Access: A nice walk up along a gentle ridge. Tar to parking area
Navigation: Navigation is fairly straight forward though the trail can be easy to miss in one spot
Map: Mt Wilson
Time: 30min out to the end. 30min back
Date walked: 28-10-16 Mandy Tal, and myself
Dalpura ridge is a spur off the Bells Line of road that gives nice views over the Grose Valley, south towards Blackheath and Mt Vic. A trail runs from the Bells Line of road out between Dalpura and Birrabang creeks which are popular with canyoneers so the trail is fairly well trodden
Getting there: From the weigh station at Bell follow the Bells line of road toward Sydney for approximately 5km and park on the side of the road. There is a wide clearing on the side here (An over taking lane starts on the west bound lane opposite the car park area). Look for the start of the trail on top of the embankment on the opposite side of the highway. This was marked with a small rock cairne at the time of writing.
The trail is an old fire trail and is easy to follow until it goes over the high spot. Just past here and just before the fire trail peters out a walking track veers off, slightly left to stay on the east side of the ridge. If you miss this and get to the end off the old fire trail walk left 10-20m and you should pick up the walking trail.
Follow it out for views over the Grose Valley from high pagodas. Becarefull near the cliff edges as they are all over hung and brittle.
Return: The way you came in
Note: The great outdoors is an ever changing place. Bush fires, changing weather, vegetation growth and forestry activities can all effect the trail conditions and thus the difficulty of the walk. These are a rough guide only and are by no means meant to be a definitive guide . They do not replace the need adequate map reading and navigational skills
Note 1: Taking care While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails. Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.
Note 2: First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended
Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.
The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.
Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.
sleepwhenwearedead 