Cathedral Range South Jawbone Peak Loop Hike

Cooks Mill to Sugarloaf to Well's Cave and South Jawbone Peak Loop
Distance: 11 km return Time: around 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 621m
Grade: hard (involves rock scrambling)
The Cathedral Range is a spectacular ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock. A variety of walking tracks ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging offer the opportunity to explore the park’s main features and climb the peaks to enjoy views of the forests and farmland in the valley below. This strenuous hike explores the southern circuit of the range taking in Wells Cave, Sugarloaf Peak, The Farmyard and South Jawbone.

【Itinerary】
We will meet at the meeting point (Cooks Mill picnic shelter ) and start the walk.
Commencing at Cooks Mill make your way in a southerly direction along the well formed Tween Spur Road. After a short distance of easy walking you will reach the Messmate Track to your right. The Messmate Track winds its way across several wooded gullies connecting the Sugarloaf Saddle visitor area with Cooks Mill Heritage Site and camping area. It is quite a pleasant section of the hike and you will experience a gradual ascent until you reach Sugarloaf Saddle. From the car park you have two options in order to gain Sugarloaf Peak. You can continue along to Razorback Track which passes through attractive open forest to the start of a rocky ridge. This trail climbs the very crest of this ridge to Sugarloaf Peak. The alternative, and route for this hike is to take the lesser traveled Wells Cave track. This is recommended for experienced hikers only as it is extremely steep in places, requires a lot of rock scrambling and unassisted climbing and traverses some exposed ledges en-route. While this track can be challenging in places you will be rewarded with a real sense of adventure and is well worth the effort provided you have a head for heights. On reaching Sugarloaf Peak you will be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the valley and ranges below. From Sugarloaf Peak, the trail continues north, gradually ascending along the rocky and narrow 'Razorback'. There is a lot of rock hoping, scrambling and abrupt drops along the way. The going is fairly straightforward and the trail easy to follow (just stick to the ridge). Make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate the views as they truly are spectacular. After some distance, the trail becomes easier and the rocky ridge is replaced by open woodland. Soon after this a junction is reached as you arrive at the open grassy flat called The Farmyard. This is a great spot to stop for lunch or for an overnight camp. It is quite sheltered and protected. From the Farmyard there is a 15 minute side trail which takes you to South Jawbone Peak and another opportunity to take in the rewarding views. After returning to the Farmyard turn east to follow the Jawbone Creek Track as it slowly descends Jawbone Saddle to the car park below. This section of the trail follows a series of man made steps and is quite easy to follow. Poles may be useful on this section to reduce the impacts to your knees. Continue your descent through Jawbone car park as the trail winds its way through open forest back to Little River and your starting point at Cooks Mill.
We will have a picnic lunch at South Jawbone Peak.

【Gratuity】:
We will appreciate a small amount of gratuity to help manage the group and events. Suggested donation - $5.00, paid in cash to the event organiser on the day.
【Car Pooling 】:
To be environment-friendly and cost-effective, we help with carpooling. You can join the carpooling group as either a driver or a rider in the link above. Recommended riders pay $15 ( or other amount as agreed with the driver) to the drivers to cover fuel, parking and other costs.
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/6o2cup

【What to bring?】:
Sufficient water per day (1 litre min.);
Sunscreen;
A hat and suitable shoes;

【Risks and Waiver of Liability】
By attending the OZ Adventurers event, I represent that I am in good physical health and capable of participating in the event. I understand that risks of Injuries and Damages are involved in hiking and other adventure travel, and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me. I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY OZ Adventurers, Its organisers, leaders, volunteers, members and attendees from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages.

【Facebook Group】
You can also visit our Facebook group or Facebook page for more events.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ozadventurers
https://www.facebook.com/OZadventurers