The Ghost Road

The team at Coastal Sports had been looking at the Ghost Rd trail for a while, it had come up from a conversation the last time we finished biking the Heaphy Track. It was said there was this amazing trail been formed up in the back of Westport somewhere, linking the Mokihinui to Lyall creek just out of Murchison. We got into planning but soon realized, it wasn’t finished yet. There was big section in the middle still been carved out by the volunteers that have made this project a reality. The Coastal Sports team are no strangers to a shovel and rake building trails, so we know how hard it can be, but to see where this trail goes, hats off and full respect. The terrain would have made most gown men cry.

We gave it a year and realized we couldn’t wait any more, so we set off anyway. Camping at the Doc site on the Lyall side, we set off. Amazing!, wow!, was what we were saying all the way up. The countryside, the trail quality, the history, this track has it all. Past Lyall saddle hut (which is awesome) up and up the trail winds. When you finally break out of the bush line, you are greeted by some wonderful Westcoast views. You don’t get to see the views for long, not due to lack of them, but because the trail from here requires a little concentration. The trail is well formed and wide enough, but there are some spots you do not want to make a mistake! On to Ghost Lake hut, we called it a day here, amazing spot, we will come back and stay, but for now we turned around and headed back to Lyall creek. What a downhill!

That night we drove around to the other end  and stayed at the Seddonville camping ground. It’s the old Seddonville school converted. Its a great place to base yourself, plenty of room with a good kitchen and showers. Contact the Seddonville Pub. The Mokihinui side follows the river for the most. Its dam tight through there, with some big bridges to link trail up. The old miners that must have come through here carrying all their gear must have been sure footed or dead. Its a wonderful ride through here, not as much altitude gained, but there is a constant pitch with short tough sections. Again the trail quality is fantastic, which will only get better as more bike traffic goes over it. We made it through to Goat Creek Hut had a nice break in the sun and then cruised back.

Gear Check

Bike with full suspension is a good idea, this is not the rail trail. A proper mountian bike with good brakes and front suspension recommend.

Good day pack. I alway use my Osprey Talon 22 

Light Weight sleeping bag. 500gm 2-3 season down bag would be good

Dry bags to put sleeping bag and hut clothes in. (its the West Coast)

Check there is gas in the hut, otherwise take a cooker. Can’t beat a Jetboil Flash or Minimo

Bike tools and or multi tool

Head Lamp, the SEO led lenser series I use, SEO 5 is unreal

Warm clothing, you go alpine, so hope for best, pack for the worst.

All up the Ghost Road was a wonderful experience and we will be back, this time right through and maybe a loop back, which I’ve been told is doable…..