Burn's Peak

This is a tough walk. It starts at the University grounds and immediately heads skywards through a treeless valley. In fact, there are less and less trees the further you wander along the 4 inch wide tracks that scrawl their way around the naked hills of Moresby. These tracks are worn by naked feet through even the hardest of stone.

But the views and the rewards are fantastic. During the walk, you will experience fantastic views of suburbs from Gerehu to Waigani through to Gordons, the other side of the ridge you will enjoy views of the stilt villages that hug the coastline of Fairfax Harbour; Hanuabada and beyond. On the last few climbs of the day you will see the CBD of Moresby in all it's glory, and more likely you will spot a few Campaign slogans along the way...

One can even play "spot_your_house" as you take an eagle's eye view of the compounds that lay strewn across Paga and Touagubu Hills. But make sure your eyes don't stray too far from the track below your feet as you are guaranteed to end up on your arse at some time during this walk. The ground is full of rock and shale and is loose underfoot. Just make sure the good Doctor has prescribed the right kind of footwear so as to avoid any unecessary falls.

This walk involves leaving some vehicles at a pre-arranged location and driving the others to the start of the walk. At the end of the walk, some drivers will have to be returned to their cars in order for all vehicles to be connected with their drivers.

This walk also will skirt along the edge of a settlement towards the end of the walk. Although there has been problems at this settlement in the past, your personal safety should be maximised if you have notified your respective security arrangements before travelling and also if you keep within vision of the Police Officers that are employed on the walk. Remember that the hired help are there to protect for not only the duration of the walk but also in the travel to and from the starting points. At all times try not to find yourself alone on the track and ensure that others know of your exact movements.

The meeting and starting point is the same as normal and seeing as you will be exposed to the dry tropical sun of Moresby, ensure you carry plenty of water and personal protective gear like a hat, sunscreen and necessary medication. The length of this walk is approximately 10-12 kms and there are some considerable altitude gains.

Hope to see you out on the track this weekend.