BLUE MOUNTAINS CAMINO SUPPORTERS - February Training Walk
JOIN US for our regular last Saturday of the month walk - this month from Carrington Park in Katoomba . You don't have to be a Camino Pilgrim, but you may aspire to one day walk the Camino or other pilgrimages. Walking with the Blue Mountains Camino group is an opportunity to walk in the beautiful Blue Mountains with like-minded people. You will learn more about preparing for a Camino and why our walks are more than just a walk.
Two options are offered for February's walk, an Easy-Medium Walk and a Medium-Hard Walk. A fee of $5.00 is charged to participate in the walk which covers the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters costs such as insurance, website and printing.
Meet: Carrington Park, Katoomba. (Cnr Carrington Ave and Merriwa Street) - not the Carrington Hotel !
Time: Meet 8.45am for 9.00am start.
Walk 1 - Easy-Medium.
Heading down to the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Echo Point and onto Katoomba Falls, exiting near the old Katoomba Kiosk and returning to Katoomba via road. This walk affords some stunning views over the Jamieson Valley from the many lookouts, there are lots of steps but not too strenuous. Closed in sturdy footwear suitable for hiking is essential, the track may be muddy from any recent rains. Approx. 8km, 3.5hours, total 300m descent/ascent.
At about the 6km mark, we will stop at the Mountain Brewery on Parke St in Katoomba for refreshments before returning to Carrington Park. We pass the Katoomba train station for those catching public transport.
Whilst there will be an opportunity for a short break at Echo Point (refreshments and toilets), please do carry a minimum 1.5 litres of water and some snacks.
Walk 2 - Medium-Hard.
Descending into the Jamieson Valley via 1000+ steep steps / stairs to Leura Forest where ancient rainforest plants flourish, passing several delightful waterfalls and creek crossings. The route takes in Federal Pass with the escarpment rising high above. The route continues around the base of Katoomba Falls before climbing up via Furber Steps - a combination of metal and sandstone steps, all 966 of them! You will exit out of the Jamieson Valley passing Witches Leap to the old Katoomba Kiosk on Cliff Drive. Then a relaxed walk along suburb streets to the village of Katoomba returning to Carrington Park. Approx 10km, 5 hours, total 500m descent/ascent.
At about the 8km mark, we will stop at the Mountain Brewery on Parke St in Katoomba for refreshments before returning to Carrington Park. We pass the Katoomba train station for those catching public transport.
Please note, this walk has many many stairs / steps both down and up (approx. 1300 down and 966 up)!!! The paths will be muddy and uneven, good solid walking shoes/boots suitable for hiking are essential for this walk. Carry a minimum 2 litres of water, snacks, lunch and first aid kit including insect repellent. There may be leeches in the valley. There are no toilet facilities. Once down in the valley the only way out is via steep steps or the Scenic World Railway (tickets at your own cost).
************************
COVID SAFETY!
For everyone's safety, the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters require all participants to:
- be fully vaccinated,
- show your vaccination record on arrival,
- carry hand sanitiser in your bag/pack and bring a mask,
- wear a mask on public transport,
- Protect yourself and others. NSW Health information Click Here
WALKING SAFETY
Please read this before you attempt any of our training walks.
You are welcome on our walks, but please read the following carefully before deciding to do a walk.
Your safety is your responsibility. You must know your walking ability.
The walk coordinator on the day has the authority to withdraw you from the walk if they believe the walk is not suitable for you and they believe you may put yourself (and others) at risk.
1. Read our notes about the walk carefully, and be aware of the difference between the grades of walks.
Easy walks are usually on well formed fire roads or bush paths, with limited stairs or steep parts. Minimum elevation gain. Distance 5-10kms.
Medium walks may include difficult terrain such as steep climbs, sometimes up rough tracks or stairs, across creeks or over uneven ground. These walks are for reasonably fit and experienced walkers only. Distance 10-15+ kms
2. Do not attempt any walk if you have any health concerns at all.
3. Wear appropriate footwear and bring ample water (minimum 2litres). Walking poles can be useful.
4. The group is only as fast as its slowest walker. If you are unsure about being able to keep up with the group for the entire walk, start with the Easy Walk.
5. All walkers will meet at the start of the walk. If you are unsure of the route, make sure you buddy up with someone who does. An experienced walker will always be at the rear of the group.
6. Come prepared wearing suitable footwear and clothing for hiking. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly so bring a rainjacket/poncho, a basic first aid, ensure you have ample water, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks. Walking poles optional.
More info about the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters: https://bluemountainscamino.com
If you have any questions, please email info@bluemountainscamino.com
Contact Details