This was an easy day tramp to Mt McKerrow. The weather was chilly when we left the Catchpool carpark, but after a few minutes we had warmed up enough for most people to remove some layers.
The first 20 minutes or so along the Five Mile Loop track is pretty flat, but the track up Clay Ridge is quite steep in places. I had disappointing news for my group when I said there were no views from Mt McKerrow itself. But we did have views out towards Wellington from some open areas higher up the Clay Ridge track.
As we approached the top of Mt McKerrow it became cold and we layered up. We also decided not to have lunch at the top. We had a quick photo stop at the top of Mt McKerrow and then headed down to the Orongorongo Track.
As we descended, it warmed up a bit and we found a good spot for lunch on a flattish spot on the track.
Once we reached the Orongorongo Track, we diverted to Mac’s Hut where we had a snack stop before walking back to the carpark.
We were out for six hours in the end and we all enjoyed the exercise, each others company, the fresh air, the bush and the views.