Passes - Flying Fox Pass
| Grading | 5 | Hard |
| Track Type | 5 | Offtrack. |
| Track Condition | 5 | Overgrown or badly eroded. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 2 | Easy-Medium. |
| Length | 300m | |
| Vertical | 180m | |
Flying Fox Pass is named after the flying fox that at one time serviced the Leura sewerage works down in the valley. The pass crosses over its upper and lower cables on way up. There is also a rundimentary track which follows the cables on part of their journey. The the remains of the flying fox winding motor is located further south of the pass and is best accessed from Leura Creek.(see notes under Leura Cascades).
I had theorised that this pass existed for quite a while whithout ever exploring it. There is evidence others have explored it before but no-one seems to have written it up.
(Photos to come)
Access:
- Leura Cascades Track below Bridal Veil Falls
- Bridal View lookout track off Prince Henry Cliff Walk
Map: Katoomba
Notes:
From the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls folow the track down and accross the bridge. Cross Leura Creek at the reamins of the old bridge (now just one rail). Follow the steps up to an old tourist track. Left leads to a little overhang cave, right to a view of a grotto. Go straight ahead, up the gully, there is a rope half way up that will assist in the ascent. Keep ascending until you come to a rocky outcrop. Go up the left of it and then cut through the middle of it. Sidle along the gully on your right until you come to the 2nd outcrop, level with the bottom of the buttress on your right, Cross the steep gully to the side of the buttress and follow at the bottom of that cliff line and up the right hand gully. Avoid the small landslip and keep ascending always tending to the right. Eventually you will come out halfway along the track to Bridal Veil View lookout. Right to the lookout, left to Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
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.