11/02/2026. Jim Freeman McQuilkans Swampy Summit Track Rolleston Road Circuit. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Phil Morris and Carolyn Pridham.
The Trampers travelled to Rolleston Road and parked at the locked gate on Rolleston Road.
The Trampers travelled to Rolleston Road and parked at the locked gate on Rolleston Road.
17 Trampers in the Mist headed down Rolleston Road to Whare Flat Road. After a couple of steepish climbs, we reached the Jim Freeman track.
The track treated us to some beautiful bush, birdsong and several creek crossings.
We stopped at a clear section near the intersection with McQuilkens track for morning tea as the mist lifted and the sun shone.
After morning tea, we proceeded up the McQuilkans track, which, thanks to Phil Morris and Graeme Thurlow spending last Thursday doing an incredible job of clearing, we were able to walk without resorting to hands and knees as we did in the Recce!
The mist shrouded us as we climbed up towards the Swampy Summit track. While we didn’t get the views on the Swampy Summit Track the mist kept us cool.
Several keen workers were clearing the track and one of them got quite a fright when he turned round and unexpectedly saw all these people emerging out of the fog!
We stopped for lunch about 12.20pm near the top of a steep climb on the Summit track.
After lunch and another uphill section, we carried on along the track to the Swampy Summit and began the downhill section to Rolleston Road.
As we gradually descended from the Summit we were treated to a mystical view of the mist lifting and fluctuating in density around the valley and hills across the valley.
Rolleston Road provided a good route down to the Steve Amies Track, the sun came out and several of us had a look at the track, seats and memorial plaques located at the top of the track.
From there was a short trip to the cars, where we were treated to some amazing fudge made by Phil. (fudge recipe)
Another enjoyable day with great company
Carolyn Pridham and Phil Morris
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.