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DOC Land
Altitude: 269m to 1045m. Gain: 634m. Loss: 802m . Gradient: 13 deg (Moderate-hard)
Skills: Occasional scrambles (3/7) - Streams (2/6)
The track between Upper Spey and Kintail Huts was well marked and cut in Dec 2020.
Brief boardwalks lead west through marshland before the track swings south up the western face of Warren Burn. Initial climbing is steep but becomes gentler as the hanging valley is reached after 200m of climbing.
The track is well marked and cut through first bush then a mix of clearings and scrub to the start of tussock at 800m. A technically simple ascent loops up the southern valleyside, swinging across gentle slopes above bluffs to Centre Pass.
The track crosses a series of basins at around 900m to reach the major spur south of the creek draining Centre Pass - all easy going on a well poled track.
The descent into the Kintail Stream is very steep - a scramble in places. The track is well cut and marked - just take it slowly and carefully.
After crossing the creek draining Centre Pass on a walkwire, 1km of steep sidle follows. This is slow going and prone to windfall - so allow time. On reaching flats the track swings north up the Seaforth for half-a-kilometer to reach a walkwire crossing the river. Kintail Hut is signposted, 5 minutes off the main track up the west side of the Seaforth.
3.5-6 hours
See also: Moir's Guide Ed7 pg 139: Upper Spey to Kintail Hut