Mount Roland via the Face Track – Sheffield’s Steeper Summit Route

A Steep, Scrambling Climb for Experienced Walkers

Climbing directly towards the imposing northern escarpment of Mount Roland, the Face Track is the steeper and more demanding of the two main routes to the mountain’s 1,233-metre summit. Starting from Kings Road near Claude Road Village, the track climbs rapidly through forest before tackling steep, rocky terrain on the face of the mountain, including sections where walkers need to use their hands to scramble over boulders. Where O’Neills Track takes a longer and more gradual approach from Gowrie Park, the Face Track provides a shorter and considerably tougher route directly up Mount Roland’s dramatic northern slopes. This is not a walk for inexperienced bushwalkers. For fit, experienced walkers comfortable with steep terrain and hands-on scrambling, however, the Face Track provides an exciting and challenging approach to one of North West Tasmania’s most recognisable summits.

See also:

• Camping Gowrie Park
• RV Friendly Sheffield

Walk Overview

Location: Mount Roland, near Claude Road and Sheffield, North West Tasmania

Distance: Approximately 8 km return

Time: Approximately 3–5 hours return

Summit: 1,233 metres

Difficulty: Very Hard – steep and challenging mountain route

Track Type: Return, climbing the northern face of Mount Roland

Track Surface: Steep forest track, rocks and boulders with sections of hands-on scrambling

Best Time: A dry, clear and calm day – avoid this route in wet, icy or windy conditions

The Walk

The Face Track begins from Kings Road near Claude Road Village, beneath the imposing northern face of Mount Roland. From the trailhead, the route initially climbs through forest, gaining elevation considerably faster than the more gradual O’Neill’s Track on the other side of the mountain. The forest provides some shelter during the early stages, but the gradient steadily increases as the track approaches the rocky escarpment. Higher on the mountain, the route becomes much steeper and rougher. Large boulders and rocky steps require careful foot placement, and several sections involve using your hands to assist with the climb. Eventually, the track emerges onto the upper plateau, where the character of the walk changes again as you make your way towards the summit trig point. After reaching the summit, return via the same route, remembering that descending the steep scrambling sections can be more difficult than climbing them.

Climbing the Face

The defining feature of this route is the climb up Mount Roland’s northern face. From the farmland around Sheffield and Claude Road, Mount Roland appears almost like an enormous wall rising abruptly from the surrounding countryside. The Face Track tackles that escarpment directly. As the route steepens, walkers encounter increasingly rocky terrain, including boulders and awkward sections where hands are needed for balance and upward progress. This makes the walk feel very different from O’Neill’s Track, despite both routes ultimately reaching the same summit.

The Scrambling Sections

Several sections of the Face Track require hands-on scrambling. This isn’t technical rock climbing, but walkers need to be confident moving across steep rocks and boulders where a slip could result in injury. Good footwear with reliable grip is essential. The scrambling can become considerably more difficult when rocks are wet, icy or covered in moisture, which is why this route is best reserved for dry and settled conditions. Remember that every difficult section climbed on the way up must also be negotiated during the descent.

The High Plateau

After the steepness of the Face Track, reaching Mount Roland’s upper plateau provides a dramatic change of scenery. The enclosed forest and rocky escarpment give way to an open mountain landscape of low vegetation, moorland and rocky outcrops. From here, the route continues across the plateau towards the summit. Although the hardest scrambling is behind you, the plateau is exposed to wind, rain, low cloud and rapidly changing mountain weather. Navigation can also become more difficult when cloud descends across the mountain.

Mount Roland Summit

At 1,233 metres above sea level, the summit of Mount Roland provides one of the great panoramas of North West Tasmania. The summit trig point marks the high point of the walk and provides a well-earned destination after the steep climb. On a clear day, views extend across the farmland and towns of the Kentish district towards Bass Strait. Looking inland, the rugged mountains of Tasmania’s Central Highlands dominate the horizon, with Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff visible in favourable conditions. The summit views are essentially the same reward enjoyed by walkers arriving via O’Neill’s Track – the major difference is how you’ve reached them.

360-Degree Summit Views

In clear conditions, the summit panorama can include:

• Sheffield
• Claude Road
• The Kentish countryside
• Bass Strait
• Cradle Mountain
• Barn Bluff
• Surrounding Central Highlands peaks
• North West Tasmania’s agricultural landscape

The combination of the steep climb and expansive summit panorama makes reaching the top particularly rewarding.

Terrain

The Face Track is considerably rougher and steeper than many marked Tasmanian day walks.

Expect:

• Steep forest track
• Tree roots
• Loose rocks
• Large boulders
• Rocky steps
• Hands-on scrambling
• Awkward steep sections
• Exposed upper slopes
• Open mountain plateau
• Potentially slippery rock after rain

The descent deserves just as much attention as the climb. Steep rocks and boulders that seem relatively straightforward when climbing upwards can be considerably more awkward when descending.

Difficulty

The Face Track should be regarded as a Very Hard mountain walk suitable for experienced bushwalkers. The challenge comes from a combination of steep climbing, rough terrain, scrambling, exposure and rapidly changing mountain weather. Walkers should be comfortable using their hands on steep rocky terrain and confident descending the same obstacles on the return journey. If you have limited bushwalking experience, dislike scrambling or are uncomfortable with exposure, O’Neill’s Track is the better route to the summit.

Face Track or O’Neill’s Track?

Both routes reach the same 1,233-metre summit of Mount Roland, but they provide very different walking experiences. The Face Track is shorter, steeper and more direct. It involves rough terrain and hands-on scrambling and is best suited to experienced walkers looking for a challenge. O’Neill’s Track is longer but takes a more gradual approach to the summit, avoiding much of the steep scrambling encountered on the Face Track. For most walkers attempting Mount Roland for the first time, Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track is the more appropriate choice. Experienced walkers who enjoy steep mountain terrain may find the Face Track the more exciting route.

Alpine Weather

Weather is a major consideration on any Mount Roland walk, but it becomes particularly important on the Face Track. Rain can make the rocky scrambling sections extremely slippery, while strong winds can make exposed sections uncomfortable or dangerous. Cold conditions can also produce ice on rocks higher on the mountain. Conditions at Claude Road or Sheffield may bear little resemblance to those on the exposed plateau and summit. Check the forecast carefully before setting out and be prepared to abandon the climb if conditions deteriorate.

Top Tip

If you’re unsure whether the Face Track is within your abilities, choose O’Neill’s Track instead. You still reach exactly the same summit and enjoy the same spectacular views, but the more gradual O’Neill’s route avoids the most difficult scrambling on Mount Roland’s northern face. The Face Track is best saved for walkers who already know they are comfortable on steep, rocky and exposed terrain.

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layered clothing
• Hat and gloves
• Plenty of drinking water
• Food and high-energy snacks
• Map, compass or GPS
• Fully charged mobile phone
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Sun protection

Safety

• Only attempt the Face Track if you’re confident on steep scrambling terrain.
• Avoid the route during wet, icy or very windy conditions.
• Wet rocks and boulders can become extremely slippery.
• Take particular care when descending scrambling sections.
• A slip on steep terrain could result in serious injury.
• Do not rely solely on mobile-phone navigation.
• Mobile reception may be unreliable.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes on the plateau.
• Carry warm and waterproof clothing regardless of conditions at the trailhead.
• Allow enough daylight to complete the entire return walk.
• Turn back if weather or track conditions become unsafe.

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

No. The Face Track is not recommended for children or inexperienced walkers. The steep gradient, scrambling, large boulders and potentially exposed terrain make this a much more serious undertaking than the distance alone suggests. Families looking to experience Mount Roland should consider the easy O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail at Gowrie Park instead.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are not permitted on the Mount Roland summit walking tracks.

Leave pets at home when attempting either the Face Track or O’Neill’s Track.

Getting There

The Face Track begins from Kings Road near Claude Road Village, south-west of Sheffield. From Claude Road, turn onto Kings Road and continue for approximately 1 kilometre. The walking-track access is around 200 metres east of the Claude Road Village Hall. Parking and trailhead facilities are limited, so park safely without blocking road access or private property.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the Face Track trailhead or on the mountain. Walkers need to be completely self-sufficient and carry all required food, water and equipment. The nearest major visitor services are available in Sheffield, where you’ll find:

• Public toilets
• Cafés and food
• Supermarket and supplies
• Fuel
• Visitor information
• Accommodation

What You’ll See

• Mount Roland’s dramatic northern escarpment
• Native forest
• Large boulders and rocky outcrops
• Steep mountain terrain
• High plateau vegetation
• Mount Roland summit trig point
• Sheffield and Claude Road
• Kentish farmland
• Bass Strait on clear days
• Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff in favourable conditions
• Expansive views across North West Tasmania

Walk Tips

• Choose a dry, calm and clear day.
• Don’t attempt the Face Track immediately after heavy rain.
• Wear boots with excellent grip.
• Keep your pack reasonably light for the scrambling sections.
• Maintain three points of contact when moving across awkward rocks.
• Take your time on the descent.
• Carry enough water and food for several hours on the mountain.
• Check the weather immediately before leaving.
• Be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate.
• Use O’Neill’s Track instead if you’re uncertain about the scrambling.

Nearby Bushwalks

The Sheffield, Claude Road and Gowrie Park area has several excellent alternatives ranging from easy forest strolls to another route onto Mount Roland itself.

Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track

The Mount Roland Summit via O’Neill’s Track provides the more gradual and generally more manageable route to the same 1,233-metre summit. The approximately 9 km return walk takes around 4–6 hours, climbing through forest before crossing Mount Roland’s high plateau.

O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail

The O’Neill’s Creek Nature Trail at Gowrie Park provides a completely different Mount Roland experience. The easy approximately 1.4 km return walk takes around 30 minutes and follows the creek through fern-filled forest beneath the mountain.

Redwater Creek Falls

The Redwater Creek Falls Walk near Sheffield is an easier approximately 5 km return walk through farmland and forest to a seasonal waterfall.

Allow around 1–1.5 hours.

Kimberley’s Lookout via Redwater Creek Falls

The Kimberley’s Lookout via Redwater Creek Falls is an excellent option if you’d rather admire Mount Roland than climb it. The approximately 7.7 km circuit takes around 2.5–3 hours and provides superb views across the district towards Mount Roland’s imposing northern face.

Why Walk Mount Roland via the Face Track?

The Mount Roland Face Track is the mountain’s most direct and challenging summit route. Rather than gradually working its way onto the plateau, the track tackles Mount Roland’s dramatic northern escarpment head-on, climbing steeply through forest before negotiating boulders and rocky scrambling sections. It’s considerably more demanding than O’Neill’s Track and isn’t the right choice for every walker. But for fit, experienced bushwalkers who enjoy steep terrain and hands-on scrambling, the Face Track provides an exciting approach to one of North West Tasmania’s most distinctive mountains. Reach the 1,233-metre summit on a clear day and the reward is a magnificent 360-degree panorama across Sheffield and the Kentish countryside towards Bass Strait, Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff and Tasmania’s Central Highlands.