Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024
Salisbury over Arthur
Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 59 ?
Gnarl Factor: 66 ?
28.0km
1350m
1350m
1795m
Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024
Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 59 ?
Gnarl Factor: 66 ?
28.0km
1350m
1350m
1795m
Back country - remote
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Riverside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Other
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -15.3%
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6:00
Slow
4:45
Moderate
3:30
Fast
This circuit from Flora Saddle car park is a variation on "Arthur and Gordons". It follows the main track over Flora Saddle, which then leads gently downstream beside Flora Stream past the upper Gridiron Hut and Rock Shelters, then swings south-west and climbs gently up beside Balloon Creek, passing the Growler Rock Shelter, and heading towards Salisbury Hut.
Just before the hut, take the sign-posted turn off left which leads up the Gordon's pyramid route along towards Mt Arthur (if you need water - carry on to Salisbury hut, in which case you have the option of heading up onto the Gordon's pyramid route via the Sphinx Valley Cave as marked on the map). As you approach Mt Arthur, leave the trail and strike out directly up the delightful north-east ridge. Watch for hidden potholes! The route up the ride is fairly straightforward, with one short steepish section half-way up. The ridge narrows with a big drop on one side nearer to the top and running up this section is quite exciting. From the summit, it's then an exhilarating downhill run all the way back to the start (via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Saddle) on the well-marked and popular alpine trail. As a run, this particular circuit works better in the direction described here than in reverse.
This trail includes the peaks Gordons Pyramid and Mount Arthur.
Interesting karst landscape up high. Also very cute rock shelters passed on the way in. Wonderful views over the 'tablelands' and out to the coast.
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.
A surprisingly big car park at the end of this steep twisting gravel road.
33 km
42 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Carry a compass and map in case cloud comes in. Start early (if thick cloud comes in on the Gordons Pyramid Route it may be best to stay on the track all the way to the main Mt Arthur trail).
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map
Water from streams on the way in and at Salisbury Hut (and Mt Arthur Hut on the way down)
Will be in snow in winter! Best as a spring/summer/autumn run.
Watch for hidden potholes.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Salisbury over Arthur
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10/10 good times! Great to start with 8k of downhill to loosen the legs. The Grinch sleepouts look cool. A little bit of a slog up to Gordon's but then great fun climbing up to Arthur's on the rock. All down hill fun to the car park.
December 28, 2023
Awesome loop, tho I chickened out of the off route ridge climb due to winds and scarey looking terrain (I see someone has helpfully marked the turnoff with a wee cairn tho). This is definitely not one for the faint hearted. I would say this was 2/3 runnable and some hands and feet climbing on even the poled route. Made for a stunning overnighter.
November 11, 2022
First third of the run is very runnable and there’s lots of cool things to see. Rock shelters and wee waterfalls. Second third of the run is very exposed but utterly beautiful. (Unfortunately the wind was so strong that I didn’t make the Mt Arthur summit). Final third of the run again is very runnable especially the last few kms down from Arthur’s Hut. One of my favourite runs to date, gorgeous views and varying terrain. What’s not to love!
November 14, 2021
Stunning day out! Such a lovely varied run, I especially enjoyed heading up the untracked spur to the summit, and then the sweet downhill from there. The beech forest single track climbing up from the low point was stunning too. Loads of bird life, but no whio today.
December 29, 2020
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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