Passes - Holbeach's Descent
| Grading | 6 | Very Hard |
| Track Type | 5 | Offtrack. |
| Track Condition | 4 | Poor sections. |
| Exposure | 3 | Tape or rope advised |
| Navigation | 3 | Medium. |
| Length | ||
| Vertical | ||
Holbeach's Descent was discovered by Sutherland Club in 1992, (Graeme Holbeach, Mick Dulihunty, Margaret Rozea and Wilf Hilder). It was named by Fr Frank Bendeich in his Waysider No. 235 article. It was also named 'Humble Pie Pass' by Mick after Wilf's mention of eating humble pie after declaring that the aeirial photos showed there could not be a pass there.
It can be seen in the photo below of Lions Head from Spring Ck Ridge. It is the vertical dark gully to the right of the head.
Access:
- Tablelands Rd, Wentworth Falls
- Lions Head Track
Map: Jamison
Notes:
Notes from the original descent can be found at in a Bush Club Newsletter.
Here are some more recent notes (used by permission). My thanks to Keith J.
The gully from the Holbeach Descent is about 100m East of Lions Head, so a short 50m backtrack followed by a descent at first only steeply and then v. steeply to the East down a short obvious ridge into the first gully. There will be loose rocks on the descent to the gully - choose your footing carefully.
Once in the gully, there’s maybe 100m of descent over loose rocks (this is a rarely travelled pass) brings you to within 10m of a drop off.
The first gully doesn’t look especially steep once you’re down, but every one of those rocks is loose and every fern hides another loose rock. However, there are a few signs of a rough track down.
Contouring left into a 2nd and more Easterly gully allows the descent to continue… just as steeply. It comes to steep 3m slabs that could probably be negotiated with tape and a steady pair of hands. It is slightly easier to contour right and back into the first gully. And after a small amount of exposure (tape optional, but recommended) the talus is reached.
Follow a narrow (but not especially exposed) ledge to the left and descend steeply to Spring Creek. Battle across the Creek over large boulders and fallen branches, and head straight towards the base of point. After 300m the going gets significantly easier along a broad level terrace.
I haven't walked it yet, but will post my own detailed notes when I do so.
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.