A walk up the Rhyolite Ridge Track offers the option of walking a loop to Woolshed Creek Hut. By Mick Jensen

From the Jig Road car park, head right and cross the bridge to begin the ascent up the Rhyolite Ridge. There are some steep sections, but a series of switchbacks makes the going a little easier.

It takes around one hour (1.8km) to the top of the ridge where the track links with the Mt Somers South Face route. That route turns right; it’s left for Woolshed, to head steadily across the face of Mt Somers along a well-formed route of open tussock.

Previous boggy sections are now crossed on a boardwalk that has been added by the Mt Somers Walkways Society, a volunteer group that created the Mt Somers Track and works alongside DOC to maintain and improve access to the area.

The track becomes steeper and passes through rugged scenery of regenerating mountain beech forest, waterfalls, deep icy pools and rocky tors.

The highest point is reached after an hour and is fondly known as the Bus Stop. It features a large rock overhang with a bus stop sign cemented in.

Woolshed Creek Hut is some 500m below and about a further hour away. It’s a steep descent but there are fantastic views, including of the perfectly situated hut.

At a stream there is a signed detour to a nearby waterfall.

Along the main path there is a picturesque swing bridge and nearby swimming holes. 

Finally, the track follows Woolshed Creek to the hut. The final crossing of the creek is unbridged but usually presents no difficulty.

Woolshed Creek Hut is a big one with 26 bunks and a large living area. It’s featured on DOC’s booking system.

There are two return options, both offering impressive views. The main track climbs steeply, with the gorge to the left, while a shorter option follows a 4WD track with views of Hakatere Conservation Park.

The tracks join and after about an hour there are glimpses into the ‘broken seams and broken dreams’ of local coal mining history at the old Blackburn Mine.

The main mine site sits on a ridge some 170m above Woolshed Creek

The route passes vestiges of the area’s mining past, including buckled tracks and coal hoppers, and can be wet and muddy.

The final stretch to the car park follows the fast-flowing and boulder-strewn creek.