22/04/2026. Craiglowan Falls. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Katrina McKenzie and Julie McKenzie.
After much pondering and phone calls to the club kaumatua we decided to go ahead with the walk despite more rain since the recce. Armed with a rope, 10 hardy souls joined us, on an overcast morning, in the challenge to get down the hill/mudslide to the Falls. After a short walk on the forestry road we descended down through the pines into the bush, accompanied by amazing birdsong. Then the fun started.
One by one we slowly slipped our way ever downwards until it became obvious that we needed the rope. Many thanks to Martin who safely attached it to a sturdy tree and then began guiding everyone safely down.
After morning tea near the Falls the underfoot surface was much improved.
We made our way up to Goat Point, onto Smeatons Shack, down McIntyre Road to the water race.
We stopped at the aqueduct which continues to deteriorate and then after multiple crossings of McQuilkan’s Creek we were back to the rope at the bottom of the hill.
One by one we slowly made our way back up the rope.
Everyone eventually arriving safely back at the forestry road. A challenging day had by all. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Perhaps we should have had a plan B at the ready….. but I thinkthose that came enjoyed the challenge.
Katrina and Julie
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.