Back country - remote
Combo
Very hilly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.4%
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3:00
Slow
2:15
Moderate
1:30
Fast
Start up with the trail through the village, and pick up the marked trail that descends to the Thomas River. You may or may not keep dry feet as you cross the river, and pick up the "Loop Track" as it ascends up onto tussocky terraces and then into the beech forest.
The well marked track then ascends steadily up through the forest until emerging into the prominent basin half way up Leith Hill that is known locally as The "Depression". This is a good spot for a break and a fuel up, before you head off for the more technical stuff. I dare you not to start humming "There is no depression in New Zealand..."
From the "Depression" its pretty much a case of follow your nose to the top. Leave the marked trail behind and follow the long sweeping spur to the north of the basin, picking your way up through mixed scrub, tussock and rocky terrain. The higher you go the better the views get. The first 'summit' is marked with a very large cairn but this is not the true summit! The true summit is to the west (at the end of the gpx trail) . This summit does not have a significant cairn and appears lower when viewed from the cairn ... don't be fooled!
Return routes are either the same way, or conversely you could descend the screes and spur down the south side of the Depression. Pick the track up at the bushline again and complete "The Loop Track" back home to the village. Some nice moderately technical bush trail running as you drop altitude again.
This trail includes the peak Leith Hill .
Half way up you will find yourself in the distinctive Depression, a prominent landmark from around the Castle Hill Basin
Great views all round
In the Castle Village on the road that comes off State Highway 73. Situated on the left about 500 metres from the highway.
Park up in the village. Pretty safe with lots of friendly people at certain times
0 km
1 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
You'll probably want good weather and visibility for this one as you are off track and above the bushline
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece 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 blanket, Cellphone, Map, Gaiters
BYO
Snow and Ice in winter.
You are in the mountains- sudden and hazardous weather can hit rapidly. Check the forecast.
Springfield has a few cafes, and is the closest town with such amenities
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Leith Hill
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Long steep slidy grunty uphill, but it’s pure joy running down the scree! The rest of the downhill is a simple pleasure. Gorgeous views from the top on a fine day. I brought ankle gaiters / putties and was glad to have them for the scree run.
March 19, 2021
Long steep slidy grunty uphill, but it’s pure joy running down the scree! The rest of the downhill is a simple pleasure. Gorgeous views from the top on a fine day. I brought ankle gaiters / putties and was glad to have them for the scree run.
March 19, 2021
Starts with a nice gentle forest section and then you get into the steep stuff! Got a little frustrated with the scree on the way up but it made for a fairly quick descent. A lovely run and the views would be great on a clear day - unfortunately it was cloudy today.
March 11, 2021
Five stars purely for the adventure you feel in your bones doing this. "Trail" and "Run" are two words that only make their appearance briefly. After the beautiful forest run you'll pop out above the tree line and it's all off track and UP from here. It's steep with no markers but that adds to the challenge to pick the best route up. Zig-zag through the tussocks or straight up the loose scree? Your choice! I used the GPX file to make sure I wasn't wandering too far left or right. A good one to test to quality of your trail shoes on the rocks coming down too!
March 5, 2021
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.