I was back in the heart of Arthur’s Pass today with a steep mountain before me. If you’re into suffering up steep hills then this is the game for you.
Mt Aicken (1,858m) was the goal for today.
It was an early start to get into Arthur’s Pass and walking by 8:30. The start of this ascent is off the tourist attraction, Devils Punchbowl walkway. Roughly 2/3s of the way up the Mt Aicken route peels off.
It starts steep and doesn’t really stop! Ascending on this side of the valley was great because it meant that I wasn’t in any sun until I popped out on the main ridge.
Once out of the trees, the trail is not that obvious as it is a route rather than a fully marked and maintained trail. Fortunately, enough people had gone before me that it wasn’t that difficult to find the path of least resistance through the tussocks.
It wasn’t long before I was on the rocky ridgeline and could see my peak in the distance.
Interestingly, Mt Aicken is a peak just off from the main ridgeline and a lot of people turn around at the high point on the main ridge. For me, I wasn’t going to cheat myself by saying I had made it but not actually making it.
The route across the Aicken was to be blunt, steep and exposed and also in parts a climbing route. I now understood why not many people clamber across to the actual summit.
To travel the 300m across to the summit it took me 20 minutes.
However, I had made it and it was now time for a rest and some food.
The way down was a lot faster, bit with it being so steep towards the second half my knees took and hammering and my left knee began to have a bit of soreness. Fingers crossed it doesn’t develop into something sinister.
I made it back to the car and after changing clothes I stopped in at the local Cafe for a pie and an iced chocolate. Ultimate recovery food!
Another one done and one of the next ones may be Mt Cassidy which is located on the otherside of the valley.
#26 Mt Aicken – 1,858m, 9.3km, 5 hours 34 min
Till next time,
Cam.