Mount Charles
Location Western Wellington
Route Summary It is 10.25k from Myrtle Forest with a significant part on fire trail (approx. 1:45) The route up Charles requires a bit of winding then an ascent up a steep rocky slope, but numerous ledges exist.
Walk Description
It is 10.25k from Myrtle Forest with a significant part on fire trail (approx. 1:45) The route up Charles requires a bit of winding then an ascent up a steep rocky slope, but numerous ledges exist.
After climbing the walking track from Myrtle Forest the Collins Cap Fire Trail is followed to the junction with the East West Fire Trail and after walking along this a distinct left hand bend is met with an offshoot track leading to a waterhole. Beyond the waterhole the once vehicle track becomes narrower and is gradually getting quite a bit of vegetation growth close to it nowadays. This is only a short section and the East West is re-joined for the fairly level walk past Trestle Mountain. Continue on this, past Ringwood Trail and then it climbs and descends a bit until Mount Charles eventually comes into view.
On the East West Fire Trail there is a very obvious bend and on the Charles side there is a short open area with very low bushes and it is from this point that the way up the peak is best approached. This area seems to have been widened from previous, possibly since the side clearing done during the 2013 fire in the park. It is a fairly easy matter to weave through the Eucalypts and other bushes, which soon become taller to the base of a rocky area and soon a rock face is reached. It is matter of picking the best way up the several ascent lines. However if the cairns and a few tapes are still visible a rough pad can be followed that seems to provide the easiest route. Once up above the rocks face the easiest way to the top is via gully between the two summits. Again some markings and a pad can be followed if it can be located. Map Collinsvale
Last Updated Monday, 27 January 2014
Start Point Myrtle Forest
Introduction Moderate grade
Hazards Cliffs and navigation
Route Conditions Rough and at time indistinct pad from fire trail to summit
Facilities Toilet and picnic shelter at start of walk
Route Grade MR
Route Distance Klms 20.5
Days 1
Access Myrtle Forest
Time Hours 8
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