JOIN US for our regular last Saturday of the month Camino-style walk - this month at Blackheath.  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. 

Glenella will be hosting an open Camino weekend for those wishing to stay in Blackheath and experience a weekend of Camino spirit.  

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. 

To join a walk you must: 

* Bring snacks.

* Carry at least 1.5 litres of water.

* Bring/wear appropriate gear. We can expereince four seasons in one day in the mountains!

WALK INFORMATION

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

There are toilets at Glenella and Govett's Leap lookout. 

Walk 1 - Easy

Start time: 8:30am for 8:45am start

Distance: About 9 km. 3 hours

Description:  From Glenella, we will head out along Popes Glen trail then via road to NSW National Parks Centre and the Fairfax Heritage Track. There will be great views from Govetts Leap lookout. We will return to Glenella along Govetts Leap Rd via Centenary Reserve, Jubilee Park and the oval. The route does not include any cafes, so BYO snacks and hot drink. Toilets at the National Parks Centre and lookout.

Walk leader: Sharise

Walk 2 - Medium

Start time: 8:30am for 8:45am start

Distance: 10km. About 4 hours

Description:  From Glenella, we follow back lanes and bush tracks to the start of the Walls Cave track, off Evans Lookout Road. Walls Cave is significant to traditional owners. Entry to the cave is not permitted. On the way, we cross Greaves Creek with its interesting slot canyon and watercourse. We return to Glenella along the Braeside track. The walk includes quite a few steps and a few short rough sections. Good walking shoes are recommended and walking poles will be useful.  Bring water and snacks as there is no food or drinking water available on the walk.

Walk leader: Rowan

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 3-4 hours. 

CAMINO MEETUP

We will hold our regular Camino meetup at Glenella, 56 Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Location

The meetup runs from 2-4 pm. 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. 

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

ACCOMODATION AT GLENELLA 

Glenella is open for the weekend 30 January - 1 February for anyone who has registered to join a Saturday morning walk or the afternoon meetup.Find out more and book for the Camino open weekend at Glenella. This link and accommodation bookings for Glenella will open on Monday 15 December at 6pm(AEST).

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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.

6. 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. 

7. 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 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