February Tuff Trip Report

We met at that well frequented watering spot on the Highway at Lithgow, and after refuelling man and beast, it was off up the Mudgee Rd to the Capertee turn off. Destination- Mt. Airlie. It is well worth the climb, as there are fabulous views from the lookouts across the Capertee valley to the escarpments in the distance. The landholder kindly allows groups to access Mt Airlie through his land, after requesting his permission.

From the valley floor, the track climbs steeply with tight zigzag turns. The top section presents a challenge as the track squeezes inside the narrow clefts in the sandstone cliff top. Close concentration is called for as you negotiate the loose scree, the boulders, the gradient and the narrow pass. What was Fred thinking about when he misjudged the approach and slid into the sandstone wall, scraping the roof rack! (The rack saved the roof.)
Of course, being an “easy” Tuff trip, where there was a choice of easy or tuff route, the latter was taken.

It was interesting to look at the diamond mine workings and the array of “antique” equipment (trash or treasure) passed on the way up the track.

Once achieving the top, there is an easy drive along the top of the plateau to a locked gate where we stopped for lunch. From there, there is a flat 20 minute walk to the northern point which rewards the walker with a dramatic 250 degree view across the valley and into the Wollemi National Park.

We returned via the same route, stopping to have a yarn with the property owner and to give our thanks.

Thanks also to Max.
Fred Mayer