12 June - Plus Walk: Berowra Valley NP - Thornleigh via Cherrybrook (Callicoma Track) to Hornsby

Thirteen walkers departed Thornleigh on an overcast, but fine day.  The walk started with a traverse to The Jungo, a junction on the Great North Walk.  An opening loop followed Nyrippin Creek before climbing to Cherrybrook and returning by fire trail to Berowra Creek for morning tea.

 

The trail then followed the Great North Walk north along a saw-tooth profile of rocky climbs and descents, punctuated with casuarina forest.  Lunch was on a dry rock shelf just below Quarter Sessions Road Lookout, Westleigh. After lunch, we proceeded to Fishponds via The Spa, a creek crossing requiring a jump across rocks while a surprising amount of water swirled below.  At Fishponds Lookout, we rested briefly preparing ourselves for the long climb up to Hornsby.

 

 

The track transitioned through turpentine to towering blue gums before meeting the historic Hornsby Heritage Steps—crafted during the Great Depression and restored in 2011.  At the top of the steps, we diverted to the newly opened Crusher Plant Precinct and lookout at the Hornsby Quarry. The walk continued on newly reconstructed steps down then up along the Heritage trail to the Hornsby Aquatic Centre and coffee at the Brewhaha café at Hornsby.

 

 

 

 

 

Walkers: Rick and Polly (leaders), Hazel, Celia, David and Marina B, Richard, Wendy C, Wendy La, Trudy, Nick S, Leah and first time visitor Ingrid

First Aid: Trudy and Nick S

Tail Ender: Trudy

Photos: David B (2), Hazel (1, 5, 6, 7), Rick (11,12), Wendy C (3, 4, 8, 9, 10)
Words by: Rick