Bushwalk at the historic mountain passes, mount York NSW

Bushwalk at the historic mountain passes, mount York NSW

REPORT by Annette Bruce

Seventeen members met at Lovejoy Street for another big day in the Blue Mountains.  Four cars travelled in convoy along the Castlereagh Hwy with a brief stop at Capertee.  After passing through the small village of Hartley, we turned left into Mid Hartley Road, right into Browns Gap road, left into Fields Road then right into Hartley Vale Road arriving at a bushy picnic area called ‘Lockyers Track Head’. This is where we met with another member and three enthusiastic visitors from Sydney.

Peter Bruce told a brief history of the mountain passes
Peter Bruce told a brief history of the mountain passes

After morning tea we split into two groups.  Eleven headed up Lockyers Road  which was built in 1828 (group A) and the other ten walkers drove to Mount York (group B).

Cometh ye faithful, said the high priest of Mudgee Bushwalking. Do not fear the mountain passes for I am your guide to enlightenment, follow me and your soul will fly and free
Cometh ye faithful, said the high priest of Mudgee Bushwalking. Do not fear the mountain passes for I am your guide to enlightenment, follow me and your soul will fly and free

Group B had a leisurely morning exploring Mount York, the obelisk, information boards about the history of the area and the fantastic views.  They did a short walk on a track adjacent to Mount York Road to Barden Lookout and onto the historic wells.  Then back to Mount York picnic area for lunch.

At the obelisk
At the obelisk

Meanwhile Group A climbed the pass on a well maintained and signposted track, continuing along the ridge which led to Mount York Road.  Then along the track adjacent to Mount York Road that the B group were on half ah hour before.

We were ready to fly
We were ready to fly

After lunch and a look around Mount York sixteen bush walkers headed down Cox’s Road (1814) viewing the historic convict roadworks still visible after 200 years.  The other five members drove back to Lockyers Track Head greeting the walkers on their return.

This was a great day.