Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & Schofield Parade (-33.7295279,151.0619088)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Pennant Hills Road, A28, Pennant Hills. Turn on to Boundary Road then drive for 440 m Turn right onto Bellamy Street and drive for another 335 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Laurence Street and drive for another 710 m Keep left onto Schofield Parade and drive for another 125 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the end of Schofield Parade, the walk follows the 'Stringybark Ridge' management trail for a short distance to reach an intersection just before a locked gate.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk passes around a gate and follows the 'Stringybark Ridge' management trail. At the car park, beside the old pony club grounds, the walk bends to the left, passing around another gate, and continues around the cleared grounds (keeping them to the right). At the intersection behind the grounds (marked with a 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign), the walk turns left, following the management trail down the hill. The walk descends, steeply in places, and immediately after a steep concrete section, arrives at the intersection (red Great North Walk track marker at the bush track to the left).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill, soon arriving at 'The Jungo'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & Schofield Parade Start heading along Schofield Firetrail (a vehicle track). After another 60 m (from the Schofield Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Schofield Firetrail. After another 430 m pass the "Old pony club" (7 m on your right). After another 10 m (from the Schofield Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Schofield Firetrail.
	After another 820 m (from the Schofield Firetrail) turn right, to head along Schofield Firetrail.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of The Great North Walk & Schofield Firetrail) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 7 m find the "The Jungo" (5 m on your left). The Jungo The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words. After another 10 m pass the sign (4 m on your right).
	After another 520 m cross the ford. From the The Great North Walk continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk. After another 180 m cross the ford. After another 145 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 680 m pass the sign (on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Thornleigh Quarry. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. At the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk turn right, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 25 m find the "Thornleigh zigzag railway" (10 m on your left). Thornleigh zigzag railway The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9 After another 85 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) Then find the "Trip Hazard" (on your left). Trip Hazard Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culvert's edge when crossing.
	After another 8 m (at the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 10 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 70 m find the "Picnic Table" (on your right). Picnic Table A timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 80cm high, 71cm deep and 2.4m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.07m wide. On a 3x3m concrete slab about 7m walk over rough grass from the trail. After another 45 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 275 m (from the Bellamy Street) continue straight (a walking track).
	After another 100 m (from the Thorn Street) veer right, to head along Thorn Street (a residential road). After another 100 m (at the intersection of Thorn Street & Vaughan Avenue) continue straight, to head along Thorn Street. After another 110 m (at the intersection of Thorn Street & Wearne Avenue) continue straight, to head along Thorn Street. After another 105 m (at the intersection of Thorn Street & Jackson Crescent) continue straight, to head along Thorn Street.
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Redgum Avenue & Thorn Street) turn left, to head along Redgum Avenue.
	After another 115 m continue straight. After another 30 m cross the ford. After another 20 m (from the Redgum Avenue) continue straight, to head along Redgum Avenue (a residential road).
	After another 80 m (at the intersection of Redgum Avenue & Laurence Street) continue straight (a walking track).
	After another 145 m (from the Schofield Firetrail) turn sharp left, to head along Schofield Firetrail (a vehicle track). Continue another 60 m to find at the intersection of Schofield Parade & Schofield Firetrail at the end.

An optional side trip to Thornleigh Quarry.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk Start heading along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway (a walking track). Find the Thornleigh zigzag railway at the start. Thornleigh zigzag railway The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9 Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long) After another 9 m (from the Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway) continue straight, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 75 m find the "Seat" (30 m on your right). Seat Nine timber log seats in old quarry. The seats are 3.7m wide and typically 50cm high. Access is over a flat dirt path 40m from the concrete trail. After another 35 m come to "Old Thornleigh Quarry". Old Thornleigh Quarry The old Thornleigh Quarry is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9
	Continue another 0 m to find from the Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 150 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk Start heading along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway (a walking track).

Find the Thornleigh zigzag railway at the start.

Thornleigh zigzag railway

The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long)

After another 9 m (from the Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway) continue straight, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway.

After another 75 m find the "Seat" (30 m on your right).

Seat

Nine timber log seats in old quarry. The seats are 3.7m wide and typically 50cm high. Access is over a flat dirt path 40m from the concrete trail.

After another 35 m come to "Old Thornleigh Quarry".

Old Thornleigh Quarry

The old Thornleigh Quarry is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Continue another 0 m to find from the Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 150 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Stringybark Ridge loop via Bellamy St

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	4.3 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 1.4 km from the start.

Seat: There is one 2.8 km (plus an extra 115 m along side route) from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	1.4 km	The Jungo
Seat	2.8 km + 115 m	Seat

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

The Jungo
The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.

Old Thornleigh Quarry
The old Thornleigh Quarry is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Thornleigh zigzag railway
The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

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Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 13 March
  
  30°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of fog in the west early this morning. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Friday 14 March
  
  18°C → 32°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of fog in the west in the early morning. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  20°C → 34°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  21°C → 36°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  21°C → 28°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning, reaching up to 45 km/h along the coastal fringe.
  
  Tuesday 18 March
  
  14°C → 22°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting easterly during the day.
  
  Wednesday 19 March
  
  14°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Berowra Valley National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Oxley Trail maintenance
  Surface and vegetation works will be carried out on the Oxley Trail from Wednesday 12 March to Wednesday 26 March inclusive, weather permitting.
  Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400
  
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Berowra Valley Regional Park alerts
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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