Sunday Bus: Mt Blackwood - Blackwood Ranges Walk - 15km and 18.5km - 29 June

WALK DESCRIPTION:
Both groups will begin their walks at the beginning of Lohs Lane near Mt Blackwood. They will continue along this lane to meet the Blackwood Ranges Track.
The E/M group will follow the Blackwood Ranges Track direct to the head of Swans Road whereas the M group will similarly follow the Blackwood Ranges Track but divert down Links Track No 2 to the Lerderderg River. They will follow the river for 1.5 km to Grahams Dam and ascend Links Track No 1 to meet up again with the Blackwood Ranges Track. They will then descend along this track taking the same path as the E/M group to Swans Road.
Both groups will then walk 3km along Swans Road to the bus.
The Blackwood Ranges Track mostly follows a ridge line through forest but in places lovely distant hill views are to be seen. There are also delightful shady groves in the dips and valleys en route for morning tea and lunch.
The M group will probably take an hour longer than the E/M.
Please note - for walkers in the M group
The descent down Links Track no 2 to the river is steep, as is the ascent of 280m for Links Track no 1, and walkers should give thought whether they should choose the M option. Several walkers on a previous walk got into difficulty on the ascent of Links Track no 1 and required assistance. Also the 1.5 km section along the river bank for the M group is likewise rock-strewn with tall grass and an indistinct path and is a bit tricky.
Also of note for the M group, there are two 10m river crossings, but on the preview there was no water in the river. However, if heavy rains ensue prior to the walk, this situation could change and wet crossings may be required - which can usually be performed with rock hopping and a steady stick.
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DISTANCE(S): 15km and 18.5km
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TOTAL ASCENT(S): 200m and 500m
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GRADINGS: Easy/Medium & Medium
Easy/Medium (E/M): More consistent walking, mostly on tracks or in open country, but with some significant hills, probably some stretches of light scrub. Possibility of some rock hopping. Distances up to 19km but may be much shorter depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Reasonable lunch and rest stops.

Medium (M): Consistent walking on tracks or in open bushland, usually with patches of thicker scrub, several moderate climbs, and/or rock hopping. Distances up to about 22kms with reasonable rest stops. A good level of fitness and walking experience is required.
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PLEASE NOTE: Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below).
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HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:
(a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus.
(b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk.
(c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking.
(d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers.
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OUR CLUBROOMS: Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm.
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CONTACT US: To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response.
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CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK? No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus.
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IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php
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WHAT TO BRING:
A day pack containing:
* Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack.
* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather.
* An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short).
* Whistle, pencil and paper.
* Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit.
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DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER? The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover.
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MORE DETAILS:
The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things:
(a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt;
(b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met.
(c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee ($10) and bus fee ($30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received.
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DAY WALKS BY BUS with Melbourne Bushwalkers:
https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php