The Castle and Monolith Valley, Budawang National Park

Monday 31st May 2021
So today we are planning to climb to the Castle Summit and hopefully hike through Monolith Valley. After enjoying the early morning sunrise across to Pigeon House Mountain, having a spectacular outlook on the cliff edge for breakfast we made a few decisions about today’s walk. We decided to go with minimal packs to the first difficult section and then let David carry one small pack up the crazy part. We headed off about 9.45 knowing it was going to be a very physically challenging day. So up we went the first 500m of stairs back up to the crossroad, this definitely got the heart pumping but it was lovely to have left our big packs behind. Once we got to the crossroads we headed towards the Castle, it was incredibly difficult terrain again, made ever so slightly more pleasant to not have our big packs. We came to the first chasm which was a rock climb as well as a squeeze through, ending at a rope climb down the other side. So the adventure begins, with a little stress for David who felt a little responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety. He was very particular with checking all the ropes and always went first. We all made it safely down. It was a great adventure climbing up another 7 ropes, some more sheer and arduous than others, but all checked and double checked by DB before we negotiated them. It took 2 hours, all our strength, agility and strong minds to complete and was very exhilarating to make it to the CASTLE SUMMIT. Yay team, with encouragement by all at every stage we made it.

Now a little time (1.5hrs) to explore the top, enjoy the view, rest and snack before the next stage – going back down which we all believed would be a little bit more difficult. And we were right, but yet again we rose to the challenge and all successfully negotiated the seven rope descents. It was an amazing achievement and we all were very happy with ourselves. It had taken us two hours to climb up the 2km. And then 1 hour 40 mins to get back down again. We enjoyed a lunch break once we got back to our small packs and then headed down to the Monolith Valley which was very different terrain wit another rock climb with chain assistance. We walked until about 3.30pm when we decided it was time to head back before dark.

What a great day hiking 10.5km over 6 hours to The Castle Summit, then through the Monolith Valley and back to Cooyoyo camp for another night under the stars.

: A beautiful sunrise from the ridge at Cooyoyo Camp looking out to Pigeon House Mountain..

: ..what a gorgeous way to start the day, albeit a little chilly.

: Enjoying a cuppa in the most spectacular location before we embrace the days challenge. A 200m ascent to The Castle Summit.

: Today was a day of adventure and physical challenge with a little bit of stress for DB as he looked after the girls. Our first difficult challenge was after squeezing through the chasm known as the tunnel which ended at a rope descent. Our first of many for the day. David inspecting the little rope we have to descend where another climber had kindly donated his gaiter to protect the rope from fraying. Thanks – we are very grateful..

: ..at the bottom of our first rope.. we are feeling exuberant..

: ..only to be greeted by this warning from National Parks (something we were already aware of)..

: ..time to keep climbing the rocks..

: ..and squeeze through the narrow crevices..

: ..out to another amazing view..

: ..which we took a few moments to enjoy..

: ..before we met more challenges of strength, technique and the mind..

: ..the rock face was sheer..

: ..with a long rope for assistance..

: ..and technical guidance from Dave and videoing from me, we all slowly..

: ..and technical guidance from Dave, we all slowly..

: ..to finally be rewarded with this spectacular view at the Castle Summit. Elevation 848m. The 200m ascent over 2km took us about 2 hours. Phew! We all made it.

: The landscape even this high up had been ravaged by last years fires, it was slowly regenerating but still has a long way to go.

: We walked the length of the summit to find a visitors book which we signed, then sat enjoying the view and a well deserved snack.

: A little R & R as we take in the view and share the achievement of making it to the top.

: Dave looking out to the wilderness.

: Looking back to where we came from this morning with Pigeon House mountain to my right..

: ..and just enjoying the view some more and getting ready for the descent, as this may be even more challenging.

: Time for the descent, DB goes first, checking the rope to ensure our safety..

: ..as we all take our turn..

: ..to negotiate this very tricky..

: ..sheer cliff face..

: ..always with our guide..

: ..close at hand if needed. His shadow is just in this picture..

: ..as he watches on, very grateful when we were all down safely.

: A little squeezing through the gaps.

: A very happy Broady as we have made it to rope safety. Yeehaa!!

: Finally down from the Castle with time to explore this cave and enjoy the rest of the day..

: ..as we now walk through the Monolith Valley..

: ..which has also suffered badly in the fires but the undergrowth has started to regenerate..

: ..as we see a rock fish on the left with its mouth open wide and a crocodile mouth in the centre..

: ..a beautiful day, shared with great friends..

: ..as we encounter a few more physical challenges..

: ..and negotiate yet another rock face..

: ..both in our own styles.

: An amazing grass tree that survived the fire, growing sideways.

: A great day hiking 10.5km over 6 hours to The Castle Summit, then through the Monolith Valley and back to Cooyoyo camp for another night under the stars.