Bealey Spur, Castle Hill

After tackling Cave Stream at lunchtime, we drove up to Arthur's Pass village and checkedd out our options for a small hike up to a hut from which we could walk out the next morning. Bealey Spur Hut seemed to be the best option, so we set off in misty and cloudy conditions up the Valley.

The views weren't great because it was pretty overcast, but the temperature wasn't too cold and at least it wasn't raining heavily. However, we arrived at the hut to find 4 others already there, and it only sleeps 6! None of us minded just squeezing in somehow, although it really was a fairly tight fit - the hut was old, and very basic to say the least! It had just started to snow, which seemed ridiculous (it's meant to be summer here!) but quite amusing at the same time. The corrugated iron roof and battered walls didn't do much to keep the heat in, and mum was quite keen in her offer to share a bunk in order to keep warm! I made some mulled wine, and cooked up the good old rice risotto with loads of tuna & veggies which seemed to go down pretty well!

We all slept reasonably well (mum complete with about three layers of clothes, plus my hat & gloves!) and were up early to walk out the next morning and drive back to Christchurch, ready for a quick turn-around to start the Banks Peninsula Walkway. We stopped at Castle Hill on the way home for Mhairi Challenge #3 - a bit of bouldering! Well...not exactly, but we did all clamber up a few rocks, and got some nice views of the surrounding area.