Big Ben – 1370 Metres
It had been 20 years since I had been up Big Ben at the foot of the St Mary Range inland from Kurow. Nine of us set off from the end of Domett Road and headed west on a farm track for about 3km over a low saddle and into the headwaters of Malcolms Creek.
We took a small break here before starting our just under 600m climb up an old 4WD track that would take us to the top. We started up an old steep zigzag track which hadn’t been used for a while, and was well overgrown with Tussock – so it was a bit slow-going in places following animal tracks. After about 2 hrs of climbing and at 1200m the track levelled out a bit, and after another ½ an hour we reached the top at about 1pm.
Rodney had got to the top before us, and was busy rebuilding a rock cairn he built last time he was up there about 30 yrs ago. We checked out Rodney’s cairn before having lunch at the trig station just below the summit to shelter from a cool breeze. Views were excellent, with views of Kohurau 2009m, Little Domett 1860m, the Kirkliston Range and Hakataramea Valley, St Mary Range, inland to Danseys Pass, Kurow and down the Waitaki Valley, and in the distance the high peaks of the Southern Alps including Mt Cook.
After lunch and about 2pm we headed back down the track to the 1200m point. I had permission from the neighbouring farmer to cross over to their farm and go down a much better 4WD track to a farm track that comes out from Lone Creek. From the Lone Creek track it was only a couple of km and we were back at the vehicles about 4pm, after covering 12km with an 850m climb that took us about 6hrs.
It was then back to the Duntroon hotel for light refreshments before heading home.
Thanks to the farmers for letting us on their property’s, and everyone that came and made in an enjoyable day.
Thanks to – Adam, Neil, David, Trevor, Mel, Rodney, Geoff and Mary.
–Neville