As part of our training regime for an up coming walk in Japan, we decided to test the legs on the stunning Razorback Walk that connects Mt Hotham with Mt Feathertop in the Victorian alps. The walk is above the snowline and on a good day offers up amazing views of the surrounding mountains. It was a great day!
The walk starts just below the summit of Mt Hotham opposite Federation Hut. We arrived at the start of the track just after 9.00am after a steep twisting drive up from Bright at the bottom of the Ovens Valley and through Harrietville. The climb up from Harrietville to Mt Hotham is popular with cyclists so it pays to be observant navigating the tight turns.
After signing in at the start of the track we headed off in perfect conditions. Clear blue alpine skies were present throughout the day although the still conditions meant there was a fair amount of dust and smoke haze hanging low on the horizon. The track climbs up and down the hills that define the Razorback. To the east is a spur running off Mt Hotham parallel to our walking track. To the West is the distinctive outline of Mt Buffalo. The track is rocky underfoot making it necessary to stop and look up to take in the stunning 360 degree views.
Our plan was to be back in Bright with time to shower, change and head out for dinner at a reasonable hour. That meant stopping around 12.30pm for lunch, enjoying the moment then returning to the start of the walk before descending the mountain at the end of the day. Timing was perfect as we crested a north facing hill with stunning views north to Mt Feathertop and Falls Creek that screamed out lunch time! A great place to soak up the view, enjoy lunch and rest the feet before the return walk.
We were surprised at the number of people we passed on our return leg. Many seemed to be carrying sufficient gear to camp out overnight at the base of Mt Feathertop and tackle the ascent tomorrow before returning back the way they came. We were happy with the hit out we had completed and felt justified in having a big feed at the recently refurbished Porepunka pub to celebrate the amazing and challenging walk we had undertaken.
