BLUE MOUNTAINS CAMINO SUPPORTERS
April Training Walk
You may have already walked a Camino in Europe or you may aspire to one day walk a 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. We are not a bushwalking club.
There are two options for April - an Easy Walk and a Medium+ Walk.
Walk 1 - Easy: Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Blackheath Memorial Park and Govetts Leap lookout.
Meet at the Gardners Inn Hotel which is opposite the Blackheath Train Station 8:45am for 9:00am start.
Enjoy the Autumn hues around the streets of Blackheath and the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens and Blackheath Memorial Park as you make your way to Govetts Leap Lookout before returning to Blackheath village.
There will be an opportunity for a break at the park and Govetts Leap Lookout - however, you will need to bring your own tea/coffee/snacks.
This walk will be approx 11km and will take around 3.5 hours.
There is an opportunity to go to the Gardners Inn Hotel for lunch or a drink after the walk.
Walk 2 - Medium+ Bald Head via Hat Hill Canyon Exit, Blackheath*
Meet at the carpark opposite the Blue Mountains National Park sign just before the gate. 8:45am for 9:00am start.
Directions from Great Western Highway, drive 5.2kms along Hat Hill Rd, Blackheath to the carpark and gate opposite Blue Mountains National Park sign. Park your car and meeting point here. Note: after the gate it is National Park, the road is dirt and changes name to Perry's Lookdown Rd.
The Medium+ walk is a moderately challenging track along the ridgeline where it can be windy. The walk takes in open heath, rocky scrub track and rocky ledges/outcrops. There is a rocky traverse and ascent to Bald Head. The wide panoramic views from the ridgeline and of the Jamieson Valley are stunning. You must bring your own drinks, food and snacks, a thermos of hot drink will be useful. Carry a minimum of 2 litres of water. There are no toilets on this route.
Walk distance 6km. Elevation 246m. Total time 3.5 hour plus breaks
*NOTE: This walk is subject to change should Blue Mountains National Park walking tracks remain closed.
There is an opportunity to go to the Gardners Inn Hotel for lunch after the walk.
Like all Blue Mountains Camino Supporters walks, you must wear suitable gear for all weather including cold and wet weather gear, and wear sturdy closed-in footwear - there may be some muddy sections.
WALKING SAFETY - Please read this before you attempt any Blue Mountains Camino Supporters 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 5-15kms.
Medium - Hard walks may include difficult terrain such as steep climbs, sometimes up rough tracks or stairs, creek crossings or over uneven ground. These walks are for fit and experienced walkers only. Distance 10-20+ kms
2. Do not attempt any walk if you have any health concerns at all.
3. Wear appropriate closed-in footwear and bring ample water (minimum 2.5litres). Walking poles can be useful.
4. Wear and bring appropriate walking gear, the weather in the mountains can change rapidly so always have a rain jacket or poncho. Wear 'layers' are useful. A hat for sun and rain protection.
5. Bring Basic First Aid Kit encluding snake bandage, sunscreen, insect repellent.
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.
COVID SAFETY!
For everyone's safety, the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters require all participants to:
- be fully vaccinated,
- 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
More info about the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters: https://bluemountainscamino.com
If you have any questions, please email info@bluemountainscamino.com
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