Map: Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, Telegraph (Old Bridal) track to Pigeon Flat, Escarpment Track, Cowan Rd, Short Cut to Fox Rd, down to Sullivans Dam – drawn 2002. (Click to enlarge)
Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forest, 3 Peaks – Information and Trips Library
10. 23/11/2022. Trampers. Three Peaks, Escarpment, Cloud Forest Loop. Grade 3.5. 26km. Leaders: Clare Noakes, Jill Reid.
15 trampers set out around the lovely track around Sullivan’s Dam but we soon had to turn right up the hill that stated ‘for experienced trampers only’!
This track is an overgrown mostly-boardwalk that goes up and up through a patch of majestic Rimu, Totara and Miro to the Pylon Road. On the way we passed a bush telephone and a fairy grotto!
Morning tea was had under the pylons watching 2 helicopters below us loading up to do some spraying.
After refueling we set off on the escarpment track, firstly through gorse then mud, fallen trees and a rock climb up to the magnificent view from Pigeon Rock.
Just when we thought the worst was over we came upon 2 huge pine trees crossing the track. However everyone made it safely over, then it was a short scramble up Pigeon Hill to lunch.
The challenge after lunch was to follow the blue ribbons to Mt Cargill, this proved little trouble thanks to some tall scouts who could spot them among the growing pines.
Once out on the road with the sky growing darker it was a fast trip down the 3 Peaks track back to the cars where the heavens opened! Good timing team! This is a lovely, varied track with lots to keep you interested. All seemed to enjoy it even the harder parts. Thanks for a great day out – Clare.
9. 13/11/19. Trampers. Sullivan’s Dam. Cloud Forest, Transmission Line. Return. M. Leaders: Karen and Gary
On an overcast but mild morning, 21 trampers set out from the picturesque Sullivan’s Dam. Shortly
after, we were joined by our 22 nd tramper. Making our way along and up the track and well constructed boardwalk, we passed through beautiful bush including Alpine Cyprus and masses of low ground ferns.
Up through the bush and boggy sections to the transmission line where we stopped for our morning tea.
The coolish breeze was offset by the magnificent view over Blueskin Bay , the northern motorway and hills beyond.
With everyone refreshed we carried on up through the bush and muddy sections, over fallen trees
and slippery tree roots to the rocky outcrop.
Spectacular views were to be had while we all waited for our turn to scramble up and around the rocks. The terrain flattened out to a mixture of replanted pines and open low scrub areas.
The lunch break was in an area of replanted pines.
Next was a short walk to Cowan Road which we walked for about a km (one even stopping to pick a spray of native clematis)
before dropping down onto the Three Peaks track lined with flowering broom.
We made our way down to the paddocks and were entertained by a herd of very curious steers, some even coming close enough to be patted and lick the odd hand. From there it was a short walk through more fuchsia and bush to the Leith Valley Road.
We stopped at the gardens for refreshments, all of us pleased with having accomplished a tramp
that was challenging in places but rewarding to be part of. – Karen and Gary.
8. 10/10/2018. Hikers. Sullivans Dam. Cloud Forest, Transmission Line. Return. M. Leaders: Pam and Dawn.
It was disappointing to find much of the Escarpment Track so overgrown. It had evidently not been tramped very often lately.
But thanks to those who have looked after the short-cut from Cowan Road through the trees down to Fox Road, and further on, to those who had trimmed back the gorse from the track down through the regenerating forestry. – Ian.
(5.) 12/8/2009 Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests, Escarpment, Cowan round trip. CANCELLED. BAD WEATHER. Leaders: Bill, Doug.
The following photos taken on RECCE!:
4. 22/7/2009 Sullivans Dam, Cloud Forests of Leith, Lookout, Leith Saddle, Pipe Line back to Dam. Leaders: L Gowans, B Harvey.
From Sullivans Dam, we made our way through
Cloud Forest, crossed Pole track, crossed Telegraph/Bridal Track, North face of Mt Cargill, down Cowan Road, Short-cut to cross Bridal Track,
through cleared forestry,
McCutcheon paddocks, up pipe line back to dam.