Solitary Hut
Known as Solitary Hut or Solitary Mans Hut
Location Above Tiger Lake, Walls of Jerusalem. There is an alternative walking foot-pad up another valley with the track starting behind Trappers Hut.
History
This hut was built near Tiger Lake in 1983 by a person called “The Solitary Man” when he was aged 33. He then lived in it for about a year and a half from 1984 to July 1985. He built the hut to deliberately stay away from others, in a most secluded (but illegal) spot above the lake. Being an athlete, he set up a weights gym here and also ran long distances to other lakes, sometimes to fish.
He also attempted to set up a vegetable patch on a very small island in the middle of the lake (to protect it from animals), with limited success.
When he left, he wrote a short message in perfect script on the wall, asking that visitors do not disturb or kill plants or animals and that they be respected. But otherwise, visitors were welcome and could use the contents.
He has asked for anonimity and has retained that well, to this current day. He left, became remarried and had a daughter who now has her own daughter.
Since then, he has lived in Launceston, bu has returned quite regularly for a few days.
Construction
The hut is built as a “A frame” with clip metal over a timber frame. There is a paved floor from local stone, plus a mezzanine sleeping area. The stone work is considerable, to protect the hut from the high rainfall in the area and snow over a metre deep in some winter periods. It also enables a small fire place and includes a flue.
References
Margaret Howe- “The History and building of Solitary Hut, Walls of Jerusalem National Park and the story of its builder the myserious Solitary Man” - 2021 Foot and Playsted, Launceston.
GPS S-47.0358 E 146.16995 - to be checked.