Tracks - Castle Head Track
| Grading | 1 | Easy |
| Track Type | 2 | Marked track. |
| Track Condition | 3 | OK, some work needed. |
| Exposure | 2 | Some simple climbing |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | 1.5km | |
| Vertical | 50m | |
Castle Head track is an easy walk and provides some of the best views over the Jamison and Cedar Creek Valleys as well as glimpses of the western end of Lake Burragorang. It is so named because it is on the same ridge as, and overlooks, the Ruined Castle.
Access:
- Glenraphael Drive Katoomba
Map: Katoomba & Jamison
Track Notes:
This track starts 1km after the locked gate along the Narrow Neck fire trail. It finishes at the Castle Head trig. Many flowering plants can be seen along the fire trail. The start of the walk is marked with a NWPS sign and is hard to miss. It makes its way up a small hill where it joins the remains of an old fire trail. There are a number of tracks off to the left which head out to the cliff line. No advantage is gained on these as the views from Castle Head and where the track first reaches the cliff line are unsurpassed. Two tracks head to the right, one before the top of the hill and one just after. These both circle back to the Narrow Neck fire trail.
The cliff line is reached 500m from the start of the track (483 623). Care must be taken at the two lookout points on the walk. Neither are fenced. From this point the track narrows and the vegetation changes to scrubby heath. The track is overgrown in parts and you will need to push through at points. After another 800m the trig is reached. Views are limited here.
The track continues past the trig for another 100m to the end of the point where the best views can be gained. Note that this is quite exposed and the last part is crumbly underfoot and requires some simple scrambling / climbing. Access to the Ruined Castle ridge below can only be gained via 3-5 abseil pitches.
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.