Help with route near Yerranderie

[Mark F]

I am contemplating Mittagong to Katoomba in either July or October. Route HillTop - Starlights Track- Beloon Pass - Yerranderie - Bulga Ridge - Kowmung - Bullhead Ridge - Kanangara - Cloudmaker etc. I noticed on the maps (Nattai & Bindook) that I could turn off The Sheepwalk Drive/Yerranderie Road when climbing out of the Wollondilly onto the Centre Ridge Management Trail for an apparently less road more bush track experience. The trail runs on the southern side of Byrnes Creek and rejoins the road into Yerranderie at the top of Byrne Creek.

Does anybody know whether this trail is clear or abandoned and overgrown? It seems OK looking at it on Google maps but I have missed any mention of it on the various trip reports I have read.

[Allchin09]

Hi Mark,

The Centre Ridge Management Trail probably not mentioned in trip reports as it isn't part of the SCAs approved "bushwalking corridor" between Nattai and Yerranderie. There are signs along the route warning you that this is the case.

The route along the Centre Ridge Management Trail is shorter than the official route, and the trail is of a maintenance standard a little lower than the Sheepwalk Drive, but it is not abandoned or overgrown.

Taking a right immediately after crossing the Wollondilly is another possibility to avoid some of the road bash. It is both shorter, and is a walking track as opposed to a fire trail, however it is again a diversion from the approved "bushwalking corridor".

[Mark F]

I'd forgotten about the exclusion zone - I am surprised it's not marked on the lpi 1:25k maps. When I look at it on the exclusion zone map I reckon that less than 1km of the Central Ridge MT is in the exclusion zone and it represents far less of a threat to water quality than the existing corridor.

I would have thought that the walking track you mention would be totally overgrown by now after 50 years of disuse

[kanangra]

The Centre ridge track is fine. Personally I find it quite enjoyable with good views over the Wollondilly side.

K.

[Allchin09]

I'd forgotten about the exclusion zone - I am surprised it's not marked on the lpi 1:25k maps. When I look at it on the exclusion zone map I reckon that less than 1km of the Central Ridge MT is in the exclusion zone and it represents far less of a threat to water quality than the existing corridor.

It also surprises me that the exclusion zone isn't marked on maps! How are we meant to work out where we can and can't go when planning a trip. It would be very inconvenient to only find out that a track is out of bounds only upon coming across the warning sign.

The only maps that I have it with it marked are a 1962 Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist Map (doesn't have the corridors) and the SV Maps Blue Mountains South map (which cuts off before the Wollondilly section of the exclusion zone, and shows a different exclusion border in a few areas to the SCA website anyway...)

It just goes to show that the Department of Lands maps aren't really made with bushwalkers in mind.

[puredingo]

G'day Mark, I plan on passing through that way in a few weeks so I'll give you a current update on my return.
But as K said I'm sure it would be fine. I'd imagine it would be in same sort of condition as the loop road which is close by, neglected and rarely used but definitely there.

[Mark F]

Thanks all for your assistance.

[Onestepmore]

Hubby walked to Yerranderie a few months ago. I'll point him in the direction of this post. I do know he said some sections were overgrown. He did a 42 km day walk in that area on Sunday, so I'll get him to update you.

[puredingo]

42 Km day walk!!!....K, you hear that mate? That sounds like play for the title.

[jackhinde]

You topped the 30km in a day yet mr dingo?- that walk we did is still the furthest I could be bothered with in a day.

In regard to original post, and I know I have said this before, but it ain't Mittagong to Katoomba if you walk in from out the back of Hilltop. You have to start or finish at the lake or the pool in mitta proper for that title.

[Mark F]

I agree but it is a standard name for the trip. I would be happy to walk the full thing if somebody would recut the route from Mittagong to to the bottom of Starlights. Too old for two days of scunge to start or finish of the trip - not my idea of fun unless it has a real payback in scenery or some such.

[puredingo]

You topped the 30km in a day yet mr dingo?- that walk we did is still the furthest I could be bothered with in a day.

In regard to original post, and I know I have said this before, but it ain't Mittagong to Katoomba if you walk in from out the back of Hilltop. You have to start or finish at the lake or the pool in mitta proper for that title.

Nah jack, 30 still holds the title but like you said it's whether or not you could be bothered to push on is the difference. In any situation one can always go further if they have to. Any more than 30 and my feet are cactus for the next few days.

What about a loop from the lake, upper nattai, box vale and back?