2024- Calendar of Group Walks.
Group Walks
An important function provided by the Friends is the organising and conduct of Group Walks. These are invariably pleasant and popular and one is planned for every month with the exception of the three hot summer months (Dec. Jan. Feb) These walks are intended primarily for members, however, any non-members who would like to join us are welcome but should contact the appropriate leader to ensure that space is available. Participants park their cars where the walk finishes. They are transported, as a group (by bus) to the start of the walk and then walk back to their cars. Please note that you partake in these walks at your own risk. These walks are led by Volunteers. All care will be taken to ensure the route is as safe as a natural environment can be, but participants are required to take all possible care to ensure their own safety. Grading of the Cape to Cape Track The Cape to Cape Track overall varies considerably in difficulty. It is classed as a Grade 4** Walking Track by Trails WA. Grade 4 Explanation: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on section of the trail. Most sections of the C2C Track contain beach walking, sand dunes, soft sand and little protection from the elements. A 7km walk along the capes can be testing. This is especially so if it is a warm day or a cold front is passing through. The weather conditions have a huge impact on the difficulty of the walk. Below is information about the Grading System used in WA from Trails WA: Australian Walking Track Grading System How a track gets its grade The grading system assesses a walk’s difficulty based on several criteria, including: experience required, steps, gradient, path quality and signage. The walk’s final grade is based on the most difficult of these 5 criteria, rather than an average. So some walks will have criteria that meet an easier grade. Take a look at our guide below, and before your next adventure ask yourself ‘is this walk suitable for me?’ Grade 1 No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km. Grade 2 No bushwalking experience required. The track is hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km. Grade 3 Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km. Grade 4** Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on section of the trail. Grade 5 Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km. Please note: Cost: Suggested donations of $5 minimum for members over 12 and $10 for visitors. Donated monies help offset the cost of bus driver and public liability insurance. We are incredibly grateful to Lloyd and Anne Shepherdson for providing the bus at a discount cost for these events. *Walks start at 9:00am, but please be at the meeting point by 8:45am. We try to leave promptly! *Bring raincoat, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, snack and drinking water! N B. Bookings are essential - by phone or e-mail - bus seats are limited! Always check - walk venue or contacts may change during the year! WALKS CALENDAR 2024 March 16th (Sat) Circular Walk – Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct 4 km Park: Gravel CP opposite entrance to Waterwheel (200m N of Lighthouse) Bookings and Leader: Jenny Kikeros Ph. 0419 966 338. E-mail: [email protected] Taking in Quarry Bay, proposed new C2C Track alignment, & returning via Sarge Bay. After the walk climb the lighthouse, enjoy the grounds or have a coffee. Stunning views and unusual formations! April Mystery Walk – Date & details to be announced (watch your e-mails!!) Bookings & info: Jenny Kikeros Ph. 0419 966 338. E-mail: [email protected] May - End-to Ender: Mon 20th to Wed 22nd (3 days) & Mon 27th to Thurs 30th (4 days) (See separate notice) June 16th (Sun) Dune Brushing Busy Bee - in conjunction with Nature Conservation Margaret River (Short walks back & forth!) Park: Huzzas CP, Gracetown. Leaders: Jane Scott / Mandy Polley Bookings (for catering!): Jane Scott. E-mail: [email protected] NB. Please note – a later start time at 10 am!! We are joining with Nature Conservation to help stabilise the fragile dunes around South Point. A bit of effort and exercise to warm us up, followed by a yummy morning tea! July 21st (Sun) Boranup – Hooley Rd to Contos (& out to the clifftop!) 7 (+ 2) km Park: Contos Campground NB. Follow our signs to the right spot! Leader & Bookings: Ian Dignon Ph. 0409 559 677. E-mail: [email protected] A sheltered stroll through the forest, and (optional extra) to enjoy the clifftop view. NB. Generally easy gradient, but a longish hill up to the campground. Aug 31st (Sat) AGM Walk! Wallcliffe Lookout to Surfpoint Resort, via Rivermouth 5 km Park: Surfpoint Resort. Leader: Jane Scott Bookings: Jane Scott. E-mail: [email protected] Join us afterwards for our AGM and catered lunch (no charge) at Surfpoint Resort. Sept 15th (Sun) Cape Naturaliste Circuit 6 km Park: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse CP. Leader: Jane Scott Bookings: Jane Scott. E-mail: [email protected] Some parts of the track are rocky, but spectacular wildflowers all the way! Oct 11th (FRIDAY! Please note) Return walk to Quininnup Beach (Tangoroa Blue walk) 4 km Park: Moses Rock Rd North CP. Leader: Jenny Kikeros Bookings: Jenny Kikeros Ph. 0419 966 338. E-mail: [email protected] Via the C2C new boardwalk. The Falls should be in full flow. Spring clean the beach and return to our cars. Please bring gloves; bags provided. NB. Optional opportunity to help sort debris into categories if you have time. A mostly easy walk, but remember that steep sand-dune climb on the return! Nov 10th (Sun) Ellensbrook to Gracetown 6.5 km Park: Gracetown main beach. Leader: Alice Stubber Bookings: Alice Stubber Ph. 0417 920 370. E-mail: [email protected] Follow the Track all along the clifftop, hopefully with dolphins surfing the waves and whales blowing as they head to warmer northern waters. An opportunity to swim and / or visit Gracies' at the finish! |
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