Blue Mountains NP: Winmalee, Shaw’s Ridge, Grose Head, Blue Gum Swamp

After a week of glorious late winter weather it was somewhat disappointing that Saturday dawned grey and overcast (just as forecast!).

But 7 determined walkers gathered at the end of White Cross Rd Winmalee and optimistically set off. Shaw’s Ridge trail was quite busy with local runners/walkers/cyclists but forest very healthy and wildflowers starting to appear.

Once down to Blue Gum Swamp Creek, the beautiful eucalypts impressed all. Turning onto Bees Nest Hill Trail, the pace reduced as the slope increased! Turning right onto Springwood Ridge Trail we were soon at Grose Head South Lookout for morning tea with great views over the river valley below.

All opted to continue on to Grose Head South trig point. This is a short but challenging clamber in both directions. One walker decided part way was enough, others all persisted. There is a walkers’ log book in a plastic container there, but as it was totally saturated we couldn’t add a record of our visit!

Now to return to the lookout point and the challenging clamber delivered a nasty dive for one of us but thankfully no major drama, just lots of antiseptic and large bandaids!

Not the best lunch location, but as we’d lost some time and it was now an intermittent drizzle, we paused for lunch at the intersection of Springwood Ridge Trail and Bees Nest Hill Trail then carefully made our way down Bees Nest Hill and turned right onto Blue Gum Swamp Trail. This section of the walk is beautiful forest and there were many many birds.

Back at cars at 2.15pm and group decided to grace the Lapstone Inn with our presence. Group remarked it was an interesting combination: 3 women, 4 men. And drink selections were 6 coffees to 1 Guinness (for the injured party)! Spot beside the fire was very pleasant. Thanks to all for stepping up to the challenges that the day presented. Val and David