Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock Bushwalk, Blue Mountains NP
A recent Sunday saw my first “real” introduction to bushwalking with a 8km return hike to Pulpit Rock at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Sure, I had successfully attempted more subtle walking tracks around Sydney but this was going to be more difficult.
Our adventure started at Govetts Leap carpark over looking the Grose Valley and was to take us some 8km along the escarpment to Pulpit Rock. An outcrop of sandstone that would offer 270º views up and down the stunning Grose Valley. According to local legend, a bushranger called Govett road his horse over the cliff in preference to being captured. A statue of this fictional character is located near the lookout. Of course fact never quite seems as exciting as fiction and in reality, the name Govett Leap refers to the leap of water (a waterfall near the carpark), discovered in 1831, by surveyors William Govett and Francis Rusden.
Looking up the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap carpark. Pulpit Rock is on the left.
In all, our party was made up of four people. My friend Vincent and his two other companions Terry and Gerry and myself. We were all well kitted out for the trip taking Vincent’s advice and purchasing hiking boots, wearing warm clothing, carrying plenty of water, light snacks and wet weather gear. Vincent and Gerry were both trying hiking poles as well.
The weather looked good for a winter’s day in the Blue Mountains. Things can change quickly in the mountains but at 9am in the morning there was little wind, a quiet car park and the crisp air. The forecast was for temperatures from 5º to 14º C with SSW winds up to 15 knots and the possibility of rain in the afternoon.
We quickly descended down the track to the left of the car park via numerous rough stairs to the first rest area and viewing platform. I was immediately taken back by how quiet and beautiful the Grose Valley is.
Continuing our walk further down the track the surrounding bush was quite lush and damp. About 15 minutes into the walk we crossed a small stream and it is at this point you can detour slightly and visit a small waterfall. I remember looking back up the track at the number of stairs we had just climbed down and thinking, I’ve got to get back up those on the return journey. That will be a nice little sting at the end of the walk!
Back on the track you head up the trail to our second rest point. The bush changes from rainforest to scrub and this is a more difficult section of the walk as we are climbing for the first time. The ground below our feet is now a rough clay type with deep water channels gouged out, and lots of loose rocks. You definitely need to have hiking boots on for the added support. A sprained or broken ankle at this point would be hard going getting back to the car park without serious help. Vincent and Gerry both commented on how helpful the walking poles were with support.
Now about an hour into the trip the scenery has definitely changed. We are up on the ridge line and we stay there for the rest of the hike to Pulpit rock. The track gets quite narrow as we make our way around the cliff faces. The views are stunning and you can set quite a quick pace at this point. There are another two points to rest and take in the views. Although 4kms to the lookout isn’t a great distance to walk, I am now learning that its not the distance that counts, but whats involved along the way in getting to the end.
Pulpit Rock Lookout.
The final walk down to Pulpit Rock was perhaps the easiest part of the hike. The track passes Eucalypt forests and was pretty good (and down hill) with the terrain being reasonably even. Finally, after ninety odd minutes we reached Pulpit Rock lookout for a well earned rest and something to eat. Once again the views were absolutely spectacular. Its easy living in Sydney to forget what beauty makes the Blue Mountains so wonderful. We were the only people at the lookout and the silence was deafening. All we could hear was the wind (which was starting to pick up) and the birds.
We stayed at the Pulpit Rock look out for about 20 minutes and then started on the return journey. On the way back we began to encounter other bushwalkers, some with children. I’d be a quite reluctant taking a small child on this walk but its definitely a walk older children could tackle. Perhaps 10 years and above would be ok. My concerns would be that you couldn’t carry a child on most of the trail if you had to, and at points the track does become narrow and close to the edge of the cliff.
All went well on the trip back. Of course being a reflection of the trip out, the easy bits became more difficult and its really at the end of the walk back near the creek crossing that it becomes difficult again. You remember those stairs I spoke of at the beginning? The climb back up to the car park is about 70 metres and for my first timer it was a good challenge. Keeping things in perspective though, there are other walks in the Grose Valley that have climb outs that are 2-3 times the height! Remembering we kept to the escarpment, walks down to the Grose River and the valley floor are much more challenging and require much more experience and a greater level of fitness.
National Parks and Wildlife rate the Pulpit Rock walk as “medium” and yes, I was pretty exhausted at the end of the walk. We took the 3 hours to do the hike allowing time to rest along the way. But it was a really satisfying experience and one definitely worth doing. A quick drive back to the local pub for a counter lunch and the warm fire finished the day well.
Track Facts:
Walk: Govetts Leap / Pulpit Rock
Time: Allow 3 hours
Grade: Medium
Distance: 8km Return Picnic area and toilets available at the starting point. Expect to see bird life, extensive views of the Grose Valley, waterfalls, rainforest, heathlands, swamps, Eucalypt forests and Pulpit Rock.
View the NPWS website for more information.
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Grose Valley from the track to Pulpit Rock
One of 3 waterfalls in the Grose Valley seen along the trail
View of the escarpment of the Grose Valley
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July 11th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
The walk sounds great for a beginner, I might try it in a few weeks time with a group of friends. Does the track have clearly marked directions. Can you advise me on what type of hiking clothes I should wear?
July 11th, 2006 at 9:23 pm
Warm clothes are a must in Winter. Even though the weather was great on the day, it was still cold. Hiking boots are a good idea. Twice I tripped and would have twisted my ankle if it wasn’t for the hiking boots I was wearing. I also took a beanie.