Given the forecast temperature in excess of 30C and a predicted mid-afternoon storm, the leaders decided to shorten the walk by around 2.5km, cutting out the first section through Anembo Reserve and 1km of street walking along Anembo Road.
The eight walkers instead commenced from the Sandy Trail head in Killawarra Road, gradually descending along the newly-upgraded fire trail running adjacent to Waterfall Gully and then turning south on to the undulating Cooyong/Neverfail Trail. Quite steep in parts, this trail offers little shade and with the rising temperature and some humidity, there was a welcome stop for morning tea made more pleasant by cloud cover and a slight breeze from the north west.
Walking on the Sandy Trail
Habitat pods - part of a Macquarie Uni Master of Research project
The group then headed west along the Ryland Trail, following the power lines (and giving an unidentified snake a wide berth) before commencing the steep descent on the narrow rocky track to Kierans Creek. This section included a short 5m descent by rope, which is permanently attached to a very solid tree. Each walker applied their own method from sliding to abseiling and the boulder was quickly and safely navigated.
We continued down to Kierans Creek where it was decided to take the first of two mini-lunch breaks alongside Christie’s Pool at the confluence with Ku-ring-gai Creek. This spot provided good shade and was significantly cooler, giving the group a brief rest before tackling the hardest part of the day’s walk – the steep climb out of the valley up to the Warrimoo Track.
Mountain Devil - Lambertia formosa
Climbing up from Christies pool
Flannel flower - Actinotis helianthi
After crossing the creek, we followed the trail via a series of cairns, climbing over several boulders and navigating around some of the larger ones to reach the Warrimoo (which translates from the indigenous language as eagle). We then headed south west along the ridge to the Darri Track, stopping on a rocky outcrop, where the two tracks join, for a second mini-lunch break.
Second Lunch stop just before Darri track
The Darri (which translates simply as track) took us along the Cowan Creek gully and we took the upper trail rather than descending all the way down to the creek. The Darri backs on to homes at St Ives Chase and it is evident how the urban environment has impacted on the bushland through run-off, weeds and non-native flowers. However, the many colours of red gums and she-oaks bark were aplenty and we came across a goanna clinging to a tree, unperturbed by our presence.
All the group as we joined the Darri Track
Along the Darri
Along the Darri
Lace Monitor
The group headed down to Cowan Creek aided by some rock steps and rails, eventually branching off the Darri on to the Glengarry Fire Trail. It was then just a short uphill push to the finish and a very welcome coffee (and some excellent lamingtons) at the Bobbin Head Bakery in North Turramurra. Thankfully, the storm did not arrive until later in the evening.
The walk was five hours, covering 12km with 400m ascending.
Leaders: Trudy R, Alan O.
Walkers: Wendy C, Leah B, Polly C, Hazel M, Sophie W, Carolyn L.
Words: Alan O
Photos: Hazel M 1,2,3,5,7 Trudy R 4,6,8,9 Alan O 10