Mount Grey via Lake Janet

Suitability

Shortly after leaving the car park you hit a fairly steep uphill section through the forest. It’s not particularly well maintaned any more, and if it’s been raining heavily recently you’ll find a couple of sections to be quite tricky. Higher up as you approach the tops, it can be waist-high overgrown with some hidden steep drops on the narrow path.

Having said that, once those are out of the way it’s pretty straightforward. The steep section stops at the first tree level and gives way to a gradual climb to the fire watch tower and on to the top. The saddle can be quite exposed and care should be taken on a very windy day, but at this point you’re already at the aerial tower and have a similar view to the summit, so you could happily take a break then head back down.

On two occasions I’ve seen mountain bikers on the route. Once higher up on the tower access road and another time actually heading up through the narrow forest trail.

Gear List

The track itself is a mix of narrow forest trail and trail through long grass. Root and rock scrambling is very light, and it’s not likely to get paricularly muddy other than a couple of steep slippy sections neat the beginning. I first did this walk in my leather walking boots, but subsequently switched to trail shoes which have been far more comfortable and perfectly adequate (unless hiking in snow).

I often take a larger backpack than needed when I walk. Not only does this help with training for the bigger walks, but I  like to carry a decent first aid kit, warm and wet weather gear, plenty of water, snacks, and my camera gear.

However, on this walk I’ve repeatedly been passed by walkers with very little – or zero – gear at all. An old couple even stopped to laugh at my 33 litre backpack! To be fair, it’s not a very long walk, it’s well travelled, and you’re not really that far from civilisation. There’s also a reasonable phone signal throughout.

Still, that won’t make me leave my backpack behind!