Introduction
Stunning alpine vistas, brilliant wildflowers and rugged dolerite ridges make up just some of the views while hiking the Carr Villa to Alpine Village track within Ben Lomond National Park. This medium difficulty, 10km return walk includes the summit of Tasmania’s second-highest mountain Legges Tor (1572m), making it a fantastic walk with lots to offer.
Getting There
View Google Map Directions |
From Launceston, take C401 St Leonards Road/Blessington Road for 54km through White Hills to Blessington. Once at Blessington, turn right onto C432 Ben Lomond Road and continue for 12km further to the Ben Lomond Park boundary. When nearing the Ben Lomond lower carpark area, take the unnamed road to the right to Carr Villa 1km away. The Carr Villa to Alpine Village track begins from the carpark. |
The Trail
The following route suggests a return walk from Carr Villa to Alpine Village. Alternatively, the trail can be walked in a single direction using a car shuttle at either end. Ben Lomond Snowsports also provides a shuffle bus service up and down Jacobs Ladder during the snow season.
Starting from the eucalypt forest area of Carr Villa, the trail quickly climbs out above the treeline on the Summit Pass track. From here, the forest is replaced with dolerite rock scree. The scree slope is easy to navigate for the next 2km, with a well-formed track providing a clear route up to the plateau above. To the east of the track, the impressive peaks of Misery Bluff and Markham Heights help indicate the height of this first 150m climb with the trail leading through the saddle opening beside them.
Once on the plateau, the trail flattens out slightly and continues to weave its way across stunning bounder fields blanketed in vegetation. In summer, vibrant wildflowers, lush cushion plants and hardy alpine shrubs skirt the trail. Tall route markers also highlight the path through this section, helping more adventurous winter hikers find their way.
The track continues for another 3km before reaching abandoned ski huts below the summit of Legges Tor (1572m). From here, the trail splits with a quick 50m climb to Legges Tor summit to the south and the Alpine Village further to the east. The summit provides sweeping views across Ben Lomond National Park and the planes below on clear days.
Return to the junction below the summit and continue east for 1km further to reach the charming Alpine Village via the Summit Link track. Return to Carr Villa via the same route as walking is not allowed on Jacobs Ladder.
Trail Map
Map for illustrative purposes only. Base map supplied by Land Information System Tasmania
Hazards and Warnings
Carr Villa to Alpine Village is an alpine walk. It is important to check the weather before walking and ensure you take adequate clothing for all conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Photos
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