Eight of us set out on a beautiful sunny day from the car park beside Camp Elsdon. We turned right (left takes you up 650 steps) for the cycle path which zigzags up the hill for 6.1 km. This track had a gentle gradient and for the first 1.4kms was a 2-way beginners cycle track. From here it was uphill only for cyclists for the remaining 4.7kms. We wound gently up through beautiful bush which broke occasionally to give us glimpses of Plimmerton and Kapiti Island. But the way the bush is growing these views may become obstructed unless the council does some trimming.

We came out into a clearing with a couple of picnic tables and another pathway took us to the summit of Rangituhi which offers some spectacular views of Porirua Harbour and beyond. You could also look up the valley towards Tawa and to the hilltops of Colonial Knob. We had a break here and gathered for a group photo from the lookout before starting our descent down via a steep 4-wheel drive track. Gordon, who was trying us out, decided to head onto the summit of Colonial Knob and descend through the farmland, which would be another 3 hours. He messaged me later to say how much he had enjoyed it. The rest of us took about 45 minutes descending the hill, taking care not to slip over on the gravel.

In all, we were on the tracks for around 3 hours and walked just over 9kms. So, we were quite happy to head off to Mitre 10 for a coffee and spot of lunch. It had been a lovely walk enjoying a stunning day.

Lead - Judith O’Leary

Walkers: Christine, Sharon, Lorraine, Anne-Mette, Lynda, Mark Hillhouse and Gordon Smith who was trying out a walk with us.