Passes - Lions Head Pass
| Grading | 5 | Hard |
| Track Type | 3 | Unmarked track. |
| Track Condition | 4 | Poor sections. |
| Exposure | 2 | Some simple climbing |
| Navigation | 3 | Medium. |
| Length | 650m (+ 166km on old road) | |
| Vertical | 175m (+ 300m on old road) | |
Lion's Head Pass was originally used by the indigenous people of the area to gain access to and from the Kedumba valley. It is a fairly direct route and can be connected with an old road which leads to the valley floor. It is reported that there are cave paintings at the bottom of the pass, although I haven't seen them yet.
Access:
- Tablelands Rd, Wentworth Falls and Lins Head Ridge track
Map: Jamison
Track Notes
Access to this pass is via the Lion's Head Track which starts 4.7 km after the King's Tableland Rd divides (see Lion's Head track notes). Follow the Lion's Head track for 2.8km. When you get your first real view of Lion's Head (see photo below) the Pass start cairn is in the second gully you come to. The cairn is large and hard to miss (580 561. It is well worth the short walk on to Lion's Head as the views are spectacular (900m return).
The descent of the Pass is straight forward. There is only one navigational choice about halfway down. The false track leads ahead and a little to the right up next to a large rock. Instead keep to the left and follow the gully. Much of the pass is dry and the dirt loose and slippery.
At the bottom of the pass is a relatively level section filled with ferns. From this point veer to the left following the contour for about 300m. You should find the remains of an old road which provides easier walking down to the valley floor. This road intersects with the Kedumba Valley fire trail not far from Kedumba Crossing. Turn right on this road. Not far along you will find the grave/monument to Charles Maxwell, a member of the family who owned the farm in this part of the valley. The ruins of two homesteads are close by and are worth visiting.1
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.