Only six walkers met at Crosslands for our walk. After a car shuffle to Clarinda Street, Hornsby we set off on a beautiful winter day with some fog as we descended into the valley.
Fog in the valley Waterfall at the creek crossing
The first section was along Simon Place Fire Trail and then the first of three steep downhill rocky descents of the day down the Benowie Walking Track (Great North Walk) to a creek crossing with a waterfall.
Group photo at 'Steele' Bridge Morning tea Black cockatoos
Spiders web Fungi
We joined the Berowra Valley Quarry Fire Trail and came to the Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge across Berowra Creek. From there it was up hill to Tunks Ridge Campground. Continuing on the Fire Trail we came to the track leading down to Galston Gorge and had morning tea on a sunny rock ledge before another steep descent down to the road.
Steep rocky descent Stepping stones under Galston Gorge Bridge
We used the stepping stones under the road bridge to cross Berowra Creek and from here the great North Walk follows the creek all the way to Crosslands. The track rises and falls and crosses many small creeks. We stopped for lunch on another rock ledge before the thrid steep descent down to the creek.
Berowra Creek Grass trees had been trimmed One of many creek crossings
Rocky descent after lunch Lyrebird on the track Elkhorn fern
Rocky climb after a creek crossing
The track from here is fairly level from there to Crosslands with one final rise before reaching the picnic area. From here we drove to pick up the other cars and on the BrewHaHa in Hornsby for coffee.
Map
Elevation
Leaders: Nick S and Pragati
Walkers: Leah, Janet, Rick, Pragati, Nick S, and Peter T.
Photos: Nick S (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16); Rick (5, 17, Mpa, Elevation); Peter T (3, 8, 11, 12, 14)
Words: Nick S
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