Viking Circuit

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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby paidal_chalne_vala » Tue 22 Oct, 2024 9:04 am

I have never walked the full circuit
but if the Zeka Spur foot route track clearing comes to
fruition then sections of the loop will be at their least masochistic scrub bashing/ fallen timber dodging best .
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby north-north-west » Thu 24 Oct, 2024 8:08 am

Drew,

Your green spur is good walking; did it some fifteen years ago. Steep but straightforward and suprisingly scrub-free. Never did get around to the Devils Staircase.
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby Drew » Tue 29 Oct, 2024 10:33 am

north-north-west wrote:Drew,

Your green spur is good walking; did it some fifteen years ago. Steep but straightforward and suprisingly scrub-free. Never did get around to the Devils Staircase.


Thanks NNW. Well if that spur was good 15 years ago when you did it and 6 years ago when (I think) I did it, then hopefully it's still good now! I don't think that area has burned since then, so fire regrowth shouldn't be an issue. Still, if anyone has more recent experience I'd love to hear of it.
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby Baeng72 » Tue 29 Oct, 2024 3:04 pm

Is it safe to assume Howitt road past the gate will be 2WD suitable?
Graded and not washed out?
Circuit Road/Bindaree road and the road from Bennies to Lake Cobbler have never been an issue, so if it's in that level I think I'd be OK on the off chance I can get up there.
Regarding which spur? Why not go down a spur into the Wonnangatta, then you'll get the Gravity boost and finish the walk on the Crosscut (anti-clockwise)?
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby Drew » Tue 29 Oct, 2024 4:13 pm

Regarding which spur? Why not go down a spur into the Wonnangatta, then you'll get the Gravity boost and finish the walk on the Crosscut (anti-clockwise)?


I find it's usually easier to go up untracked spurs than down. While having gravity on your side helps, it's easier to keep on the right spur when climbing.

If I go it might be next week after the long weekend - hopefully someone will go over the long weekend and be able to give reports of track, water, and roads (I'm thinking of starting at Upper Howqua to make the drive a bit easier, so a Bindaree Rd report would be handy).
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby Baeng72 » Tue 29 Oct, 2024 4:20 pm

Drew wrote:
Regarding which spur? Why not go down a spur into the Wonnangatta, then you'll get the Gravity boost and finish the walk on the Crosscut (anti-clockwise)?


I find it's usually easier to go up untracked spurs than down. While having gravity on your side helps, it's easier to keep on the right spur when climbing.

If I go it might be next week after the long weekend - hopefully someone will go over the long weekend and be able to give reports of track, water, and roads (I'm thinking of starting at Upper Howqua to make the drive a bit easier, so a Bindaree Rd report would be handy).


Makes sense. I guess heading a bit far left when heading down the Devil's Staircase might be a worry! Also, if it's very steep, I prefer going up, as I only fall a short way forward into the hill going up, instead of a massive face plant on the way down.
I have never had issue with Bindaree (but could always be a first time), the only problem is, you then have to get up to the Crosscut or Mt. Howitt. A half-day slog. Walking along the river is great, but the grind up Queens Spur/Stanley Name Spur, or Howitt Spur is something. Need more time if going in that way.
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby paidal_chalne_vala » Wed 30 Oct, 2024 9:44 pm

Grading of the Howitt road usually occurs in February. It is a semi futile exercise IMHO. The road often sits on bedrock that cannot be shifted.
Spring has been reasonably dry so 2 WD should be okay on the Howitt road but be careful, watch for craters, boulders , mudholes and use low gear in places.
BTAC may be going up there in late Jan. to clear the Zeka Spur foot route.
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Re: Viking Circuit

Postby Baeng72 » Thu 31 Oct, 2024 9:52 am

Cheers!
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