1 Aug (Sat) 2026: NEWNES PLATEAU (M-Exp) Park just before the road tunnel on the glowworm tunnel road. Walk west up to ridge to and follow the ridge or spur N and NW to the cliff top. Work back and explore the slotty gullys and cliff line maybe making it as far as the top of the dry canyon catchment and return to cars. This is an exploratory wander that should have good views and a bit of scrambling. It won't be a long walk in distance. Limit: 6. Map: cullen bullen.

1 Aug (Sat) 2026: SE SIDE LEURA (M) Leura – Fairmont – Gladstone Pass – Lindeman Pass – Inspiration Point – Grand Cliff Top Walk. Re-listed walk from 4 July. Suitable for fit beginners. All on historic tracks. 10 km. A scenic circuit through cool rainforest and lush gullies, with a steady 250 m climb to Inspiration Point before returning via the Grand Cliff Top Walk. Expect soft light beneath the forest canopy, possibly damp feet, pleasing views, and a hundred shades of green. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

1 Aug (Sat) 2026: VICTORY TRACK, JUNIOR MEMBER LEADER (E) Classic club walk. Junior members encouraged to join, all are welcome. Sassafras Gully to Perch Ponds and exit via yondell extension trail. Waterfalls along the way including Martin Falls and Magdala Falls. Roughly 9km. Co-Leader Jessie B. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood .

1-2 Aug (Sat - Sun) 2026: HAWKESBURY RIVER WISEMANS FERRY (H, kayak) Kayaking from Lower Portland to Wisemans Ferry and return 40 km, staying over night at Wisemans Ferry and returning with the tide. Limit: 8. Map: Lower Portland & St Albans.

2 Aug (Sun) 2026: KANUKA BROOK AND RED HANDS CAVE (M-H) We'll walk into Glenbrook Creek and cross near the Duckhole, go a little way up pretty Kanuka Brook, and then ascend a short ridge to the disused end of Red Hands Cave firetrail. From there we will walk to Red Hands Cave, and walk on the newly-maintained track down Camp Fire Ck. We'll cross Glenbrook Ck again at the Blue Pool or causeway. A mixture of informal track, firetrail and formed tracks and nice loop to take in some of the highlights of this part of the national park. About 11km. Elevation gain of approx 250m Limit: 8. Map: Penrith .

2 Aug (Sun) 2026: WOODFORD (E) History: From First Nations, to Woodford Academy, to what it was to be a couple of gay men in the '50's &'60's. Walk from Woodford down to the ruins of Jon and David's house, to Jon's rock, down the Fairfax track to Edith Falls, then the Transit of Venus , Mabel Falls and back to the Academy. About 4 hours, about 120 mtrs elevation, road, fire trail, track. Train from Sydney arrives 8:46 am. Bring lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

3 Aug (Mon) 2026: PRESBYTERIAN HALL SPRINGWOOD (Meeting) Meeting: Supper:Janette L. Presentation by NPWS Representative. RECREATIONAL GROUPS - FERAL DEER MANAGEMENT Using Citizen science to help protect the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from deer incursions. Limit: 60. Map: Springwood.

5 Aug (Wed) 2026: FAULCONBRIDGE (E-M-Exp) Walk following the fire trail at the end of Chapman Pde, for 3 km, then seeing if we can get down to the junction of Springwood Ck and Faulconbridge Ck. At least some of that part is on a track. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood.

6 Aug (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well if you wish Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

7-10 Aug (Fri-Mon) 2026: CAPERTEE VALLEY 7-10 August painting trip Capertee Valley. Instead of walking the landscape, I will be painting it. Staying on private property with 4 caravans, 2 campsites, toilets, showers, open kitchen. Vans $200 for the whole 3 nights. No tuition, byo everything. First in first served. Great area for landscape painting. Map: UBD

8 Aug (Sat) 2026: JAMISON VALLEY (H) Cedar Gap, Katoomba to Sublime Point, Leura. Golden Stairs - Ruined Castle - off-track navigating ENE down to the Kedumba River. Up to W7F Sublime Point Trail, up to Copeland Pass, including fun climbing through that circular hole in the rock. Sublime Point Lookout. Car shuffle required. Minimum 17km distance, with 900m accumulative climbing. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

Introduction Walk

8 Aug (Sat) 2026: WARRIMOO TO BLAXLAND VIA FLORABELLA PASS (EM) Leave some cars at Blaxland and drive to the beginning of pretty Florabella Pass in south Warrimoo. It's 6 km walk with an extra km or less return to detour down to Glenbrook Creek but this is optional. There are steps at the beginning and the end of course and the track undulates a fair bit but we have plenty of time. Plenty of rock overhangs and nice creek sections. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

9 Aug (Sun) 2026: HORSESHOE FALLS CIRCUIT NORTH HAZELBROOK (E) A lovely short 4 km circuit walk going past 4 waterfalls - two with amazing overhangs where glowworms can be seen at night. The creek is very pretty too. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

15 Aug (Sat) 2026: LEADERS BBQ Leaders and those who would like to consider becoming a leader, save this date for a get-together and BBQ. Location 3 Davies Ave, Springwood Starting 12 noon. We will discuss what a leader’s responsibilities are, share ideas and tips, and generally encourage each other. You don't need to bring anything - we have enough chairs, cutlery and plates, and all food and drink will be provided.

Introduction Walk

16 Aug (Sun) 2026: FORMER WHITE BAY PWR STATION, PYRMONT (M) Sing Out Choral Festival. Join us for a relaxed 7 km walk from Central Station to White Bay Power Station, following some of Sydney's most attractive harbour foreshore areas. Our route takes in Sydney Fish Market, Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe Foreshore Park, Tramsheds and the Sydney Heritage Fleet before arriving at White Bay Power Station. At White Bay, we'll enjoy the Sing Out Choral Festival (11:00 am – 5:00 pm), a free community event featuring more than 700 singers from a wide variety of choirs. Performances include gospel, folk, a cappella, classical and contemporary music, so there will be something for most musical tastes. The walk is approximately 7 km on mainly level paths, with opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way. Festival information: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sing-out Limit: 37. Map: Parramatta River 9130-3N 1:25000 map sheet.

16 Aug (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

17 Aug (Mon) 2026: JUNGABURRA LEDGES (M) From the Bells Line of Road we follow Kamarah Ridge towards Jungaburra Brook to join up with the climber's ledge half-way down the cliff line. We follow this around both sides of Jungaburra Brook, before climbing up onto Wilkinson Hill. We then make our way back to the Bells Line of Road via the Jinki Ridge Track. Great views of the upper Grose Valley. Roughly 9 kilometers. Half on track, half off track through open bush. Combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson.

22 Aug (Sat) 2026: DARGANS ARCH AND THE UPPER WOLLANGAMBE (M-H) From Bell we visit Dargans Arch before heading East towards the "Centre of the Universe", visiting the "Ruin" on the way. Don't know what the "Ruin" is? Come along and find out! We then cross the Wollangambe and climb "the other Submarine Rock", to wander among the ridges and Pagodas on the North side, making our way back to Dargans Arch. Mostly Off track. Approx 13 kilometers,100-meter ascent/descent. Combined Springwood, Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

22-23 Aug (Sat - Sun) 2026: LIONS HEAD PASS TO KEDUMBA CROSSING (M-H) August is Platypus Awareness Month so I’m keen to head back to Kedumba Crossing where I previously enjoyed watching them frolick for a good 30 mins from my campsite. (No refunds if we don’t see a platypus????) The first part of the walk along Lion’s Head Ridge is about 3.5km and rated easy-medium. If anyone wanted to just do this section as a day walk and return solo I would be happy for that. Please let me know when you book on. The traverse down Lion’s Head Pass is quite steep with some off-track. (About 2kms with a 600m descent). Hopefully we will be rewarded with a platypus sighting at Kedumba Crossing at dawn/dusk. There should be some time either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to explore some of the graves and ruins in the area. We’ll return the same way (yep, 600m up!) because I hate the fire trail up Kedumba Valley Rd. (Short and sharp rather than long and boring!) 12km across the weekend plus a bit extra for any exploring. Limit: 15. Map: Jamison 1:25000.

24-28 Aug (Mon - Fri) 2026: TOMINGLEY (M-H) 4 day cycle tour Tomingley-Geurie-Yeoval-Peak Hill-Tomingley. 45-60 km each day, staying in pubs if possible, otherwise camping. Contact Barney S for more details if interested. Limit: 6. Map: UBD.

28-30 Aug (Fri-Sun) 2026: NAVSHIELD (M-H) Sadly, NavShield numbers have been capped and we missed getting a spot. Ahh well, there’s always next year. This years NavShield is being held in Belanglo State Forest. The plan will be to go in on the Friday afternoon, compete on Saturday only, and return home Sunday morning (or Saturday night if people prefer). Navshield (Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield) is an annual wilderness navigation event delivered by NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR). Using only map and compass, teams navigate rugged bush terrain to locate checkpoints, building teamwork, endurance and practical land search capability in a realistic field environment. I’ll need to put teams together ASAP as registrations close on 2/8. Teams of 2-4 will be created as people book on. If you have a preference for who you would like to be in a team with, please advise when you book. Once I have some teams it will be up to individuals to go online and register themselves on the NavShield site. https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/navshield Entry for the one day event is $100. Limit: 16. Map: Moss Vale, Mittagong, Hanworth, Canyonleigh.

29 Aug (Sat) 2026: KATOOMBA (M) Cliff Walk - Nellie's Glen - Devil's Hole Circuit: We will commence the day on the Katoomba Cliff Walk and visit both the Therbault and Norths Lookouts. We then join up with the Six Foot Track and head down to the Megalong Valley past Bonnie Doon Falls and through Nellie's Glen. We then turn on to the old Water Board Road and then the track leading to Devil's Hole before ascending Devil's Hole back up to the escarpment. On our way back to our cars we will have the change to visit Cahill's Lookout. This walk is all on track or fire trail. Note, however, the condition of the track is a bit variable. Total walk distance is 10.5km with a combined ascent of 520m, involving some steep sections. Moderate or better fitness is desirable. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba.

3 Sep (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Sep (Sat) 2026: MID MOUNTAINS WANDER (H) From the Linden Ridge Firetrail we negotiate a side ridge down to Woodford Creek before climbing up the other side to join another ridge that will take us to Blue Mountain and the start of the Lawson Ridge Firetrail. There are lower mountains views to be had in places and the boronia and other wild flowers should be on display. Roughly 12 kilometers with 200 meters descent and 300 meters ascent. We will need to do a car shuffle. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Sep (Sat) 2026: NORTH RICHMOND TO YARRAMUNDI (E-M, kayak) A paddle from North Richmond down to Yarramundi and return, 15 km with the tide. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Kurrajong.

7 Sep (Mon) 2026: PRESBYTERIAN HALL SPRINGWOOD (Meeting) Meeting: Presentation: Sam Porritt to speak about Rogaining Supper: Maree J. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

10 Sep (Thu) 2026: NORTHERN BEACHES (E) DEE WHY TO MANLY: During this walk we will visit four iconic northern Sydney beaches and enjoy some stunning ocean views. Expect to see some wildflowers and possibly a whale - but I am not making promises. The walk is all on track but if you want you can get some sand between your toes, you can. Total walk distance is about 7.5km with a combined ascent of 100m, but climbs are gradual and are spread across the walk. Limit: 15. Map: Sydney Heads.

12 Sep (Sat) 2026: WILDFLOWERS OF YILEEN SPUR (M-Exp) This is an exploratory trip for me. We’ll head out along a spur between Yileen Gully and Yileen Spur towards the cliff edge overlooking Pierce’s Pass where we’ll stop for lunch. We then return along Yileen Spur and back to the cars. Hopefully at this time of year we will see plenty of wildflowers. 281m elevation change, 7.2km. Limit: 12. Map: Mount Wilson 1:25000.

19 Sep (Sat) 2026: SPRINGWOOD FESTIVALL, MACQUARIE RD (Festival) Springwood Spring Festival previously known as Foundation Day. We will have a stall and provide info to anyone who's interested. A good opportunity for us to be seen in the community. We will need helpers for the day to man the stall, chat to the public and hang out for an hour or so. Book on if you can help out. 8am-4pm. Map: Springwood Limit: 30. Map: Springwood.

20 Sep (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

20 Sep (Sun) 2026: REMOTE AREA FIRST AID COURSE (Training ) The SBC Committee is again pleased to offer you an opportunity to get/renew your Remote Area First Aid, with the wonderful trainer, Frances Davidson, at the Pulse First Aid training room in Hazelbrook. There is a compulsory online component and a full day of practical exercises, including 'in the field' scenarios. The full course usually costs $300. It has been offered to SBC for $150. The committee has reduced this to $100 per individual and $75 for activity leaders. You do need to be a full member to take advantage of this training. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba .

27 Sep (Sun) 2026: WOODFORD LAKE AND MORE (EM) A repeat of a walk I did in June. A 6km round walk taking in a nice rainforest gully, pretty Gemimi Falls, Woodford Lake and Dam and an amazing rock shelf with aboriginal handprints. The colours and shapes of the rock shelf are breathtakingly fantastic. Well worth the firetrail walking involved and some easy bushbashing to get to the site. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

27-29 Sep (Sun - Tue) 2026: BLUE MOUNTAINS (M-H-Exp) SPLENDOUR ROCK VIA MEDLOW GAP, return via the same route. ACTUAL DATES ARE YET TO BE DECIDED (the website won't enter a walk unless you nominate a date). Splendour Rock is one of the most magnificent vantage points in the Blue Mountains, and the site of the Bushwalkers' Memorial. Seeking expressions of interest for this 3 day trip (which is really 2 half days with a full day in between). This route allows a bit of a recce before the 60th anniversary walk to Splendour Rock next year, which hopefully will leave from Medlow Gap. (It also avoids the steep climb up or down Blackhorse Ridge, thick scrub and stinging nettles in Breakfast Creek.) I also plan to check out "Lake" Birrell, which is close to Medlow Gap. Earliest possible date is September 27th. I prefer weekdays but happy to fit in with others. School holidays possible. 12 km on firetrail with full packs; 14 km on rough track with daypacks only. Grade M. Elevation gain is only 180m but there are lots of undulations and at least one short scramble. May have to carry water for 2km. Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan, Jamison.

27-29 Sep (Sun-Tue) 2026: DONKEY MOUNTAIN WOLGAN VALLEY (M-H) Day 1 about 10km 250m descent. Walking in from the Glow Worm tunnel with views across to Donkey Mountain we head down to Wolgan Rd, then walk along the road to Donkey Mountain. We’ll camp at the base of Donkey Mountain. Day 2 we ascend Donkey Mountain and spend the day exploring the many slots up on top. Approx. 6-7km 250m ascent and descent. Day 3 we reverse and head back out the same way 10km 250m ascent. We will need to carry quite a bit of water. There may be opportunity to collect water from the Wolgan River as we cross to Wolgan Rd, but I’m not sure about access to the river near the mountain. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen 1:25000.

27 Sep-2 Oct 2026 (Sun - Fri) 2026: HIDDEN CREEK JERVIS BAY (M, kayak,walk,cycle) Five nights at Hidden Creek Caravan Park overlooking Currambene Creek. Tent or caravan on a campsites we have to ourselves.$25 per person per night. Cabins are also available at a discounted rate. We will be doing a number of day paddles in the surrounding waterways with opportunities for cycling, walking and swimming. Limit: 16. Map: Jervis bay.

Introduction Walk

4 Oct (Sun) 2026: GLENBROOK NP RED HANDS CAVE (E) Park near the causeway and walk up Campfire Creek to Red Hands Cave to see some aboriginal stencil art. Return the same way with a small loop possible. This track has been recently fixed up and gently climbs to the cave. It's about 8 km return. Afterwards we can drive to Mt Portal Lookout if people haven't been there. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: A N UPPER GROSE VALLEY LOOKOUT (M) As part of the Grand Cooee Chorus, a group of us will head to a high point around the Grose valley between Victoria Falls and Govetts Leap (exact location not yet known) to be part of the cooee relay. See Blue Mountaineer 9 August for information. We will walk in to our allocated position, but I cannot yet say how far that will be, but none seem very far. Come join me for a chance to be part of something unique. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba, Mt Wilson.

17 Oct (Sat) 2026: WILDFLOWERS OF JINKE (M-Exp) This walk is an exploratory for me. We’ll head out along Jinke Track, the bear towards Jungaburra Brook, staying on top of the plateau to Wilkinson Hill, looking across to Valhalla Head, where we’ll stop for morning tea. We then retrace our steps and head along Jinke Ridge to the cliff line overlooking Dalpura Creek for lunch before returning to the cars. Should be plenty of wildflowers out and the views should be spectacular. 9km with 217m elevation change. Limit: 12. Map: Mount Wilson 1:25000.

17-18 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2026: KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP / PITTWATER (E) Beginners Overnight Adventure – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. No previous overnight experience required. Join us for a relaxed introduction to overnight bushwalking in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks. Aboriginal heritage, beaches, and the chance to see Sydney’s spectacular sandstone wildflowers in bloom. We begin with an easy 7 km return walk along the scenic Bairne Trail (without packs), before returning to prepare for our first overnight experience carrying light camping gear. We then walk a gentle 4 km track down to our waterfront campsite at The Basin, where we can enjoy an evening beside the water. On Sunday morning, we take the pleasant ferry around to beautiful Great Mackerel Beach. From there, we explore the coastline on a pack-free walk to West Head, visiting Aboriginal rock engravings and the secluded Resolute Beach area. We finish with a scenic return walk past the historic beach shacks up to our cars. A great first overnight walk for those wanting to experience camping, coastal scenery and the camaraderie of a bushwalking group. Limit: 20. Map: BROKEN BAY 1:25 000 9130-1N.

18 Oct (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

18-29 Oct (Sun-Thu) 2026: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) THIS TRIP IS FULL I am putting out this EOI as I've had a few requests for a repeat of the walking trip to Japan that I did in 2024. We would do a variety of day walks in the northern part of Japan (parts of Hokkaido and Aomori). I will lead walks that I am have done previously. It will be autumn-leaf time and scenery should be fabulous. We will stay in hotels/inns/AirBnB/hostels and hire vehicles to travel around. At the moment there are very few other details I can give because we need to have a meeting asap of those interested. The meeting will need to be late March or early April, so please "book" on the program soon to show your interest. This will not be a binding commitment to participate. Limit: 8. Map: .

25-30 Oct (Sun - Fri) 2026: CANBERRA ANNUAL CYCLING EVENT (E-M-H-Exp, possible gravel) It's on again because last year was yet again a big success and because there are myriad more paths to explore! Staying at a Van Park where you can choose to camp, caravan or cabin. We will be doing a series of day rides on the magnificent and highly varied network of bike paths around Canberra- where navigation can sometimes be a challenge, hence exploratory. Opportunities for enjoying cafes, tourist features, lakes, vistas, paddocks, forests, parks, looking over fences and admiring well planned infrastructure. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Some days there may be riding choices. Limit: 20 riders. Limit: 8. Map: Canberra cycling map.

5 Nov (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

14 Nov (Sat) 2026: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow. - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/4WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD which will make it unless it rains a lot, but someone with a 4WD would be great. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

21-22 Nov (Sat - Sun) 2026: WESTERN CREEK EXPLORE (M-Exp) We’ll walk west in from Martin’s Lookout to our campsite at the junction of Western and Sassafras Creeks. 1.5km Donning daypacks, we’ll head up through Shark’s Head Cave to Lost World Lookout. There is a slot to navigate and a bit of climbing which might need a hand line to navigate. After following the Lost World trail briefly, we head west to try and find a route down to Western Creek. I did a brief explore of the creek and it is a wide cool creek with lots of good rock hopping. We’ll aim to follow the creek back to our campsite. 4km explore. If we can’t get to the creek this way, we may need to return the way we came and then do an up and back instead, but it would be good to find a circuit route if possible. A slow start on Sunday with a swim at a waterhole in Sassafras Creek before heading up the Eastern approach to Martin’s LO. 4km. Should be out early afternoon. 100m ascent/descent to campsite and 170m ascent for explore. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood 1:25000.

28 Nov (Sat) 2026: NORTH SPRINGWOOD MAGIC FIREFLY AND GLOWWORM WALK (E) Meeting at 8 pm at the end of Bednal Rd with torches, we walk less than a km down into Birdwood Gully to wonder at the fireflies doing their mating dance. It's like fairy land. When they've finished the glowworms have lit up so we walk down the creek a little to Madeleine Glen. Less than 2 km return but sheer magic. Limit: 20. Map: Springwood.

3 Dec (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

30 Dec (Wed) 2026: RIVER CAVES CANYON NEWNES PLATEAU (EM) My annual trip to this lovely canyon is on again. The morning activity is only 4 km return but the track is somewhat eroded in places though we'll take it slowly. It meanders through great pagoda rock formations as well. You don't need a wetsuit for the canyon section but you will get wet to the thighs at least. The rest depends on you choosing to go through the water or up and over with me. However it really does give you a real canyon experience with one section nearly closing right up but it's considered easy as far as canyons are concerned. After lunch we'll return to Bell for another short walk to Dargens Arch if you wish. This amazing arch can be observed from the side, walked over and then under. Less than 2 km return. Limit: 16. Map: Cullen Bullen.