A new trip for NTC, many of course having cruised up Ben Nevis and North Peak or Gordons\North Peak combo. We wanted to join the dots, the middle section being off track and rendezvous at Hunters hut. It all looked doable and was a trail in places. Our team opted to go over Mt Ellis, we saw the Te Araroa markers Sidle around. It was a good workout, 2582m of climbing and 2150 descent over 32km over the two days. No wonder there were unhappy knees! The route in via Ben Nevis is 9 to 10 hours. Three to summit Ben Nevis under load, three and half to Ellis summit and a long haul down and along the river to Hunters. It's a pretty ridge, Rocky in places, expansive views and we had glorious sunshine. It's not a technical route as such but navigation is required of course, especially in low cloud. The hut was full of Te Araroa trampers, it doesn't appeal when I heard their stories, walking Ks along roads and racing for huts.
Peters group went via red hills rather than Ellis with slightly more climbing and Ks. Thank you team Jabberwocky for companionship and enthusiasm.
Participants Team Jabberwocky Northbound were Rob and Oliver. Team Peter Southbound were Paul and Astrid. Scribe and leader Andrea.
