The saddle is above the energetic Green Gate Creek which tumbles into Deep Creek. In no time we were looking from a high terrace onto the historic schist and corrugated iron Green Gate Hut. The hut is being upgraded for overnight stays, adding another dimension to the trail.

When we rode the trail, just beyond the hut was a small digger guarded by two dogs. With Barry Sarginson in control, it was vigorously repairing a culvert. Sarginson has spent the last couple of years digging his way between Green Gates, Eight Mile and Macetown Road. He has no intention of stopping there, with upgrades still to be done around Macetown and Advance Peak.

We headed up a short climb that swings east above Deep Creek. Below are the remains of the Green Gate Hotel, built in 1864. The hotel was serviced by the original Long Gully Pack Track, which used to come this way. It was closed in 1888 with the formation of the present road into Skippers.

This is beautiful open country, yet with a remote feel. Mt Marsden and Mt Vanguard dominate the northern skyline with large rock faces and tors up the multitude of streams that roam their faces. To the south, Coronet and Brow Peaks can be seen.

The well-graded track follows the path of least resistance over bluffs and river terraces on its spectacular way to Deep Creek Saddle. From here, it drops into the Eight Mile Creek catchment and on to Eight Mile Hut which sits beside the Arrow River. It’s another classic abode with its thick corrugated cladding now showing its age.

Not far past the hut, a new trail leads to the Macetown 4WD Track where skinny sections of singletrack and bridging keep walkers and bikers out of the water.

A profusion of mining relics lie beside and above the Arrow River with long stretches of water race, riveted pipeline and sluicing claims and their ubiquitous jumble of rocks and boulders. A final bridge crossing and steep switchback climb reaches the Arrow Gorge Track with its narrow bluffed balcony section, then a wider flowing downhill back into Arrowtown.