Jamison Valley bushwalks (Relocated) beginners 2 day and some previous experience 3 day

All participants require a Scouts NSW membership number. Only suitable for active youth and adults who exercise regularly and or play sport. Good fitness and health required.

Option to join for one hike or both, please indicate your availability on a comment to activity coordinator during registration.

Plan was to visit the Grose Valley in July however we have relocated due to an opportunity to access the Jamison Valley previously closed for an extended period. Tristan has spoken with NPWS and confirmed the Ruined Castle campsite and Mount Solitary route re-opened on 27/4/23

Practice overnight followed by a three day hike. Jamison and Kedumba Valleys. Remnants of indigenous, local mining and farming history.

This route includes fire trail and walking track. Grade 4 and 5. Some extended steep ascent/decent sections involving endurance. Comfortable with pack under load, able to pack and carry only essential items.

Bring your own food supply. Campsites may be informal clearings with no facilities. A freestanding tent or lightweight fly is advised. Ground may be firm and space limited.

Overnight hike - Sunday 2nd July and Monday 3rd July  

Day 1 Katoomba Golf Club to Ruined Castle campsite via Golden Stairs 6.2 km

Day 2 Ruined Castle campsite to Katoomba Golf Club via Golden Stairs 6.2 km

Tuesday 4th rest day at home

Three day hike - Wednesday 5th July, Thursday 6th July, Friday 7th July
Please note the 3 day only stops at the base of the ruined castle, anyone interested to visit the summit of the ruined castle is advised to travel on the above 2 day.

Day 1 Katoomba Gold Club to Ruined Castle campsite 6.2 km Narrow Neck Lookout, Cliff Drive(Katoomba), Glenrapheal Drive, Golden Stairs, Federal Pass, Ruined Castle campsite,

Day 2 Ruined Castle campsite to Kedumba River crossing campground 10.9 km Cedar Gap, Korowal Knife Edge, Chinamans Gully, Singa-Jingawell Creek, The Col, Solitary Pass, Cedarland Ridge Trail, Kedumba River, Kedumba River crossing campground

Day 3 Kedumba river campground to Hordern Road, Wentworth Falls 13 km Kedumba Valley Road, Kedumba Pass, Waterboard Gate, Kings Tableland, Queen Victoria Hospital, Hordern Road (Wentworth Falls)

Toileting and Camping

Drop pit toilets available at Ruined Castle campsite and Kedumba River crossing campground. Bush toileting and hygiene for the remainder. Ruined Castle campsite and Kedumba River are flats with no facilities. We could continue to Cedar Gap if Ruined Castle is full or if we want to get a head start on day 2. 

River Crossing

Shallow crossing at the road ford. Rock steps when water is low.

Please note: Water

2 Day

Two rainwater tanks are provided at the Ruined Castle campsite (base) however they should not be relied on. For those on the RC 2 day please prepare for a dry campsite. Carry some spare water for the second day.

The route is not too long so we can confidently make it back to the houses on Cliff Drive even if low on water. A minor creek may be running towards the top of the Golden Stairs however it should not be relied on. Recommend to use purification tablets.

3 day

We may be able to refill at the rainwater tanks mentioned above. Other possible sources on the route however should not be relied on. Our plan is to arrive at the Kedumba River at the end of Day 2. We can refill from either Kedumba River or Waterfall Creek. Recommend to use purification tablets. A rainwater tank has been installed at the Maxwells slab hut near Kedumba river crossing campground.