Wentworth Creek exploration

[Damian63]

Hi folks, I'm new to this site but a pretty active and experienced bushwalker. I am planning to do some exploration of Wentworth Creek in the Blue Mountains next month, with a group of friends. At the moment, the plan is to follow Lawson Ridge trail (which I know), taking the (overgrown and ill-defined from recollection) western fork out (GR 630728 on Katoomba 3rd edition) and then descending to Wenty Creek near where it intersects with Urella Brook. I am assuming some negotiation of clifflines but that there will be a route down. Then follow Wentworth Creek down (ie north-east) until we head back up to the lookout at the end of the Lawson Trail (657745) and back out. I'd be interested in any knowledge or advice on what might be expected (I am assuming a fair bit of scrub, pretty heavy going but no showstopper canyon drops, with camping possible alongside the creek where it flattens out marginally). Any other intel or suggestions most welcome. Regards

[kanangra]

damian,

Lason Ridge is an excellent trail and the turn off you mention is obvious. I have not followed the side branch at all and so will be interested to hear how you go. At the other end be aware that the trail ends well before the top of the hill shown on the map. ( at about 653:739) there is a foot track past here but even it stops at the base of the final hill. I was out there recently and stood on the edge and looked out over the Wentworth Ck. valley and I have to say it was very steep and precipitous on the eastern side underneath where I stood. I would certainly NOT aim to come straight up to the spot marked "lookout" on the map. The reason there is such a good lookout is because there is a ring of cliffs right underneath! the map doesn't show them but they are there. I have a photo taken looking out over Wentworth Ck from this position and when i get to work on Monday i will try and post it for you to give you some idea. If it were me I would be trying to exit a little earlier perhaps just past the small tributary at 649:740. That should bring you out right near the end of the road. But even then you will need to dodge cliffs near the top. Take care and let me know how you go.

K.

[Damian63]

Thanks k great info. Yep i noticed from the trail that it is quite open at the top some km or so from the end of the firetrail and opposite the overhangs on the right. This seems to apprpximate your suggested exit point so that computes well i think. I'll let you know how we go - Im still putting it together d

[juxtaposer]

I've struck up out of Wentworth Creek not that far up from the Mt. Hay Creek junction and hit the end of the Lawson Ridge side trail without too much bother. Some scrambling and scrub in places. A twenty metre hand line for hand over hand work is a good piece of insurance in this area, believe me.