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Escape to the Blue Mountains on this two-day women's overnight hike to the Ruined Castle. This journey offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and physical challenge, perfect for those seeking a serene yet adventurous escape.
Details
This overnight hike to Ruined Castle is a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Our trip begins atop the Golden Stairs on Narrow Neck Road, where we'll descend into a serene rainforest. Here, amidst the grandeur of coachwood and sassafras trees, we may be graced by the sight of a lyrebird as we enjoy a tranquil morning tea at the base of the stairs.
This trip covers 4km one way, is thoughtfully paced, taking approximately 3.5-4 hours to reach our campsite. Upon arrival, we'll establish our camp, setting the stage for an adventurous ascent to the Ruined Castle. This iconic rock formation, known for its striking presence, offers panoramic views that stretch across the valley, encompassing Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.
As evening approaches, we'll unwind under the vast, starlit sky, revealing in the peaceful ambience of our wilderness camp.
The following morning greets us with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a leisurely breakfast. After packing up, we'll retrace our steps along the same trail. Weather permitting, we may rise with the dawn for an early climb again to the Ruined Castle, where the sunrise unveils the Jamison Valley—a moment of with coffee in hand and unforgettable beauty!
Gear rental and packing
Please refer to the booking page to download the packing list, which outlines what you should bring with you.
We offer gear rental to help make your hike as comfortable as possible.
Note: Tents are included in the trip, but please let us know in advance if you prefer to bring your own. If you're looking to buy a single-person tent, we recommend this great option from Anaconda.
We strongly recommend using hiking poles, especially for beginners or those who might feel unsteady on their feet. We offer hiking poles for hire at $20+GST. They can significantly assist you when ascending hills and steps, and help alleviate some of the weight from your back. Trust us, hiking poles are a game-changer!
* All prices are per person and listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). All prices shown are GST inclusive where applicable.
Meet your guide and fellow hikers at the carpark next to the oval & across the road from the now closed Katoomba Falls Kiosk. Click here for location. Here, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and an informative briefing. We'll distribute gear and food, and you'll learn how to pack your backpack effectively. Feel free to ask any questions – our aim is to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable.
From our meeting point, we will take a short 5 minutes drive (car pool) to the top of the Golden Stairs. There isnt much room to park here (hence the car pool!). We'll begin our descent down the Golden Stairs, entering the cool, lush rainforest. The trail, rated hard by NSW National Parks, will challenge us with its steep terrain, but we'll take regular breaks and support each other throughout the hike. After about 3.5-4 hours of hiking, we'll reach our campsite.
After lunch, we're set for the highlight of our trip – a climb to the top of the Ruined Castle. This rock scramble is exhilarating, requiring stability and mobility. Once atop, savor the stunning views over the Jamison Valley. After this fun venture, we'll return to our campsite for a period of relaxation and to enjoy dinner.
Awake to the serene surroundings and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
The journey back is a time to reflect on the adventure and the beauty of the Blue Mountains, concluding our unforgettable hiking experience.
Throughout the trip, our guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, providing insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. This hike is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your physical limits, and create lasting memories with a group of like-minded women.
While prior overnight hiking experience is not essential, being in good health and reasonable physical condition is crucial for this adventure. Our focus is on comfortably carrying a load on our backs, taking regular breaks, and fostering a supportive group dynamic. Expect to hike for 3.5-4 hours on terrain classified as hard by NSW National Parks, primarily due to the steep steps of the Golden Stairs. To aid in this challenging ascent, we recommend bringing walking poles for additional support. Once we've set up camp, we'll engage in a rock scramble to the summit of Ruined Castle. This activity is best suited for individuals who are stable on their feet and possess good mobility and fitness.
If you're not sure about your fitness level, please contact our team.
If you enjoy moving your body and getting outdoors - you’ll love this trip. You will need at least a good base level of fitness and mobility. The trip involves hiking up steps and hills, while carrying and overnight pack about 15-16kg.
We're happy to accommodate vegetarian diets and gluten free and can also assist with food intolerances, provided we are advised in advance. Please let us know about your dietary requirements at the time of booking or 2 weeks prior to your trip, so we can make arrangements accordingly. However, we regret to inform you that we're unable to cater for FODMAP diets on our overnight hikes. We apologise for any inconvenience and encourage you to get in touch with us for further assistance.
Almost everyone! Welcome to the community. Most women turn up individually to our trips to connect with others and make friends with like-minded women who enjoy getting outdoors.
The group will share carrying group meal items and sometimes some cooking equipment. Usually cooking equipment is carried by our guides. We will help you arrange your pack and you do not need to worry about allowing for additional space as we will go over the packing process at the pre-trip briefing.
Between 15-16kg. This also depends on the size of the group and how we share some food and camp items. We try and keep our packs as light as possible.
Stephanie Angel
04/01/2024
Amazing Trip!
Thank you so much WWA Guide Bindi! This trip was amazing xx
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