30/04/2025. Pipeline, Burns, Swampy Summit, Rustlers Ridge Circuit. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Carolyn Pridham and Esther Willis.
Seven (7) intrepid trampers set off from the Leith Saddle car park looking forward to ‘tiptoeing’ through bogs on a mud-filled adventure.
After a short jaunt down the pipeline track we started our journey up the beautiful tree lined Burns track. Despite the slippery mud, sneaky tree roots and rocky creek crossings we all enjoyed the bush track interspersed with signs of the local wildlife, hoof prints, pig rootings and goat scent! A couple of us were treated to a glimpse of a young goat up ahead at one stage.
From the track junction we continued up the Swampy Summit track and all remarked on the variety of track foliage. There was the promise of morning tea after ‘the Bog of Eternal Drench’ crossing.
The much-anticipated bog was crossed without mishap or too much drenching!! Unlike our recent recce!
The Swampy Summit section had us all donning extra clothing as the temperature dropped a bit. We all admired the panoramic views of Mopanui, Blueskin Bay and Mount Watkins to name a few.
Once we left the Summit, we descended the Upper Burns Track and found a sheltered spot to have our lunch among the flax and Hebes.
From there was a steep, squelchy descent to the track junction and onto the Rustlers Ridge track.
Although a bit overgrown in places the track provided a variety of vegetations, amazing Fuschia, enchanted wooded areas and an undulating trip back to the Pipeline track and the cars.
The total climb was 401 metres and the distance was 12.6 kilometres. Carolyn
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.