by paidal_chalne_vala » Wed 14 Jun, 2017 11:10 pm
On June 10th and 11th 2017 three VNPA walkers and I went to hike in the Grampians. The Mt. Rosea walk can be walked as a loop although P.V. at Hall's Gap don't encourage it because you have to walk on a one way black top tourist road for about 1 km at the end. The whole track and circuit from the Rosea carpark on the Silverband Falls road is well signposted and new yellow arrows have been affixed along the whole way.
We found the views to be outstanding and the fog lay in the valleys as we ascended , giving one the impression of being on a big old jet air liner , high above the clouds. The summit was busy , what with being a long weekend , sunny and clear and all. The descent down to the Burma Fire line track was not as scenic as the way up to the escarpment is, but the track is easy to follow and is generally well cleared because it is now part of the P.V. "Iconic walks" Grampians Peaks route in the Grampians. The junction at the Burma fire line track is signposted and the end of that track where it meets the macadamized Silverband Falls road is also newly signposted so people without maps and compass skills can find their way back to the car park and starting point.
It was an excellent day walk. We went back to the Hall's Gap YHA Eco hostel and relaxed.
The next day we went up to Beehive Falls car park in the early morning fog and headed for Brigg's Bluff. This is a spectacular day walk and although shorter in terms of kilometres compared with the Mt. Rosea circuit , the rock scrambling , steep ascent and more remote feeling the area has makes it a winner. The route has fresh yellow arrows
along the whole route .The summit of Brigg's bluff was windy and very cold . We could see the world below us , again in a sea of low cloud .We set off at about 0930 and got back to the car park at about 1450. We stopped for lunch just past the Mud Hut creek hike in camping area. The stream is flowing and we didn't see anyone in this area whereas plenty of ill equipped walkers were heading up to Briggs Bluff well after 1300 as we returned. What with the days being very short in terms of daylight in mid June mean an early start and a sensible return time all make for happy and safe hikers.
The scenery and the clear skies all made for another enjoyable day of walking and killer photography. Next year we shall tackle the Fortress and Mt . Thackeray . Photos are coming soon.