Two options are offered for our training walk, an easy walk and a medium walk.  To join the medium walk you must have walked with the Blue Mountains Camino group previously - no first timers. Glenella will be open for bookings over the weekend, and an informal walk will also be arranged on Sunday. 

To join a walk: 

• You must bring snacks.
• You must carry at least 1.5 litres of water.

Both the easy and the medium walks start at Glenella, 56 Govetts Leap Rd, Glenella. Location.

There are toilets at Glenella, in Blackheath Village and along the route at the Visitor Centre near Govetts Leap.

Walk 1 - Easy

Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start

Distance: About 8 km. 3.5 hours

Description: From Glenella, we will head out along Popes Glen trail. At Boyds Beach, we will head to Phillips Lookout and the Vistor Centre along the Fairfax Heritage Track. We will return to Glenella along Govetts Leap Rd via Centenary Reserve, Jubilee Park and the oval.

Walk leader: Tessa and Sharise 

Walk 2 - Medium

Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start

Distance: 11km. About 4 hours

Description:  This route becomes scenic very soon as we drop down onto Braeside Fire Trail. After crossing Braeside Creek there's an uphill stretch before we turn onto a fire road to the Cliff Top Track. Spectacular views into the Grose Valley are offered all along the Cliff Top Track. It's steps down to Bridal Veil Falls lookout and then a long climb up to Govetts Leap Lookout. There is an option here to walk back to Glenella along Govetts Leap Road past the NP Heritage Centre (2km).  For those with energy for more bush trails, the route drops down from the lookout to follow the scenic Popes Glen Creek trail to the Memorial Park and back to Glenella. 

Walk leader: Margaret

To join the medium walk you must have walked with the Blue Mountains Camino group previously - no first timers.  You also need to be confident of your fitness to walk for 4 hours. 

MEET UP

We will hold our regular Camino meetup from 2-4pm at Glenella, 56 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath.  

This is a relaxed and informal opportunity to hear from guest speakers about various topics, including recent Camino experiences, Camino gear, taking care of feet, travelling to various pilgrimages, and most importantly - just mingling with like-minded and future pilgrims. This month our meetup will have a Hospitalero theme. Guest speakers will include: Eileen, who has been a Hospitalero and now runs the Australian Training program for Hospitaleros with Richard; and Tessa who completed the training this year and volunteered recently in Najera.

Tea, coffee and cake (including Santiago tart) will be served.   A registration fee of $10 for the meetup covers these costs. 

PIZZA NIGHT

Everyone is welcome to join us for pizza from 6pm on Saturday night at Glenella.  Rowan will make his customary pizza bases -- just bring a topping of your choice.  You’ll have the chance to get together in groups and combine ingredients to make your own unique pizzas.  

ACCOMODATION AT GLENELLA - SOLD OUT

Glenella is open for the Australia Day weekend 24-27 January for anyone who has registered to join a Saturday morning walk or the afternoon meetup.

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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. Elevation gains during the walk are typically small to moderate.   Distances 5-12 kms.

Medium walks also include walking on well-formed fire roads and bush paths but are generally more challenging walks and faster pace. People more accustomed to bushwalking trails should consider this option. If you're not experienced on rougher ground, or are not confident about your current fitness level then choose the first (easy) walk to build up your confidence.   Distances typically 12-16kms.

2. Do not attempt either walks if you have any health concerns, have cold or flu symptoms or are otherwise unwell.

3. Wear appropriate footwear and bring ample water (minimum 1.5 litres).  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. Bring a hat for sun and rain protection.

5. Carry a basic first aid kit including 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 walk at the rear of the group.

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All our Blue Mountains Camino events are subject to severe weather events.  If events are restricted or the organisers determine conditions are not safe for pilgrims to gather together the walk will be cancelled.  Your registration fee will be fully refunded in that case. 

More information about the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters:   https://bluemountainscamino.au

If you have any questions, please email info@bluemountainscamino.au

Contact details

Contact Event Organiser