The circuit walk from Old Settlement Beach up to the top of the ridge to Kim’s Lookout, across to the peak of Malabar Hill and then down to Ned’s Beach showcases all of the delights on offer at Lord Howe Island. At every turn along the track you are confronted by spectacular views and abundant wildlife – no need to wait for a “lookout” to come along!

The walk starts with a stroll along the grassy dunes at the top of Old Settlement Beach before climbing steeply and relentlessly to the top of the saddle. While the steps make the climb a little easier they were clearly built for giants (or at least someone with VERY long legs). You are quickly surrounded by the forest as you ascend and soon come face to face with some of the unmentioned local wildlife … the biggest spiders in the world!! Well, possibly there are some bigger somewhere but definitely the biggest just hanging around at head height as we walk along.

We emerge from the trees onto the saddle and scramble up to Kim’s Lookout. As we marvel at the views to the north of the Island (and the camera comes out to snap some shots), we suddenly realise that these are serious 360 degree views and in fact looking back to the south along the Island, these are the postcard views that drew us to the Island in the first place.

As we make our way along the ridge from Kim’s to Malabar Hill, we are entertained with the antics of the Red-tailed Tropic-birds cruising the wind currents and crash-landing into their nests on the cliffs.

We finally reach the clearing at the top of Malabar Hill and settle onto a comfy rock to enjoy our lunch. Capella Lodge has packed a lavish lunch pack which we devour as if we haven’t seen food for days (well, it’s been hours) and feel particularly smug that we have earnt the rich chocolate brownies!

The final stage of the walk goes quickly as we descend Malabar Hill, cross the cow paddocks, through the palm grove and out onto Ned’s Beach with spectactular views the whole way down. Our expedition ends with a rest, a refreshing paddle and a spot of fish feeding at Ned’s Beach.

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