Bushwalking

Blue Mountains Train Timetable

Membership of the Bushwalking Group is available to members of the Society; members need only pay $20 insurance. see our BMCS Insurance FAQs

Our Bushwalking Convenor is Maurice Kerkham. Maurice can be contact on 4739 4942, or by email at mauricekerkham@hotmail.com

For more information, here's our Bushwalker's Guide

Bushwalking Programs

Before attending, phone the designated contact person or the Group Co-ordinator.

Changes to programs appear in red.

Grades of Walks

There aren't many flat walks in the Blue Mountains. We have inherited a superb network of walking tracks, but many of them are not maintained to a high standard.

On walks both in and outside the Blue Mountains there may be steep climbs and many steps and you may encounter hazards such as uneven, loose and slippery surfaces, creek crossings, and obstacles such as fallen trees and rocks.

Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

It is not easy to grade walks. What is easy for some is difficult for others. The following is a guide. The distance of the walk and the expected weather conditions need to also be considered by individual walkers.

Be aware of your own capabilities.

The grade of each walk is indicated on the Walks Program.

Grade 1.
Fairly flat walk on roads, fire trails and walking tracks.

Grade 2.
Fairly flat, but with some rough and/or steep sections, possibly some natural obstacles and some steps.

Grade 3.
May include rough/steep sections, many steps, a steep climb and descent, natural obstacles, some off track walking.

Grade 4.
May include more of the above, with a greater degree of difficulty.

Grade 5.
We occasionally arrange a walk considered most suited to experienced and very fit walkers. It is likely to include some or all of the following: rough/steep sections, steep climbs and descents, many steps, natural obstacles, off track walking.

Contact the leader or our Bushwalking Convenor before attending:

• If this is your first walk
• If you have any doubts or questions
• If the walk is limited in numbers and booking is required.

Tread Softly Code

The National Parks and Wildlife Service's "Tread Softly Code" has 10 points, which we as Conservationists should note and lead by example.

1. stay on the track.
   
2. avoid walking on sensitive vegetation by staying on hard ground wherever possible and avoid easily eroded soils - delicate vegetation is easily damaged by tramping.
3. don't walk around wet areas on the track - this just widens the bog area.
4. keep group size small so that you won't have a significant impact on the environment.
5. use fuel or gas stoves rather than wood fires, and always comply with fire bans.
6. where there are no toilet facilities, bury human waste at least 100m away from watercourses at a depth of 15cm or take it with you if possible.
7. leave the bush as you found it - don't pick flowers, or break tree limbs (even if you think the wood is dead, it provides an important habitat for many insects and other animals).
8. take a look around before you leave lunch spots and camping areas to check that you haven't left any signs of your use.
9. take all your rubbish with you, including organic waste such as apple cores and citrus peel.  Do the right thing and collect any other rubbish you see on the way.
10. at the end of each trip, take a moment to think about ways you could lessen your 'footprint', even more on your next walk.

Bushwalking Forms for Walks Leaders

• Guide and Checklist for Walks Leaders
• Walk Attendance/Activity Form  Please print this on the back of the Activity Report Form (below)
• Activity Report Form  Please print this on the back of the Walks Attendance/Activity Form (above)
• Temporary Members Form  Please print this on the back of the Child Risk Waiver Form (below)
• Child Risk Waiver Form  Please print this on the back of the Temporary Members Form (above)
• Incident Report Form
• Monthly Activities Reporting Form  
• Annual Risk Waiver Form