Passes - Gladstone Pass
| Grading | 4 | Medium-Hard |
| Track Type | 3 | Unmarked track. |
| Track Condition | 4 | Poor sections. |
| Exposure | 2 | Some simple climbing |
| Navigation | 3 | Medium. |
| Length | 1km | |
| Vertical | 300m | |
Gladstone Pass was created by the failed mining operations of the 19th century. Mining workers used it daily to go from the village of "Gladstone" to the mine down in the valley. More information about the mine and the Pass' history can be found in Jim Smith's bookon Lindeman Pass1.
Gladstone Pass starts near the entry to the Fairmont Resort. It can be found at the top of the turning loop (used for sewage pumpout) just inside the entry.
Access:
- Sublime Point Rd, Leura (Fairmont Resort)
- Lindeman Pass
Map: Katoomba
Track Notes:
These notes give directions from the bottom where the Gladstone Pass branches from Lindeman Pass. They could easily be followed in reverse.
Gladstone Pass track can be found on the western side of Gladstone Creek. After crossing the creek go up and around a small section to some small trees marked with tape (544 649). Looking up and back towards the creek there is a silver metal tag on a fern tree. The track heads from here back towards the creek uphill to a little overhang.
After a short while the track comes back to the creek and crosses between two waterfalls and then heads straight up the east bank. When you come to some beautiful old stairs cross back over to the west without using them (whatever they once connected with is now gone). Then cross back over to where the stairs would have brought you. Continue up the east side.
After a long up hill section you reach a large flat area, cross the creek back to the western side and over some large fallen trees. Go under the last one, around the large rock and stay close to the creek. Soon you will find a rope where the gully closes in. Follow the rope up the stairs cut into the rock. At the end of the rope cross the creek again (for the last time) to the eastern side. If you reach the waterfall with the large log laying up it you have gone too far. The track goes up the right hand gully and under a fallen log which can be awkward and slippery. This next section is very wet, very muddy and slippery. Teh track is straight forward from here. When you reach a black rope put in to help with a slippery bit you are almost at the top.
Two exits are available at the top. 1) To the right a sign can be seen at the end of a fire trail which leads back to the Fairmont resort. 2) Continuing up the gully will bring you to a shed with old motor mounts (543 655). I am not really sure what these were used for, possibly a pumping station? From here the track runs accross the top of the gully and brings you out on the firetrail at the back of houses and leads to the turning circle near the entrance to the Fairmont.
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.