A fantastic return walk with stunning views, this track leads along the Fortress Ridge, out to the cliffs above the Grose Valley. The views from the lookout and along the trail are superb, with the sheer cliffs and a deep valley to put it all in perspective. The track is popular with canyoners, who use it to access Fortress Canyon. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Fortress Ridge car park. | Photo by adminFortress Ridge service trail. | Photo by adminView from Fortress Ridge service trail. | Photo by adminSplit in track around rock feature. | Photo by adminTrack down to Fortress Canyon start. | Photo by adminFortress Ridge track. | Photo by adminLockley's Pylon from Fortress Ridge Track. | Photo by adminView into the Grose Valley from Fortress Ridge lookout. | Photo by adminView from Fortress Ridge lookout. | Photo by admin
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn right onto Victory Lane and drive for another 115 m
Keep right onto Churchill Street and drive for another 265 m
Turn left onto Mount Hay Road and drive for another 760 m
Turn right onto Mount Hay Road and drive for another 6.8 km
Keep left onto Mount Hay Road and drive for another 920 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park (and 'Fortress Ridge' sign), this walk heads around the gate and up the hill. The management trail swings right for approximately 50m then turns left. The trail leads to an area of low heath, then tends right (down the hill) for approximately 100m before coming to an intersection. From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill in a northerly direction. The trail soon rises up a slight hill, passing low heath on the left before continuing up the hill. The walk then flattens out for approximately 200m before slowly rising up another hill for approximately 100m more, coming to an intersection with a smaller track on the left.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 115 m head through/around the gate.
After another 570 m continue straight.
After another 770 m continue straight.
After another 85 m continue straight.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (6 m on your left).
Continue straight.
After another 30 m come to the viewpoint (9 m on your left).
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 250 m continue straight.
After another 75 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left).
After another 1.1 km pass the "Fortress Hill" (20 m on your right).
Continue another 600 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.7 km to get back to the start.
"Fortress Ridge".
Fortress Ridge
Fortress Ridge
Fortress Ridge lookout has stunning views over the Grose Valley to Govetts Leap, Horseshoe Falls and Blackheath. From the lookout, the vista to the west includes the impressive Lockley's Pylon, with Mount Hay in the background.
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Fortress Ridge lookout has stunning views over the Grose Valley to Govetts Leap, Horseshoe Falls and Blackheath. From the lookout, the vista to the west includes the impressive Lockley's Pylon, with Mount Hay in the background.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Fortress Ridge Trail
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
7.4 km
Time
2 h 45 min to 3 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)