It had rained all day on the Saturday, but that didn’t put off the 7 members and two visitors who met at the squash club in Nelson. Under low cloud and temperatures, we set off up Airlie St and as the climb steepened the layers of clothing came off. By the time we reached the runway on top of the first climb we were all pretty warm.

The group is warmer at the top of the first climb

Through the pines and then native bush we went, up and down. Though most of us have walked this track many times before it is always a good workout, and the views across Tasman Bay and further afield make this a favourite. At this time of year, the view was fringed with snow on the ranges of Kahurangi, Richmond and Nelson Lakes and we could clearly see the pines surrounding the lighthouse on Farewell Spit, if not quite the lighthouse itself. Not a breath of wind either.

Looking towards Farewell spit

We were soon at Sentinel Hill and descending the steep and at times slippery slope to Cable Bay.

Cable bay beach... good for a swim

Jo and Debbie decided that the water was too good to miss and went in for a dip whilst some of us went to the coffee cart for pre-lunch drinks. The swimmers needed the hill to warm back up and we had lunch in the sunshine overlooking Pepin Island.

Climbing the hill from Cable Bay

We retraced the way we had come through the forest before the descent into Glenduan down the ridge facing the bay and alongside Waterfall Creek. 16.4km and 1000m of climbing, back by 3pm. A great day out with friends new and old. This new leader might lead again!

PS. We have been informed that logging was now starting on the Cable Bay walkway and the track will be closed from mid July 2023 until the middle of next year. We are pleased to have completed our tramp in time.

Cable Bay gpx route

Participants: David (leader and scribe), Beth, Jo, Rosie-Anne, Debbie, Kath, Philip and visitors Erin and Peter.