Lake Judd and Mount Sarah Jane 2023

Sunday 23rd – Tuesday 25th April 2023

After our walk to Gould Plateau, Graham suggested walking in to camp at Lake Judd and spending the next day climbing to Mount Sarah Jane and the plateau there. This had appeal as it is reduced greatly the amount of effort needed to lug a pack.

A favourable weather window came up and four of us set for Lake Judd. Although several other people were also staying there the campsite was sufficiently roomy to accommodate all without being cramped. Clear sky gave us ideal conditions with an attractive sunset and sunrise the next morning.

Even without a heavy pack, it was still hard work ascending to Mount Sarah Jane. The first part of the track beyond the planking was also wet and muddy. A cold breeze met us on reaching the plateau and we followed the track leading to Lonely Tarns or Lake Shelf as it sometimes known. From the high point of this track, the ascent was made to the Sarah Jane summit, but the descent was by the more direct and marked route. This descent was over boulders and scree and not nearly as pleasant as the route to get to the top, and although shorter it required a slower pace despite it being downhill.

The final day was again fine with a little cloud having developed about the peaks.