Red Hill ZL3/CB-587

Red Hill ZL3/CB-411 18th January 2020

Red Hill had always been one of my favourite walks in this area due to its dramatic views of Lake Coleridge and its post glaciation landscape. So when a work colleague expressed interest in some exercise and there was one of those SOTA thingies requiring its first activation there was little choice but to gravitate up country.

Looking from the direction of Peak Hill CB-547

Getting there

Follow the directions in my Big Ben Range post past Lake Lyndon, instead of turning left off Lyndon road turn directly right and follow a rough vehicle track along the terrace. The track will take you down off the terrace and into the valley,  further on you will meet a stream crossing where it's best to leave your vehicle. The track is a bit steep and ruttered in places so you may prefer to park on Lyndon Rd road and walk the additional 20 minutes, mainly suitable for vehicles with a high clearance.

The route up in purple & return in blue

Walking

We started walking at 7am greeted by the buzz of the odd blow fly, useless things you may think (and normally you would be correct) however they are sometimes a good indicator the day will become very hot - but there again what do blow flies know.

Crossing the stream we followed up the valley picking up a stock / access track through the alpine scrub.  After about 15 minutes walking climb onto a terrace, cross the fence line and follow the stock track again. Head up the  N/W valley towards a large stand of beech trees at the valley head.

Terrace face to the right of Chris

Entering the bush we picked up a stream which led us left up into a vegetated valley, walking for a about 400m  ascend up onto the left hand spur to 1249. I tried to push up further into the valley head only to get my ego literally shredded by scrub so ended up tackling a touch of scree. Because screes are normally my friend  the trauma was reduced (very slightly) however its something you do not need so don't leave your valley exit too late.  (Note the topo map shows my track log leaving the valley too late)

Stand of beech trees and valley entrance  (blue arrows scree return)

Scooting along the ridge top over 1321 we dropped down slightly before a reasonable climb up the spur. Near the top of the spur via right look for a very distinctive road like terrace which will carry you up onto the main ridge then further onto the summit. 

Dotted line showing drop from  1321 then right turn near top of spur.

Topo map with track log

One self giving thanks for walking poles

Climbing onto the main ridge you will be greeted with a surprising steep drop off creating gratifying views over Lake Coleridge.

The above photo shows Chris looking across Lake Coleridge towards Peak Hill CB-542 as we stop for a pause on our way along the ridge to the summit.

We reached the summit at around 10am, sat down, opened up the topo map, took in the view and chattered about the glacial deposits and land forms from four major ice advances (partly seen in the photo below) for half an hour. Hang about what has this got to do with an activation due in about 15 minutes ! Blimey, my SOTA masters will be shattered at my total lack of discipline, nearly tripping over myself I leaped up quickly and looked for a suitable place to set up.

The summit was lacking a trig to lash onto and being a bit rocky it was easier to set up a short distance away where I could screw into the ground my top secret pole mount invented by Geoff ZL3GA. A short length of electrical PVC conduit - totally simple but brilliant for such a pressing activation.

The operating position - (note my walking poles close to hand)

All set up and ready to go, fittingly Geoff ZL3GA was first off the starting block on Flag Hill CB-411 summit coming in at 59 on FM, after a number of quick QSO's with the locals it was time for HF.

Mainly working 40m it was great to have contacts with four North Island stations on their respective summits and then finishing off with a ground wave contact with Ian ZL3GIG on a local summit, in total around 20 QSO's for the day.

Feeling the metal belt clip on my hand held burning into the palm of my hand combined with the odd drop of perspiration I suddenly came to the realisation things were heating up, those damn blow flies were once again on the money.

"No time to hang around on this hill top" I said to Chris  just as a woosh from behind scared the living day lights out of us.  Like a great white hawk of prey the glider dropped over our heads and down into the valley below. Taking a couple of minutes to recover and adjusting our underwear it was time to pack up and descend.

Glider riding the thermals

Scree entry on saddle  between altitude 1488 & 1494 

After packing up we headed down the eastern  spur of Red Hill to a saddle, the above photo taken two thirds down shows the saddle at the start of the green dotted line (Castle Hill CB-241 can be seen on the sky line center photo). At this point we picked up an animal track around to a further saddle then climbed over 1488. Descending to our last saddle between 1488 and 1494 we dropped down the scree towards the valley floor.

The above photo shows the bush and valley to the right we first ascended

After giving Chris a bit of a scree run lesson (his underwear had already become disarrayed after the glider so it did not mater) he soon became a pro as we bounced our way down the hot shale. Suddenly we came across one of those welcoming alpine streams so slamming on the breaks it was time for a drink and freshen up.

Following on down we entered the bush picking up the track we first came up in the morning, 40 minutes later we were back at the car. Boots off and it was time to head on back home to Christchurch.

Summary

Distance -11 Km Return / 13 km Return from Lyndon Rd

Altitude climbed - 890m

Time up - Allow 3 to 3.5 hrs

Time return - Allow 2.5 to 3 hrs

Terrain - Easy to moderate

Navigation skills - Basic to moderate

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.

The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. Be mindful if there is wind, sudden gusts can blow you over the edge especially on the main ridge. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.