I drove past fence lines and farm gates that looked like they hadn’t swung open in years. Beyond, sheep grazed quietly on the wide flats, ringed by dark hills and ominous peaks still holding snow. The wind moved in soft gusts, bending the grass in the afternoon sunshine that filled the valley.
The next morning was bright, clear and I was heading in a northwesterly direction and the start of the Routeburn Track. Situated in Mount Aspiring National Park and having been a formal recreational tramping track since 1964, while I had no intention of walking the track I had made up my mind to at least wander along the track for a bit and have a wee lookaround.
The scale of the Routeburn Track is relatively small by international standards (33 km / 20.5 miles). Yet, what it lacks in length, it makes up for in spectacular scenery, dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. The track just wraps you up in tranquillity and overwhelms you with towering peaks and sweeping valleys. Walking the track you find yourself in a constant state of awe and amazement. I wish I’d allowed myself more time but alas time was against me.
The Routeburn Track – Buy
I decided, impulsively, to walk a section of the Routeburn Track. However, being neither prepared or dressed for such an undertaking, it was when I reached a swing bridge over Sugerloaf Stream that I reconsidered my options. Looking at my watch and discovering the afternoon was quickly disappearing, I made a few quick calculations. Deciding that I’d gone far enough to earn a beer at the nearest pub, I started the walk back.
