Is it just me or is 2024 flying by faster than usual?
Blink…a week has gone.
Blink, blink…another month has disappeared and I am standing around wondering where all that time went and whether I had come even remotely close to achieving all the things I had planned for said month. Inevitably, the answer to that question is a big, fat “Nope”!
I have managed to squeeze in a little walking though, and it was way back in early June that I strolled the thousands of steps up and down the Grand Cliff Top Walking track (GCTW) near Katoomba. It was a nice little escape for me and also a reconnaissance walk for my local bushwalking club.
Blink and the months disappeared, it was early September and time for me to lead Club members on a merry dance up and down the same stunning Blue Mountains cliffs. In the interests of efficiency, and to make the most of the two-hour drive, I thought it was a good idea to tack on another short walk as a warm up to the GCTW.
Welcome to the similarly-named, but geographically different, Cliff Top Walking Track.
The Cliff Top Walking Track wasn’t my first choice of add-on paths for our hardy band of hikers. I researched a couple of other paths in the region, but it seemed that wherever I looked there were detours, closures and other obstacles. In the end, we definitely weren’t disappointed.
Here are the Nuts and Bolts of this little walk:
- Distance: approx. 6km return.
- Time: approx. 2.5-3hrs at a leisurely pace.
- Rating: Grade 3 or medium (NPWS rating).
- Terrain: The path generally sticks to the top of the escarpment and regularly drops down into gullies and small valleys. Be prepared for some short but steep ascents and descents.
- Path: Clear, mostly wide and well-formed paths with multiple sets of steps and stairs.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Telephone reception was patchy even though we were quite close to civilisation.
- Water: There are no sources of treated water on the track. A few creeks and springs may be running, but I wouldn’t rely on them.
- Sun Protection: As the path is pretty exposed, wear a hat and sunscreen. When we walked it was really windy too and I ended up feeling quite wind burnt despite slathering on layers of sunscreen.
- Bities: This area would be prime snake country in Summertime. Be careful where you step. Also take bug spray if you are walking in warmer temperatures.
- Bushfires: Check the Hazard warning signs. Do NOT walk if there is a risk of fire. There is nowhere to escape to on this track.
- Toilets: Toilet facilities can be found at both Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, otherwise there are plenty of bushes and trees close to the track.
General Comments:
- This path proved to be a popular one with lots of other people out for an enjoyable Sunday stroll, although a few red and sweaty faces heading towards us may have indicated that they had under-estimated the track or overestimated their fitness.
- With the ability to park at either end of this route, it’s possible to walk either way – East or West. This track is also known as the Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout. This may help your search for information if you are looking for it online.
- We set out from Govetts Leap. It’s a quirky name and is the official name of a waterfall in this area. The waterfall is, “named after William Romaine Govett, a surveyor who first discovered the area in 1831. The name “leap” is a Scottish word for waterfall.” Source. I guess it is a matter of ‘finders keepers’ or at least naming rights, but I bet the local Gundungarra and Darug people had a completely different, and far more appropriate, name for this feature.
- There was some interpretive signage adjacent to the viewing platform, including maps and descriptions of the birdlife and native flora.
- Walking in a group means that the pace is pretty casual and we were soon strung out along the path, pausing to take in the views or catching our breath from the steep steps.
- This track takes you along the northern edge of the Blue Mountains escarpment and delivers spectacular view across the Grose Valley, towards Mt Tomah and Mt Banks.
- The smoky, hazy blues that this part of Australia is famous for were out in force, softening the valleys and muting the dramatic landscape.
- We walked this track in an out-and-back fashion. While this may sound a little mundane, it wasn’t. Returning on the same path gave us a completely different perspective, revealing hidden waterfalls and sheer sandstone cliffs.
- It was also handy as I needed to retrieve my mobile phone. You see, on the out-section of this path I had stopped to take photo and, in an effort to get an even better shot, took one more step off the path to get the perfect angle. That extra step proved to be quite a big one as I toppled straight down the side of the hill and into the thick scrub! I landed upside down in a very inelegant and un-ladylike position, and I struggled to right myself as my backpack had changed my centre of gravity, plus I was laughing my head off. Nothing was bruised but my pride. So much for being the walk leader!! Don’t follow me if you know what is good for you! It was only when I got to the turn around point that I realised my phone had slipped out of my pocket. Luckily it was safely tucked in the bushes and patiently waiting my return! 😊
Top Tips for this Track:
- Because the bush is pretty thick, there were no animals to see. You may be luckier if you head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The other pedestrians may be less too.
- If you feel like a longer hike, you can add on extra paths to make one long day hike or even an overnight, multi-day hike. We met a few people loaded up with all their gear and they all said they had had an amazing time. Just double check with National Parks & Wildlife Service to see which tracks are open.
We were a bunch of happy hikers by the time we returned to Govetts Leap. We had enjoyed some beautiful scenery and given our legs a good warm-up and workout – all set for the days ahead on the Grand Cliff Top Walk. And then there was the bonus comic relief provided by my swan dive off the path and down into the scrub! 😊 Happy trails to us!
When have you embarrassed yourself in front of a crowd?
The Basics
What: For some fascinating and useful information about all the parks in the area, pop into the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on Govetts Leap Road. It is open seven days per week.
Where: Govetts Leap can be found at the end of Govetts Leap Road – approximately 3km from the centre of Blackheath.
When: I would avoid this area in the heat of Summer. The lack of water and bushfire risk would take all the fun out of it.
Why: You can never have too many bushwalks.
How: There is no public transport servicing this area, but plenty of parking if you have a car. Or catch a taxi.
Who: This is not an accessible path for those with mobility difficulties. While you don’t have to be an experienced bushwalker, a decent level of fitness would increase your enjoyment of this area.
Related Posts: Still in the Blue Mountains, but further North-East is the wonderful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens. It is well-worth a visit, especially in Autumn.
Related Blogs: Jo is spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning walks. Her paths often deliver breath-taking blue views.
Read About It: Not a book about Blackheath per se, but a fabulous book store in Blackheath with all the latest titles AND a wide second-hand range. Heaven on a stick – get to Gleebooks on Govetts Leap Road.
#bushwalk #travelinspo #shortwalks #blackheath #bluemountains #australianflora #govettsleap #greatoutdoors #evanslookout #nationalparks #nativeflora #waterfalls #daywalks
Life...one big adventure 
What a stunner. Always good to have a reasonable fitness to actually enjoy the experience and not hold up everyone in the group. Low and wide steps are so much easier on dodgy knees 😉
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I find it a bit of a challenge walking in groups as almost everyone walks at a different speed. Even more challenging when I was the leader of the group and was responsible for their safety and enjoyment of the day. At least I provided some light relief! 😁🙃
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We all need light relief 😉 I never lead a group, and usually there were two leaders, one to encourage the last ones to keep going. You’re doing well, Mel.
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Yes, I can often be relied on to do something ridiculous! 😜
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Love this!
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Picking myself up is something I do on a regular basis, Mel. No bones broken or ankles twisted, but I have parted with lots of skin over the years. It looks a fabulous area for walking and a walk leader is allowed to provide a little entertainment, isn’t she? Cheers to a happy ending and many thanks for the mention.
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I think that means we are always looking up, out and around at all the beauty of the bush. The odd tumble is a small price to pay for the opportunity to do that. 😁🦜🦜🌳🌲
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Such a great, long cliff and begins and ends with a waterfall! We have a lot of those too, mountaisn/waterfalls, lakes that are named by the first person to ‘discover’. Lately they’re starting to be renamed back to the indigenous names. Maggie
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I like the indigenous names as I think it adds a whole new layer of history and culture to what you are seeing. Maybe that is the actual foundation rather than a layer? 🤔🤔
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The cliffs of the escarpment look amazing! Another piece of mind-boggingly beautiful Australian scenery! “When have you embarrassed yourself in front of a crowd?” Not yet, but then that’s why we hike when no one else is around. 😉
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Ah, you are much smarter than me…keeping your embarrassment in the family! 😁
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Wow, the Blue Mountains in Australia are a place of extraordinary natural beauty. I especially love those soaring sandstone ridges blanketed in native bushland – you live in such a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks, Aiva. Yes, we are very lucky to live where we live. Sometimes I think that a large portion of our population don’t realise how good we have got it! Have a good day. Mel
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🥰🥰🥰
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😎😇
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Yikes Mel! Looking at those steep drops I am glad you only stumbled into the bush and no bones broken.
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Yes, it could have been far less laughable than it was!😊
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Blink, blink, blink.. and it will be Merry Christmas😍
Another wonderful walk, Mel! Except the fall, of course.. glad that all is ok!
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Yes, all the Christmas decorations have been in the shops since the beginning of September! Just crazy!
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Haha.. I know, here as well!
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I don’t have a strong opinion about 2024, but the month of September took FOREVER to end. So glad it’s October. Finally.
Had we had more time, I would have loved to hike in the Blue Mountains. Next time.
I’m sorry you fell, but glad you weren’t hurt, you found it funny, and incredibly, you found your phone!
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Here’s hoping the rest of your 2024 proceeds at your desired pace!
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Beautiful scenery!
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Yep, pretty special
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Wow, it’s absolutely stunning!
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Definitely a nice spot for a stroll…
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Looks like a good walk and love the escarpment. Taking pictures can be a danger game! 😀
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Yes, I learnt that one the hard way! 🙂
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Beautiful
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Thank you. It is a gorgeous patch of Aussie bush.
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Those cliffs are stunning. Oh, the dreaded words “steps and stairs” … but if you don’t climb them, you’re probably not going to be rewarded with such lovely views.
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Yep – there is reward for effort in them there hills! 🙂
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I love this post so much. Blue Mountains are stunning and so many walks to do. We drove to Govetts Leap but never really walked to or from there. Thanks for the reminder. I have been looking at photos from my time there too. I remember there being so many flies that it was hard to even speak.
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Ah, it sounds like you had a true Aussie experience with our friendly flies! They haven’t appeared yet, but Summer is just around the corner and they will be back with a vengeance! 🙂
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Omg they’re to much! I need to buy one of those hats with the net covering the face haha.
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🙂 – or an Aussie one with corks hanging from the edge of the brim. A true Aussie hat!
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Yes absolutely!!!!
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