Passes - Miners Pass
| Grading | 5 | Hard |
| Track Type | 5 | Offtrack. |
| Track Condition | 5 | Overgrown or badly eroded. |
| Exposure | 3 | Tape or rope advised |
| Navigation | 5 | Challenging. |
| Length | 4km | |
| Vertical | 730m | |
Mt Miner's pass is a descent through the northern face of Mt Solitary. It offers great views over most of the Jamison Valley. It winds down the cliff line and involves two short climbs.
Access:
- Mt Solitary track / Federal Pass / Golden Stairs
- Mt Solitary track / Kedumba Pass
- Leura fire trail
Map: Jamison
Notes:
After ascending Mt Solitary from either the east or west the start point for the pass is found in a small gully a third of the way across the top from the eastern end (529 586). There is a distinctive tree at the head of the gully and a well trodden track from the west approach.
The gully descends steeply to the bottom of the upper cliff line. Follow round the bottom of the cliff to your right for about 180m. Then drop down and around to the left. Here there are two drops which can be climbed by experienced climbers but most will need hand lines to negotiate successfully. Continue along to the left for 250m then descend to the flatter ground below. All to this point is Cleary marked with cairns.
The next section requires very careful navigation. It contains a number of small hills and gullies. Make your way over these to the start of the main ridge down (534 593).
Follow this ridge till the knoll at 542 596. Veer left onto the less distinct ridge. Follow this till 548 603 And again veer left down to the junction of Kedumba River with Jamison Creek. The creek is usually between knee and waist deep at this spot. Wade the creek. Head up and onto the ridge and head NE until you reach the Leura Fire trail. Turn right to start the 7.2km ascent of Kedumba Pass.
Comments...
| 2015-11-16 | Ewa | I totally agree with what Sue and Florence wrote. I loved the walk and I am looking forward to join you soon in more off track adventures. Best wishes. |
| 2015-11-12 | Sue | Hi Rob I had a great time on the walk I really like a challenge and discovering new places and trails especially in that area as I live there albeit part time ! It was great that John and u put those types of walks off track that require good navigation. I'll be there for more of them .. Thanks Sue |
| 2015-11-09 | Florence | It was a fantastic walk. I felt so lucky to have leaders like Rob Powell and John Cooper to giving their time to guiding us on the walk, without their guardian, I would never be able to walk into that area and enjoy the beauty in that area at Blue Mountains. Looking forward for another walk with them. |
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.