A Bonnetful of Bees

The Filter Track runs from the Scenic Drive for just under a kilometre down to the service road a little west of the Filter Station, or vv.

I’m not recommending this track if you’re in a hurry. After a gentle enough start, it descends very steeply, and one is frequently lowering oneself to the next step below by hanging on to tree roots at eye level. However, I’m 68, 180cm, and 140 kg (blushes) at present, and I can tell you it’s manageable both ways, if you take your time and go carefully. ARC time 45 minutes. Fatman time, 68 minutes each way. In wet weather or after recent rain, I wouldn’t bother.

A full report and photos at http://wudhi.com/mrwalker/filter/filter%2001.htm.

Constructing the Fathmandu Trail was a challenge I put to myself after a week or so grizzling and grumping about the Hillary Trail and it’s utter disregard of the needs of the elderly and/or stout.

As it is at present laid out, the Hillary Trail is not a viable option for the elderly and stout in the same way that, for example, the Heaphy or the St James Walkway, or even the Milford, can be seen as realistic multi-day tramping goals for a wide range of people.

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