A small volunteer-led community’s dream to create a high-country trail in Canterbury has finally been realised.

Ashley Gorge Skyline Trail was completed in March after five years of planning, negotiating and surveying by the Ashley Gorge Tracks Group.

The 4–5 hour loop climbs around 800m to a skyline viewpoint with 360-degree views as far as Pegasus Bay and the Port Hills and inland to the Torlesse and Puketeraki ranges. The trail connects to an existing network of walking tracks. 

A walkway easement, created across freehold land adjoining the Mt Thomas Conservation Area, has allowed public access around the entire loop. 

Volunteers have donated hundreds of hours to marking and cutting the route and erecting snow poles and fencing.