- P1
Mt Allen has a metre-high cairn on it, just visible from Ridland Saddle. From Mt Allen, although the range can be traversed to Mt Hitchin, there are steep exposed sections at J34 313867 / BW18 213 251 and J34 318863 / BW18 218 247. A much better line heads along the ridge to J34 311874 / BW18 211 258 and follows a rib due east, turning south to a small stream just before the main gully draining Ridland Saddle. Cross to the spur on the true right of the stream draining Ridland Saddle and follow the spur up to the saddle. There are tarns and campsites around Ridland Saddle on short grass. Mt Hitchin is an easy scramble in tussock from the east. Chainman Creek has been used to descend to the Waitaha from Ridland Saddle but there is a gorge between about the 900 and 1000 metre contours. This has been sidled on the true left. Time : Mt Allen to Ridland Saddle, 2 ½ hrs