Double Top

A chance to knock off the two highest named peaks on the Banks Peninsula in one concise loop; everyone prefers loops right?!

From the parking area follow the signs for Mt Herbert. It is fairly well signed all the way up the valley, although the markers get more spaced out towards the top of the valley. Work your way through the bush into more open farm terrain, which can get very hot on a sunny day. Eventually you will reach a junction at around 700m. Turn left here and head towards the summit of Mt Herbert past the Mt Herbert Shelter (a good place to respite if in need of a rest or shelte from the weather).

The trail is obvious along a wide 4WD track, with a marked turnoff just below the summit. Enjoy the views, and then head back the way you came, this time sticking to ridge and following the trail which heads around the back of Mt Bradley towards the Packhorse Hut. This is an interesting, technical, varied section of the trail.

The turnoff to Mt Bradley summit is easy to miss, and is indicated by a marker post (see pics) which takes you up a steep grassy trail, winding through gorse to the summit. The summit itself is fairly uninspiring, but there are some views to be had on a clear day.

Head back the same way and rejoin the trail towards the Packhorse Hut; a chance to get some water/toilet here if required. From here head north around Mt Bradley; there is a marked track, although this section is not as well travelled as the rest of the route. The markers are sparse and the trail is technical/rocky and off-camber for the most part. Allow more time for this section than the map would suggest, as it can be slow going.

Eventually you will arrive back at the top of the Orton Bradley park and if you look closely you should be able to pick up the posts with light blue markings on the top (tablelands track), which will take you back to your car.