Bushwalk Australia

Here is a trip report from my recent four-day trip to the Victorian Alps with mountain man John Belfio. The route was from Howman’s Gap to Roper’s Hut via Spion Kopje, Cleve Cole Hut, Bogong Creek Saddle, the Grey Hills and back via Spion Kopje + side trips. One hell of a hike, I’d say the best 4 day-er in the Victorian Alps if you are into big mountain views.

How long was the last day Pedro? How hard did you rate the Grey Hills relative to the rest?

Great stuff Pedro. John is a legend and he knows stuff about stuff too.
Well done fellas. Neil.

CraigVIC wrote:How long was the last day Pedro? How hard did you rate the Grey Hills relative to the rest?

From Bogong Creek Saddle to the top of the High Plains was 4 hours then a further 2 hours to Howmans Gap. For me in my mid-50s with a bit of a fitness base I'd say a medium+ grade and the limit of what I find tolerable.

I enjoyed the video . I have wondered about the access to Cairn Creek Hut. It looks like I will have to forget about it really.

Good to know the chain over Big River has been repaired. Cairn Creek Hut is an effort but John made it look easy. Fortunately it was not that bad when I did it. This track and Granny spur get no attention. There are only so many tracks that can be maintained in reasonable order by Parks. A bit of a shame but I understand. It may be easier to access the hut from the river instead of the track. The Grey Hills will be getting more traffic in the future with all the promotion it has been receiving. It is a good walk and one PV are looking to keep going. I just hope it is kept relatively natural and does not get sanitised.

Xplora wrote:Cairn Creek Hut is an effort but John made it look easy

Yeah he likes jumping in, over and around logs and smashing through scrub. I don't! We gave up after 30 minutes of my earnest entreaties to turn around. The track is a shocker, lots of scrub in places too. I'd allow 1.5 hours each way.

Xplora wrote:There are only so many tracks that can be maintained in reasonable order by Parks. A bit of a shame but I understand.

John said you can write to parks to put it on their agenda and then volunteers may come out to clear it. He is actually an active volunteer in track clearing.

Xplora wrote:I just hope it (Grey Hills) is kept relatively natural and does not get sanitised.

It is definitely actively cleared except for a few short bits.

I have met John a few times while bushwalking in that BHP area. He is a character.
I will mention clearing the Cairn Creek track to BTAC.

lol a good button man! Great video.

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