Glow Worm Tunnel / Newnes / Glen Davis (options) overnight / or the 1 day option – its not often we get these choices!
Walk Leader: Eric Caswell & 2IC – Wayne Wicks
To all members and potential members it is a proposed walk for September
Dates(s) Saturday 9th September 2023 & Sunday 10th September 2023
- A walk or walks that will cater for all walkers
- A walk that has many elements of walking covered
- A walk with an element of discovery
- A walk with history
- A walk that is a good training tool for future walk ie New Zealand (Routeburn/Mildford Tracks)-2024
The walk is a two-part walk over two days by two different groups; Group ‘A’ involves overnight camping (bring you own tent etc) and Group ‘B’– Day walk group. The walks will be; Day One (Saturday 9/9/23), depart Lovejoy Street carpark at 6am travel to Lithgow via Capertee Rest area (stop), and a quick McDonalds Lithgow (stop). Drive to the carpark area of the Glow Worm Tunnel Track. Approx. 35km (via State Mine Gully Road) where both ‘A & B’ walk to and through the Glow Worm tunnel for a (lunch) over looking the Wolgan Valley. ‘B’ – then return to carpark & return home. While ‘A’ continue to walk to Newnes campground (to camp overnight).
Day Two (Sunday 10/9/23), After a hearty brekky, and camp pack up inspect the (ruins old shale oil process plant) 500m from campground. Walk up a track to a high vantage point above the Newnes area with views down the Wolgan river, on a clear day. Good for photography and artist type work. Good spot for a rest and lunch, then continue along the pipeline track to Glen Davis and view the information at the camping ground at Glen Davis.
Arranged vehicles (support vehicles) to collect group ‘A’ walkers at 3pm from the town camp round and transported home.
The degree of difficulty will be: Glow Worm Tunnel, easy to medium for group ‘B’ The complete walk for group ‘A’ will be medium.
Walk Distances: Group ‘A’ – Glow Worm Tunnel carpark to Newnes campground =10km approx.. Newnes campground via the Pipeline walk to Glen Davis = 9km approx.. Total 2 days walk distance approx. 19km.
Group ‘B’ Glow Worm Tunnel and return (Eric has promised a 4km walk however more info TBA) All walking will be ON tracks.
Walk Hazards:
- Temperature of the day and general weather
- Loose walking surfaces and short steep grades
- Some interaction with road vehicles, should be minimal
- Drop off’s, fear of heights * Claustrophobic in the tunnel
- Wild life, possibly a snake or two (always possible) * A water crossings – wet feet
Information: Wolgan Valley road (to Newnes) is closed until end of Year! It is ONLY accessible to those private landowner’s & by escort for a fee $.So the area will be pleasantly quiet.
Equipment and Clothing (Group A & B):
- In season layer dressing (clothing)
- Possibly long pants and gaiters
- Good quality walking shoes or boots that lace up
- Walking poles to assist (personal choice)
- Food, water, electrolyte
- Personal first aid gear
- A torch for the tunnel, tunnel is approx. 400m long with at times wet floor and dark area.
- Personal medication
Group ‘A’: All of the above: A sense of humour and adventure & a length of rope for the river crossing. If the EOI has enough starters to go ahead we will need a EOI for car transport please.
‘A’ walker to pay for collection, No reccy done as pre-existing information was readily available. With every walk activity the club’s equipment will be available at the discretion of the leader. As with all walks: a briefing is held prior to each walk by the Leader or committee person.
Be aware of the club’s grading System: ie Easy: Medium: Hard: and take into account the distance as advertised on the program or above. And take a personal assessment of your abilities to suit activity. ___________________________________________________________________________
Please respond if interested in either A & or B and or if you are available to assist with carpooling/vehicle support by collecting walkers etc.
By 1 AUGUST 2023 – Once your interest is recorded you will be updated on the activity.
By contacting: Johanna (Joby) Mitchell Email: joby@internode.on.net
If you have more questions, you will be directed to one of the trusty leaders!