Mount Solitary Traverse

Our first day is the longest as we make our way to the eastern side of Mount Solitary. From our starting point in Katoomba, we slowly descend into the rainforest gully known as Fern Bower. There are numerous waterfalls offering their cooling spray during this descent to the base of the sandstone escarpment; and it is not long before the township of Katoomba is forgotten. The Sublime Point Fire Trail is our path across the Jamison Valley towards Kedumba. The trail is wide and straightforward walking so the days longer distance is conquered quickly. On approach to our destination for the day we’ll start to see views of the Kedumba Walls to the east and southward towards the Southern Highlands. Glimpses of Lake Burragorang are also offered. Upon reaching the open grassland of the old Kedumba Homestead site we are close to our nights camp at Kedumba River Crossing Campsite. Plenty of kangaroos and wallabies, and the occasional wombat, will be seen in this area. The campsite has a composting toilet so we can enjoy a bush camp with a touch of ‘luxury’! Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  L,D

Our second day is the hardest and begins with the challenge of climbing the eastern side of Mount Solitary to The Col. We’ll enjoy a good break at this vantage point as we deserve the break and it is the first opportunity to take in the vast views to the south. The traverse across the top of the Mount Solitary plateau travels close to the escarpment on the northern side so offers vast views back towards the towns of Katoomba and Leura. The vegetation is low and dry heath with banksias and scribbly gums, and birdlife to spot. At points on the journey across the plateau we’ll see views towards the rugged ravines of the Wild Dog Mountains and wilderness of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. At the western-most point of the plateau, we’ll begin our descent down Koorowall Knife Edge - an unformed rocky route used by walkers to access Mount Solitary from the west. With the descent conquered we are now close to our night’s camp at the base of Ruined Castle amid the mining ruins from the late 1800’s. Once our camp is established, the side trip to climb Ruined Castle, for the Jamison Valley views as the light starts to fade, is an opportunity not to be missed. Once again, we are fortunate to have an established bush camp with a composting toilet and access to tank water. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day provides a relatively flat walk along Federal Pass, through picturesque rainforest and passing towering tree ferns and mountain blue gums. A brief break in the forest canopy takes us through the open boulder field known simply as ‘The Landslide’. Shortly after The Landslide, we’ll pass along track once travelled by a horse-drawn tramway pulling mined ore and we’ll see what remains of the past mining efforts of this part of the Jamison Valley. Our goal for the day is to complete a full circuit of the Jamison Valley. We’ll have the option to continue along Federal Pass, through Leura Forest, and then an unavoidable climb up Fern Bower to our original starting point; or we could climb out of the valley via Furber Steps to the top of Katoomba Falls and from there continue along Prince Henry Cliff Top Walk to our original starting point. This will be a collective group decision but either way we will complete the circuit and celebrate with a well-earned pub lunch. Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L