Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Sudden Valley Track
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 57 ?
Gnarl Factor: 104 ?
15.7km
1310m
1310m
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Last Updated: 6th Jan 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 57 ?
Gnarl Factor: 104 ?
15.7km
1310m
1310m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Moderate Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.7%
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Not suitable
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:15
Fast
The route begins at the Hawdon Shelter Campsite by following the Hawdon Hut track for a few hundred metres before heading west up the Sudden Valley. The route is unmarked aside from a few rock cairns.
The first section is through open riverbeds before the valley narrows and terrain becomes more bouldery with multiple river crossings required. Around the 4 kilometres in to the route there is a chute/scree slope that needs to followed in order to bypass the (appropriately named) Barrier Falls. From the top of the scree slope, the track sidles through the bush and rejoins the stream at the top of Barrier Falls.
The route requires more boulder hopping for another kilometre or two before the the valley opens up and you reach grassy terrain. Continue heading up the valley until you reach Sudden Valley Bivouac on the true right of the stream. The bivvy is the return point of the route and a nice spot to rest and have lunch.
This route is out-and-back so just follow your steps and make sure to follow the track that bypasses Barrier Falls before carefully heading down the scree slope back to the river bed.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Parking available at Hawdon Shelter which is the start and end point of this route.
27 km
No
No
Very hard.
There will be an obvious scree slope on the true left of the river approximately 4km into the run. Climb up this for ~60m and follow a track on your left as you look up the slope.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Gaiters
Readily available as you follow a stream for most of the duration.
There is an extreme risk of high rivers that may not be crossable after long or heavy periods of rain. Take care crossing the Hawdon River as well. Make sure to check the forecast before attempting this.
Sheffield Pies
51 Main West Road, Sheffield 7500
https://sheffieldpies.co.nz/
Nothing beats a pie after a run.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Sudden Valley Track
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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