Begin this one-day adventure at Woodhaugh Gardens on George Street. 

Head along the pleasant single track that follows the Water of Leith for 500m and then cross Duke Street to rejoin the trail. 

Two bridges are soon crossed. After the second bridge, turn left towards Ross Creek Reservoir. There are multiple tracks around the reservoir but the most direct way is along the west side, following signs to the Pineapple–Flagstaff Walkway. 

From the reservoir, there is a brief stretch up Tanner Road to access the walkway from Booth Road. You can park here for an alternative start to the trip.

Pineapple–Flagstaff Walkway is well maintained and heads relentlessly uphill through dense forest. Views of Dunedin open up just before the 400m mark. After 2.5km, turn left at the junction. If the weather is nice, enjoy the views for the next 1km to the Flagstaff summit at 668m. 

From the summit return to the junction and turn left on the Swampy Summit Track. This track climbs the ridge entirely above the bushline to Rollinsons Road from where it is possible to tag Swampy Summit (739m), the walk’s highest point.

Swampy Summit, as the name implies, can be muddy. It is also exposed and will provide excellent views on a clear day or a misty shroud on other days. 

Head back down Rollinsons Road following signs to Leith Saddle Track, which descends 300m over the next 2km and can be muddy and slick in wet conditions. 

Leith Saddle Track ends at Leith Valley Road. Turn right and cross SH1 to walk about 1km down the gravel road and turn onto the Cloud Forests of Leith Track. The 200m climb up the forested track can be a muddy affair, but occasional boardwalks provide respite. After 1.5km the track flattens briefly. Stay straight at the trail junction onto the Escarpment Track. Above 500m the forest clears to provide views from Blueskin Bay to Otago Harbour and Aramoana.

A short 100m climb leads to the summit of Mt Cargill (676m) where there are 360-degree views of Dunedin, Otago Harbour and the Silver Peaks. Continue on the Mount Cargill Walk. It’s a popular local track dropping 550m over 4km through increasingly dense bush to Bethunes Gully.

If doing a car shuttle, it’s a short drive back to Woodhaugh Gardens. To make a loop, walk the final 4km through North East Valley, which has several spots to grab some well-earned food or drink.