OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
This easy 30 minute loop walk starts at Greyneys Shelter, 6km east of Arthur's Pass.
Map Data: Google, Digital Globe, Department of Conservation (DOC).
below to explore this walk.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Greyneys Shelter.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
It's a most unusual track because part of it has been designed so we can walk it with our eyes closed.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Not this bit though...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Nor this bit...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
This is where we can close our eyes. We just hold on to the rope, close our eyes and focus on our other senses...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
There's a longer track to the right - but if our eyes were shut, we wouldn't know it's there...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
...and so, we go left, across this bridge.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Then we climb up to this bit...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
...and join up with the longer track here. However...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
If we had happened to open our eyes back at the intersection...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
...we might have decided to walk this way.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
And then we meet up with the shorter track here. Full marks to anyone who doesn't open their eyes when they get to this point.
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Actually, this eyes-closed bushwalking is a great idea for non-scenic places. Imagine amazing eyes-closed walks through truly ugly places... How about blindfolded mountain biking for adrenaline-seekers? The potential for eyes-closed tourism is huge. Anyway, back to the walk...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
And then the rope stops. Most people open their eyes at this point. Hopefully...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
Then the track doubles back on itself...
OLD COACH ROAD - Arthur's Pass National Park
...and returns to the carpark.