the best run through this. Up on top of the ridge its more nice open walking, with great views out to the west, taking in the Western Arthurs and Fedder. Mt Chapman itself is a nice looking dolerite mountain, easy climb and more good views.
- Looking south from Mt Chapman
- Fedder from Mt Chapman
Retraced my steps back to Square tarn for dinner. Times: Car to Square tarn: 3 hours. Mt Chapman and return: 2:30
- Chapman and Picton from Square Tarn
The next day was bleak. The clouds had come in overnight and i could barely see the obvious ridge line from my camp. I waited a couple of hours hoping it would clear. It started to show some good signs, so I headed off the try and get out to Burgess Bluff. Followed the same route to the top of the range but unfortunately the cloud was still down, with strong wind as well now that I was exposed to the westerlies. Did get a short break in the cloud to get a sighter on Anderson Bluff and took a bearing to that. More easy walking, and even a few stunted but living pencil pines (all the ones around Square Tarn had been killed by fire I assume).
Followed the same procedure from Anderson Bluff, waiting to get a visual on Burgess Bluff before heading off. A bit more scrubby on the way, but nothing to worry about. Even the odd cairn for reassurance, but not really a pad to follow. Reached the top of Burgess Bluff in total cloud cover, now with driving rain so I'll add that the the list of peaks visited solely for the points. Headed back relying on back bearings much of the way as the cloud seemed to be permanently down now and the rain steady. Picked up my landmark (a small waterfall) for the top of the Abrotanella Rise descent, and at this point knew I could get back to the track without issues having covered that ground three times before. The rain really came down on the way down that ridge, but stopped as I arrived back at camp meaning I would not have to pack up in the rain. Time to Burgess Bluff and return 3:20 (would be much quicker in clear conditions).
It was 1pm and I packed quickly, and headed off as I really didn't want to stick around in less than ideal conditions. The track was wet and slippery down through the rainforest, but I still made fairly good time back to the car (2:20).
It would be quite feasible to climb both peaks in a long day walk in good weather (I didn't get to the track until 12:30 having driven from Launceston). This is a spectacular area, but I would not recommend the walk for inexperienced walkers.
Wello
