Walker Ridge Track

Embrace the mud! You're going to get muddy, so you might as well get really muddy.

From the junction with the Muir Track and Gibbons Track, Walker Ridge Track heads northeast further into the heart of the Waitakeres. From the outset, you'll notice that this trail is different as you are immediately transported from the wide, graveled doubletrack of Gibbons and Muir to a decidedly more rugged singletrack complete with mud, muddy water, muddy roots, and, did I mention, mud? This only adds to the enjoyment of this trail as you slip and slide along an undulating ridge, weaving through trees that are only filled with the sounds of birdsong and rainfall.

For the most part, the climbs and descents on Walker Ridge aren’t too strenuous but they are a bit more challenging the more muddy the track is. You would do well to mind your footing and take your time on a couple of the downhill sections, and you may find that your run up certain hills is more of crawl or scramble as you utilize nearby trees to pull your way up through the slippery, clay-like mud.

Interspersed with the muddy sections is some truly enjoyable running. The trail levels out and winds through lovely Rimu and Kauri groves, and the mud lets up to a soft, springy trail surface. Eventually, you'll come to Orange Peel Corner where the Odlin Timber Track branches to the northwest. Continue to the right to continue onto the next trail junction with the Huia Ridge Track and the Donald McLean Track.