Overland Track via Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut or Horse Tk

[Slithers]

I'm booked to start the Overland Track next week. I have already done a day walk to Cradle Mtn via Kitchen Hut and back via West of Dove Lake.

I am contemplating starting from Dove Lake heading to Hansons Peak but taking the longer (Not as steep I think) Eastern trail vis Lake Hanson and staying at Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut. This would mean no backtracking from Waterfall Valley Hut to Climb Barn Bluff for the second day.

A second alternative is starting from Ronny Creek via the Horse Track.

I like to take a different trail each time I walk somewhere and I am looking at these 2 alternative routes as I have already walked from Ronny Creek and past Crater Falls.

I have books and maps but there is little mentioned about my two alternative starts, some personal experience from someone who has walked these two trails with a loaded pack would be appreciated.

Thanks Mat,

[stepbystep]

Hi Mat,
Depends on your time really.
The route over Hansons Peak to SK hut is more scenic IMO and would allow time to explore Twisted Lakes area on the way through or climb Little Horn.
If you went via Horse Track I would imagine most could climb Barn Bluff on day 1 on the way to Waterfall Valley.
Cheeers, sbs

[Nuts]

Crater falls track to marions closed on the 5th for trackwork, not sure if its open again yet? I agree with sbs, Hansons is a good plan, down around the lake can be a bit muddy but either that or over the peak are great walks if youve done the other side.

[Slithers]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll go via Hanson's Peak/Twisted Lakes. I've got 9 days on the trail so enough time to do a few side-trips here and there.

Is there a marked/used trail to get up Little Horn? I read somewhere about via the facetrack but no details were mentioned? Is it possible to climb via the Eastern/SE side via the Lake Rodway Tk? This is one I have not found any info on.

[gregm]

Recently completed a day walk to Barn Bluff via Hansons, Scott Kilvert, Barn Bluff & return via Overland. I preferred the views of Cradle Mt & a variety of lakes on this Lake Rodway track. The SK Hut is a great setup but if the weather is fine I would prefer camping beside the lake just before the hut. Hope you have better weather than I did for the ascent up Barn Bluff. I had a total whiteout with rain & strong winds. I guess I'll just have to do it again when next I visit Tas. At the end of the track as the scramble starts up Barn Bluff the path is clearly marked with rock cairns.

I haven't done the Overland track but last year after walking through the Walls of J & across the Traveller Range we descended down to the OT & camped near Bert Nicholls hut. The next day we walked past Pine Valley hut into the Labyrinth & camped at Lake Elysia. Unreal views & a must do if you have the time.