Beginning on the popular Nina Valley Track, experienced trampers can follow a loop to skip the crowds and enjoy the breathtaking beauty and solitude of the alpine tops.

It’s a simple start to the Nina Valley: park at Palmer Lodge on SH7 and cross the road to the track which leads to Nina Hut. It’s easy, undulating terrain, through beautiful beech forest, occasional grassy flats, a swing bridge and an enchanting river gorge; a dreamy spot to swim on a hot day. 

Nina Hut is a tidy 10-bunker with two large sleeping platforms. It’s set in a small clearing with great views, and it’s very popular, so take a tent or sleeping mat if you intend to stay the night.

From Nina Hut, signs indicate the start of the track to Devilskin Saddle and Doubtful Valley. This section of the trail has colossal beech trees and a spectacular view of the cascading Blind Stream, as well as steep and slippery sections that require caution. Route finding can be challenging. 

When the bushline is reached there’s an old hut site (now a good campsite) before the track enters the tussock-clad and rock-rimmed basin beneath The Devils Rampart (1740m). Stay on the true right of the stream and follow the rough trail to Devilskin Saddle and the well-situated, two-person, Devils Den Bivouac.

From Devilskin Saddle, pick an easterly line up the ridge to Pt1625. There’s no ‘correct’ way onto the Sylvia Tops, but it’s a slog through scree, scrub and tussock.

From Pt1625, follow the main ridge east along the Sylvia Tops. The views of the Lewis tops and Libretto Range are stunning, and there are excellent camping spots to take your pick from. Traversing the Sylvia Tops is reasonably straightforward, although navigation could be difficult in poor visibility.

From Pt1624, head down the northeast ridge until a large cairn at around 1400m. From there, head east into the basin towards the large rocky outcrop below. From here look for a large white pole which marks the spur leading into the Nina Valley. This ridge is to the true left (north) of the stream draining the basin. 

At the bushline is a cairn just before the first orange marker. This marks the beginning of the Sylvia Tops access route. There is a small campsite below the bushline.

This section is little more than a trapping line and can be challenging to follow, with a lot of windfall and dense undergrowth. Lower down the ridge, pink ribbons mark the route, which is often indistinct.

The route hits the Nina River below Pt628, just up from a gorge. Find a place to cross safely (you may have to walk upstream). Starting above the gorge, a well-formed trail continues toward the Nina Valley Track. When this is reached, turn right and follow the track back to SH7.