With the combination of a walk in the Blue Mountains NP and the predicted beautiful autumn mountain weather sixteen walkers gathered at the picnic area at the end of Mt York Road Mt Victoria looking forward to walking along the historic Coxs Road (1815) and Lawsons Long Alley (1823) while taking in the outstanding views of the valleys below.
Obelisk and plaque at Mt York
Most of the group at the Mt York Look-Out
Following a brief welcome we set off for or first stop at Mt York Lookout where we enjoyed a panoramic view over the Hartley Valley. We then made our way to the start of the Coxs Road walking track to Hartley Vale. Great care was taken by all walkers as we descended this very rubbly track. Built in 1815, Cox’s Road was the first official attempt by white settlers to build a road westbound across the Blue Mountains, following the 1813 crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson.
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Checking the route The view looking down to Hartley Vale before descending 
Looking back up to where the last picture was taken
Once down at the bottom of the track we took the opportunity to look back up to the escarpment from where we started our descent. We then followed an undulating track passing by farmlands in in pretty Hartley Vale to Lockyers Track Campground where we enjoyed our well earned morning tea. We continued along a bush track adjacent to Hartley Vale Road toward Hartley Vale Village which is a small village approximately 150km west of Sydney. We walked past the Historic Hartley School built in 1881 and closed as a place of education in April 1971 and the Comet Inn originally licensed around 1879 to Thomas Thompson and was named after the brand of kerosene which was produced from the shale in the area.
Hartley Vale: The Old School House The Comet Inn
Entering through a gate to Lawsons Long Alley we followed the road alongside Kerosene Creek passing by more farmlands. At the end of this fairly level well graded road we arrived at the Lawson Long Alley Track signalling our ascent. 
Entering Lawsons Long Alley Further up the Alley
We regrouped at this point for a drink stop before the climb. The group split here with five walkers heading off with the remaining walkers taking the ascent at a more comfortable pace. The track had now changed to a narrow bush track gradually climbing to a much wider rubbly and steeper section up the escarpment. Once at the top we joined the walkers at the picnic spot at Mt York Road for lunch.
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Scrambling on the ascent Nearing the top Relaxed at lunch
Flora-Clockwise from the top: Banksia, Parsons Bands Orchid Eriochilus cucullatus, Native Bluebell Wahlenbergia, Blackthorn Bursaria spinosa, Yellow Paper Daisy, NSW Coral Heath Epacris pulchella
For the final section of the 3.5km walk back to the cars we walked along a narrow undulating bush track crossing Mt York Road at the signposted track to the Historic Wells. The history of these wells is uncertain but it is probable this was the site of a construction camp for the making of Cox’s Descent. Continuing on we soon reached Bardens Lookout with amazing views to the west toward Little Hartley and beyond. It was a very short walk from the lookout to the cars. 
Panoramic view from the Barden Lookout over Hartley Vale
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‘Let me eat cake’ - Finally the Lemon Friand arrived at the table! ("but was it worth waiting for? " Peter T) Attractive Mural at Blackheath
Our route and change in elevation (in blue)
Eleven walkers enjoyed refreshments at the Victory Café Blackheath before heading home. Thank you to all walkers for making the trip to Mt York and contributing to another enjoyable day out with HVB!
Walkers: Chris B, Wendy C, Polly, Tim, Martin, Celia, Hazel, Margaret and Claude, Barbara R, Vreni, Sue S, Cleona, Peter T led by Deidre and Bert
Thanks To : First Aiders Polly and Peter T, Peter T for looking after the tail end and Kas and Kurt who assisted the leaders on the recce.
Photos: Barbara R (6,7,12,20), Deidre (13), Hazel (21,22),Margaret P (2,10), Peter T(1,3,5,8,14,15,23), Sue S (4,9,11,16,17,18,19)
Words: Deidre