Picnic at Churchman's Brook - via Westero's & Echidna Walk (12km loop)

My Thursday's hikers are welcome to be guinea pigs and explore my new walk at Churchman's Brook.

Join us for a picnic after we complete this picturesque walk through the Churchman's Brook valley amongst the substantial eucalyptus forest.
Located in the beautiful hills of Rolleystone we set off from the picnic area, cross the dam and up a steep climb along Westoe's. We reach the top of the valley and walk the crest for a while before we descend a steep and windy track to where the brook converges with the Canning River. By now we are on the Echidna Walk and we slowly make our way up the other side of the valley. A steep dirt road takes us back to the picnic area.
At the right time of the year the creek is flowing and the wildflowers are in full bloom.
We will be walking in mild temperatures from 11°C to 17°C with hopefully sunny, blue skies.
Where: MeetUp at the Churchman's Brook Dam carpark. Click on the map and your GPS will take you to the exact starting point.
Parking: Parking at the MeetUp point.
Difficulty: 12km and 443m elevation gain. This is a fairly challenging walk up through the valley. This walk should only be attempted by regular hikers, if you are new to hiking or recovering from injury you should not attempt this one. The path can be muddy after rain.
Toilets: 3 at the dam.
What to bring: Hat, 1.5L water and wet weather gear just in case. Poles and proper hiking shoes are recommended.
Picnic after the walk: Prepare a tasty morsel for your picnic the night before. There are BBQs to toast that wonderful sandwich. A hot beverage or nice cold drinks later.
All trails maps: Churchman's Brook loop via Westero's & Echidna (12km)
Fun Facts:

1. Churchman Brook was named after local pioneer, Captain Charles Blisset Churchman who was granted 5559 acres in the upper Canning area in 1830.
2. Remains of an old disused airstrip was built in the early 1960s and used for aerial top dressing and seeding of the surrounding hill slopes.
3. The rock wall is a popular climbing site. Folklore has it that the district’s famous bush ranger, Moondyne Joe, camped here in a cave.
4. Churchman Brook Dam was completed in 1928. Construction of the Dam was a great engineering feat for its time. At its widest, the base of the dam wall is 140 metres in length and rises 26 metres above its foundation.

RSVP - no shows & late arrivals: If you are on the "Going" list and can't make it on the day please RSVP "Not Going" at the earliest convenience as a courtesy so as to allow others to join who might be on the "Waitlist".
We aim to set-off for each walk at the advertised time and as a general rule, we set off on-time for each walk.
IMPORTANT
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