PLOUGHED FIELD
"Boulders as large as a stockman’s hut”
The most difficult and dangerous part of the ascent has been the highlight of the climb to the Pinnacle since at least 1837.
“This is the most difficult and dangerous part of the ascent, it being an extensive plain of huge masses of rock heaped one on the other in wild confusion, between some of which there are crevices of from four to ten feet in depth, a fall down any of which, without assistance at hand, would be dangerous in the extreme, as it would be impossible to get out again even supposing you escaped with a whole skin. The greatest caution is, therefore, necessary in crossing this “field”; from here to the summit there is no track to follow, the wind blows with great force and the temperature is extremely cold; all vegetation ceases, nothing to be seen but barren rocks. Tying our hats on we commenced like so many frogs to leap from rock to rock, now balancing on one of a very uneven and slippery surface, next leaping off again, after being nearly blown backwards by a sudden gust of chilling wind, and then a halt for breath or to obtain something like a perpendicular before another leap, varying the performances by scrambling over one, or climbing up or slipping down another.”
The Conservator of Forests suggested in 1887 that ‘on the plateau above the Ploughed Field, clumps of willows, Scotch pine (pinus sylvestris) and other hardy trees might be planted in suitable localities among the rocks …The protection afforded the existing timber, and the increase by planting would add greatly to the attractiveness of the Mount "outing," and the enjoyment of visitors, whilst the main object of these improvements—the shelter and water supply of the City would be conserved at the same time.’ Mercury 26/8/1887.
WALKING NOTES by JOHN CANNON
The Ploughed Field was the upper part of the route to the Pinnacle above the Ice House Track. It was used by most walkers prior to the building of the Zig Zag track. The name refers to an area of huge boulders, each of which was described as being “as large as a stockman’s hut.” It was so-named because it appeared to early visitors to resemble a land freshly ploughed by a giant. Many ladies ruined their slippers crossing this boulder field (some later reports spoke of the ground on some lower tracks being littered by ruined shoes). Many accounts of surmounting the fields have survived from all eras. Lady Franklin’s party left a stirring description. There is another twenty years later, in 1864. Another in 1964 and there will be a ripper in 2064.
VALUES
Historical, Aesthetic and Social//Literary heritage values.
HERITAGE ASSESSMENT
Provisional
SIGNIFICANCE
The Ploughed Field itself is WPHH 0282 and the South Wellington-Potato-Field [foot] Track is WPHH 0336, with the Potato-Field being WPHH 0284.
SOURCES
McConnell Tracks and Huts
Focus on the Fringe
John Cannon