by Aardvark » Tue 09 Jun, 2020 10:07 pm
Whilst conversing with CBee on the Savages - Barney Spur route.....
I was hoping the recent fires might have improved the route a little. It seems it has been the case between Savages and Burrajum but he reports it as thick in places down from there. If you are suggesting 'nice' means no pushing through the bush a little, then forget it.
It seems likely that the recent fires have had little effect in that part of the park. Generally that part of the park is for real track officianados. Fun for some but NOT 'nice'. Lots of regrowth, lantanna and other annoying vegetation. Not particularly challenging in terms of exposure, rock scrambling or anything.
I would be interested to hear of anyone successfully traversing the obvious large spur running west off Barney Spur into Mt.Barney Ck.
It doesn't sound like you've tackled Barney Gorge. Described by CBee above as Barney waterfall Ck. An obvious choice i would think. I've traversed it both ways many times but never with an overnight pack. Combine it with an ascent on Midget, North, Logans, or Eagles ridges.
In fact with well over a hundred ascents on Barney and some big routes in that i have never taken up the challenge of carrying an overnight pack up Barney.
That doesn't mean i haven't been over the mountain at night.
I haven't visited Barney Gorge for a couple of years now and i understand some rock fall occurred a short while ago. ( i think it may have been 2013 when cyclone Oswald brought about land slips on parts of Main Range) I imagine it would have settled by now and there is likely always to be a way around things). Take a bit of rope. If you go before i get back there i'd like to hear about it. I think i'll make an effort to get there this year.
I'm reminded of Steve Turners' (RIP) ascent with friends up Barney Gorge with MTB's broken down and on their backs just for a photo on East Pk. I've done some stupid things with Steve but i thought that one rather silly really. Still, i probably could have been talked into it.
Steve and i went up SE ridge after work (K2 Base Camp) one night. He stayed up there to abseil the east face whilst i headed back to just make it in time to work in the morning.
You've always got the option of Rocky Ck. Ascent via any ridge. Once again i haven't done it with a throughwalking pack but that's a minor detail. It has it's challenges though. Steep bits. Some people prefer a bit of rope - for one part mostly. If you want a creek route that isn't too exciting and not much harder than Mt.Barney Ck then think again.
Egan Ck is perhaps a better option.
Main Range is whole different beast. Some great routes but in terms of a nice ridge/creek combo there is nothing easily recommended. Inevitably you have to consider the issue of private property when involving creek access in a practical circuit. Even then, the creeks, although negotiable in parts, they aren't easy going for most people and progress could be easier when out of the creek (vegetation). In practical terms routes on Main Range would be better when staying on higher ground. As far as circuits go, the best options are from the west. That brings with it a longer drive to add to the exercise.
Ever on the search for a one ended stick.