The first two hours of the climb are a gruelling slog up a steep slope with nothing but tussock grass to cling to. There is no path to follow – just make your way up the hill to gain the spur running down from the summit of Black Peak.

This rock-strewn spur is much easier going but there,s still more than 1000-vertical-metres to the summit.

Towards the top, a sideways scramble across a steep scree slope under some rocky bluffs provides an access point to the summit through a rock-scattered chute on the north-western ridge. From here, it is just a 20-minute hike to the summit and a remarkable view of surrounding peaks, pinnacles and ridges.

Hopefully you,ve get some energy in reserve – the 2000m descent is no easier than the ascent.

Note: We have heard the landowner is no longer granting permission to access Black Peak due to ‘Health and Safety’. This page will be updated once more information is provided.