Lockley Pylon

David at the start of the walk.

Perhaps one of the most spectacular and contrasting walks in the Blue Mountains is the walk to Lockley Pylon. Details are here http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?int_resource_id=723 It contrasts from other walks as it has an almost "alpine" feel. That is, the walk takes you across open heath and low vegetation. This walk is yet another way of decending into the beautiful Blue Gum forest, and meets at the junctions of Govetts Gorge and the Grose Valley.Approximatley 9 km it is an easy grade with plenty to see. We spotted Jacky Winter, New Holland Honey Eater and Yellow Thornbill all within a few minutes.

The weather was typical of the mountains. We started in heavy fog and drizzle, and once reaching our destination, were bathed in golden sunshine. Above us Wedge Tail Eagles soared, at our feet bull ants and bush cockroaches scurried.

Bush Cockroach about 5cm long.

About half way we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the company of a Yellow Tailed cockatoo. These large birds are quite a site, with swooping flight and a distinctive call.

Yellow Tail Cockatoo

The views from the top are simply spectacular:- Mt Banks, Mt Hay, the Grose Gorge as well as Fortress Creek Falls create a vista not seen anywhere else. We returned to the car after a few hours it was a great way to spend an afternoon.

Birds Seen:- Australian Magpie, King Parrot, Wedge Tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Yellow Thornbill, New Holland Honey Eater, Eastern Spinebill, Australian Raven, Currawong, Pee Wee, Common Bronzewing, Red Rumped Parrot, Masked Lapwing, Jacky Winter.

Mountain Climb

The fire trail.

As some of you know I broke my arm, with it being in a fibreglass cast for six weeks I began to get restless. Without the ability to ride my bike or pitch a tent, or even drive the troopie, I thought " Heck, I can still walk".. and chose to take a walk to the top of Mt Banks. In previous posts I write about riding in the area a lot. This is on the fire trails that lead around the base of the mountain not to the top. 25 years ago the track was open to four wheel drives and I drove to the top. The drive was tricky as the track as I remembered had large rock steps. Once reaching the top the climate shifts and there were picnic tables under tall gums. I wondered if they were still there.


The view as we ascend. Note the fire trails below.

They day was warm, as we parked the car and got our packs ready. Only walking a few metres we were greeted by a brown snake. It took little interest in us, and we gave it the respect it deserves and were not bothered by it as it slithered past. Walking the track I normally ride really gives you a different perspective. Yellow thornbills, bearded dragons and bull ants made most of the warm track and small heath like shrubs. David and I spent time catching the lizards which was fun.


David with a lizard we caught.

Before too long, we reached the intersection for the ascent. Its a steady, not difficult climb, and it is exactly as I remember it, although a little more overgrown. The exposed heath gives way to tall gums and a more rain forest feel as the track winds around to the northern side of the Mtn. After an hour we were at the top and I was excited to see the old picnic table right were I had remembered it 25 years before!

The Picnic table!
The one disappointing thing- weeds. Lots of Scottish thistle, fire weed and wild tobacco. Similar to the problem on Mt Hay but more so. I sometimes find the "lock out and leave alone" approach of the National parks frustrating. In the 1970's the parks were pristine and weed free ( relatively). Yet you could light fires and even drive into the areas.

Walking track to the bottom

The decent from the top is spectacular. If you click on the photos you can see the fire trails I ride and the mountains look like the ocean. Within half an hour we were back to the car having spent a wonderful few hours.

Mt Hay Pt 2

Pleasant views.

In a previous post I mentioned the ride to Mt Hay. Once you get to the Mt Hay car park, bikes are not permitted beyond that point and there is a walking track to the top, so last Sunday I decided to return and walk to the top. Mt Hay, like Mt Banks and Mt Tomah etc is a volcanic plug and is therefore very typical in shape to the other mountains created this way.

Distant land slides

The walk is pleasant, with spectacular views, leading along the escarpments and cliff edges before heading down a saddle and then making its ascent to the top. The vegetation varies a great deal in a short distance. With exposed heath, stunted banksia trees, then larger trees growing in the more sheltered areas. The track is a mixture of grasses and loose rock and rock ledges.
Views into the Grose Valley
We observed Welcome Swallow, Yellow Tailed Cockatoos, Magpie Lark and Currawong. In a more sheltered area there was Basian Thrush and a new sighting a Tawny Crowned Honey Eater. Quite a distinctive bird and its always nice to see something new.

The walking track

Whilst hot, it was not too long before we were pushing onto the top of the mountain. Thick cut grass (and yes, it will cut you like a razor) and a fire weed infestation made the walking a little more difficult, whilst on the look out for the broad headed snake which is particular to the area.
Tawny  Crowned Honeyeater (not my  photo)
At the top is a large rock cairn. The view at the top is filtered but there are glimpses of the Sydney basin. After a drink and some sultanas it was time to return to the troopie. Again, it was nice to observe Mt Banks for the opposite side of the Grose Valley, to observe Blue Gum forest and look towards Mt Victoria from a different perspective.

The top!
This area for me ranks as one of the most beautiful in the world. The day coincided with the first visit by Charles Darwin to Australia. His comments were similar as he observed Wentworth falls and the Jamison Valley at Katoomba. A pleasant day was had by all.