Cloudsley - Enys Traverse

This is one for the more enthusiastic vertical peak baggers who want a big day out. Nothing too technical but its a very committing and very high endeavour. There are significant grunt points on offer here!

Park up in the village and get any ablutions out of the way. Ensure you have lots of water and food, you won't be topping up anything along the way here. Initially follow the roads and trails up to the start of the Hogs Back track. Mind out for mountain bikers at the start here.

Once you get near the prominent "Lightning Tree" it's time to leave the track and get on to the appropriately named Long Spur. Then its relentlessly uphill, through the altitude zones and up, up and more up. Bag Point 1855 on the way and keep following up as it gets progressively rockier and steeper onto Mt Cloudsley itself (2107m). You are now on the crest of the Craigieburn Range, and the 360-degree views are to die for. Soak it up, refuel and get ready for some sweet tops travel ridgeline bashing.

From Mount Cloudsley, Mount Enys lies to the south along the ridge. Traverse over Point 2089 and ascend Enys's curving summit ridge. Enjoy yourself up here - you are now on the highest point of the Craigieburn Range. Views from Mt Cook to Arthurs Pass and beyond.

The next stop is Carn Brea (2090m) to the east of the Mt Enys summit after a short sharp rocky descent to the saddle between. Skirt over Carn Brea and follow the wide and attractive Dead Man Spur. Angle to the north east on the main spur as you get to the lower slopes, you are aiming to get across the lower headwaters of Whitewater Stream before grunting up an additional 300m of ascent up onto Leith Hill - the third named peak of the day. Descend the northern spur of Leith hill and pick up the marked "Loop Track " in the basin known locally as "The Depression".

If your legs have anything left after all the vert it's a sweet beech forest descent to the village. Ford the Thomas River and pick your way through the village back to the car.