"I was saying booo-urns"

This week we return to the top of the northern motorway to run some very familiar tracks to the group before winter really starts sets in. Meet at the top of the first hill on the Northern Motorway (see location) - car park entrance off Waitati Valley Road. The route is around 12 km long and 500 metres of total ascent We'll first head along Pipeline Track before turning up Burns Track and upon reaching Swampy Ridge Track, we climb up to Swampy Summit. From the microwave tower we'll decend via the Leith Saddle Track - initially quite interesting underfoot - before the final couple of km along the beautifully benched lower section takes us back to the vehicles. Remember to bring your head touches and extra layers. Be prepared for mud, although the tracks have been quite dry lately.