The MacPherson Talbot Traverse is a classic alpine crossing in the Darrans from Homer Saddle to the Gertrude Valley. Ascend ‘the Postmans’ route to Homer Saddle then Talbots Ladder and onwards to the summit of MacPherson. At one point this was considered as a tourist route to Milford Sound before the discovery of what would become the Milford Track.

Parking is not currently available at the Homer tunnel portal so vehicles have to be left at the Gertrude Valley car park.

Follow the start of the nature walk before breaking off following cairns up towards Homer Saddle.

From the Saddle, the route heads north up the steepening Talbots Ladder. Some will choose to use a rope and protection is available with a few cams and metalwork remnants of the Postman era.

Above the Ladder, snow slopes lead up to the summit of Mount MacPherson. Later in the season, these disappear to smooth rock slabs. A final blocky scramble leads to the summit.

Snow slopes and glacier are traversed from Mount MacPherson to Traverse Pass.