Undulating Horton Plains

We were originally told that Horton Plains would be a 4k gentle walk on flat ground.  Indeed my interpretation of the word "plains" meant "flat"  to me.  I decided to read up on Horton Plains in my trusted Lonely Planet guide which described this walk as a rather longer 7K walk though undulating  land.  I looked up the definition of the word undulating to find that it meant, as I thought -  up and downs.  I did a bit more research on line and read a number of personal reviews that  described this as a challenging walk and to come prepared with water, snacks,  sun block and sturdy walking shoes.  Fortunately I took this advice.

Horton Plains  can be described as an  undulating wild untamed territory in the clouds.  The circular trail is 9k and includes a variety of walking terrain from scrambling up and down some rocky areas, interspersed with  dry open grasslands and some muddy wooded areas.  At times we were out in the burning sun and at other times we were in the cooler woods.  The main highlights of this trek are Bakers Falls  Waterfall and Worlds End which is the highest point at 2140m and this is where the cliffs plunge vertically for 825 m with no safety rails in sight.  The views should be stunning but today it was covered completely by the clouds  although if you waited long enough the  clouds would clear for a couple of seconds revealing the views of the countryside below but almost as soon as the view appeared the clouds would return to obscure the view.  It is a strange surreal feeling standing in the middle of clouds.  Some people were disappointed not to see the view but for me, the achievement of  accomplishing the trek here and back meant much more.