Tracks - Stonehaven Pass
| Grading | 1 | Easy |
| Track Type | 3 | Unmarked track. |
| Track Condition | 3 | OK, some work needed. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | 600m (1km from car park & return) | |
| Vertical | 35m (60 from car park) | |
Stonehaven Pass is a little known and unmarked track which is well worth a look. It was created by Mulheron, Ranger for the Wentworth Falls Reserve Trust, in the 1900s.
Access:
- Den Fenella track, Wentworth Falls
- Princes Rock Track, Wentworth Falls
Map: Katoomba
Track Notes:
The track starts on the Den Fennella track and ends on the Princes Rock track at Wentworth Falls. It is a short walk only needing about 30min to complete. The first section of track up until the fourth lookout (Murphy's Spiral Lookout) is in good condition even though it is not maintained. Great views can be had from each of the lookouts: Cashman's (561 651), Bill Wilson's (562 651), Rose's (which is easy to miss the track to, turn right a little after leaving Bill Wilson's taking you down under it) and Murphy's Spiral (562 651). This last is named for the spiral stairs that take you to one of the best lookout spots in the area.
Care must be taken at each of the lookout on this track as there is little or no protection from the railings.
After Murphy's spiral the track narrows and is more overgrown. There is a swampy section just after Wearne's lookout. Stepping blocks have been added to avoid most of the mud. The very last 20m which leads to the Princes Rock track has not been cleared and you will have a little scramble through some dead wood.
Historical Notes:
Bill Wilson’s lookout was named by local historian Jim Smith in 2011 in recognition of William (Bill) Page Wilson (1867-1926). Bill was a Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee (1867-1926), a member of Wentworth Falls Progress Association 1904 and Chairman Reserves Trust 1919.1 He was Licensee of the Wentworth Hotel (now the Grand View Hotel). He also owned land to the west of the hotel which he purchased in 1898 from Benjamin Backhouse. At that time he was a butcher in Lawson. His father Henry was licensee of Gardiners Inn (then called the Thistle). Saville Motors located near the Grand View was one of the first motor garages in the Blue Mountains and was also built by Bill’s family.2
Murphy's spiral lookout was also named by Jim Smith is named after Thomas Charles Murphy (1888-1967) a Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee in 1942. Lookout was previously named Spiral Lookout.3
Cashman's lookout was also named by Jim Smith 2011, after James Arthur Cashman (1880-1956) a Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee, Hon. Secretary National Trust 1918, Wentworth Falls Progress Association President 1920.4
Rose's lookout was also named by Jim Smith 2011, after Samuel Charles Rose (1864-1941) a Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee, headmaster of Wentworth Falls Publis (1912-1941), Wentworth Falls Progress Association President.5
1 Brian Fox, Michael Keats, John Fox, Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopsedia, Keats Holdings Pty Ltd, 2018. p88
2 Blue Mountains Heritage Register Review, https://yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/22793/documents/46335
3 Brian Fox, Michael Keats, John Fox, Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopsedia, Keats Holdings Pty Ltd, 2018. p371
4 Brian Fox, Michael Keats, John Fox, Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopsedia, Keats Holdings Pty Ltd, 2018. p132
5 Brian Fox, Michael Keats, John Fox, Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopsedia, Keats Holdings Pty Ltd, 2018. p433
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.