lower sections of the historic pathway have become sealed roads bearing the name Bridle Path Road in both Lyttelton and the Heathcote Valley. The steeper part between the ends of the road remains a walking track to this day. In January 1851, the Lyttelton Times observed: "This means of communication between the port and the plain issues from the town of Lyttelton just to the west of the Custom-House Reserve, Norwich Quay, having been made perfectly passable for carts or drays up to its commencement. .... The ascent is steep; for a height of 1,100 feet is attained within 88 chains, or 1 mile and 176 yards; but, nevertheless, horses, bullocks, and mules will be able to carry a heavy pack to the top." Today, the Bridle Path walkway commences at the end of Bridle Path Road which runs up the hill from near the Lyttelton portal of the Road Tunnel. The path ascends to the top of the ridge and traverses the crater rim and the Summit Road before descending to near the Heathcote portal of the Road Tunnel in the Gondala carpark. The track is a 2.4 km long walk that ascends to the high summit takes about an hour to walk in one direction. The number 28 Lyttelton/Rapaki bus can be used to connect between the ends of the walk. At the summit, where the Bridle Path meets the Summit Road, there is a Centennial Memorial to the Pioneer Women of Canterbury as well as a visitors car park. Both the Crater Rim Walkway and Stan Helms Track meet the Bridle Path at the car park. All these tracks can be wet and slippery in winter and the city council advises walkers to proceed with caution. While dog-walking is allowed, dogs need to be kept on a lead. History Charlotte Godley, in a letter written between 10 February and 3 May 1850, reported there was a pathway over the hills to the Dean's farm that her husband and Captain Thomas rode over when they first visited Lyttelton, on 12 May 1850. She wanted to see the plains too and persuaded another passenger who had already been to the top to show her the way. She reported they found a "very good, though steep, path to the top" and a "very fine" view of both the harbour and the plains. At that time, the road to Sumner was