Destination: Cairnmuir loop, Bannockburn. Thanks to several members who let me know that my original destination - the Bannockburn Long Gully Loop - was done by Wanaka Walkers last Monday with a party which included eight UCTC members.
Description: A 13.5 km loop walk over the lower slopes of the Cairnmuir Mountains, initially following the Cairnmuir Hill Track and then branching left along a farm track to cross a saddle back to the Cromwell Gorge overlooking the Cairnmuir Landslide control works. We then descend to Lake Dunstan at the Coffee Afloat boat (closed for winter ☹️) for an early lunch and return to our cars on Cornish Point Road via the Lake Dunstan cycle trail. Total altitude gain is 550 m, with the final 8 km from Coffee Afloat essentially flat.
Sunday's forecast suggests rain so the trip will now take place on Saturday 16th August.
Details: Meeting time at the usual lakefront rendezvous is 8:30 a.m. Petrol costs are $20 per person. Drivers should turn left onto Cairnmuir Road immediately after crossing the Bannockburn Bridge and follow this for 4.5 km to a signposted DoC carpark on the right.
Trip Leader: Martin Unwin