POPES GLEN AND BRAESIDE TRACK LOOP

I thought I'd announce these walks earlier than usual to give anyone who wants to get away a chance to book accommodation for the weekend considering both walk are in the same vicinity. I'll be staying at the Commercial Hotel at Lithgow for three nights.

You just have to try the cakes and pies at the Bakehouse, best in the mountains, before we head to Popes Glen with beautiful bush tracks and creek crossings on quaint bridges that traverse Popes Glen Creek. A side track takes us to Boyds Beach,a sandy spot set in a fern gully.

We continue our adventure ascending to Govetts Leap with fantastic views of Horseshoe Falls and the Grose Valley from the lookouts on the way up. Govetts Leap Lookout offers us a breathtaking panoramic experience of the entire Grose Valley with the Govetts Leap Track clinging to the rock face as it winds down to the base of the falls.

No, we don't go down there, instead we descend down to Govetts Leap Brook and Barrow Lookout through fern covered gullies with stepping stones to peruse the valley one last time.
Another creek crossing and we're following Govetts Leap Brook along the Braeside Track with pretty cascades and pools to Braeside Picnic Area, set among ferns and a waterfall.
A short climb takes us to a fire trail and an easy stroll back to Blackheath.

The walk is approximately a 9km three and a half hour stroll, maybe longer, depending on how much we want to leave this pristine paradise.. I'm not in any hurry.

Medium grade walk with spectacular views and a few climbs that shouldn't present any problems. Good walk for new members to experience the Blue Mountains without too much difficulty.

Time for a beer and lunch at the Pub before we farewell our friends and think about our next exciting adventure together.
As usual call me if you have any concerns about the walk or me on 0451483009.

P.S. I'll find some photos from the previous visits to keep you amused when I get around to it after the weekend.

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