
SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
CAMINO TRAINING WALK + MEETUP – Woodford
JOIN US for our regular last Saturday of the month Camino-style walk – this month at Woodford. You may have already walked a Camino in Europe or you may aspire to one day walk a Camino or other pilgrimages. Walking with the Blue Mountains Camino group is an opportunity to walk in the beautiful Blue Mountains with like-minded people. You will learn more about preparing for a Camino and why our walks are more than just a walk.
Two options are offered for our training walk, an easy walk and a medium walk. To join the medium walk you must have walked with the Blue Mountains Camino group previously – no first timers.
To join a walk:
* You must bring snacks.
* You must carry at least 1.5 litres of water.
We will picnic in the Woodford Academy grounds after the walk. Bring your own picnic and supplies.
WALK INFORMATION
Both the easy and the medium walks start in Woodford Reserve on Vale St, Woodford, near Woodford Academy. Park on Vale Rd. Location. Additional parking is available on Woodford Rd.
There are toilets at 20 Mile Hollow cafe, 68 Great Western Highway, Woodford.
Walk 1 – Easy
Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start
Distance: 7 km. About 3 hours
Description: A mix of fire trails, gravel roads and bush tracks alongside Woodford Creek and past pretty Mabel Falls. Some suburb walking on the return. Bring food and drink as there are no shops on this walk.
Walk leader: Sharise
Walk 2 – Medium
Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start
Distance: 11km. About 4 hours
Description: The route follows a quiet suburban road for a short distance before entering the Blue Mountains National Park. The Transit of Venus Track takes us down to visit Mabel Falls, then meets up with a fire road which starts off with a steep climb. Then it’s a steep descent along the bitumen to reach Woodford Creek. We’ll take a morning tea break on the edge of Woodford lake. Bring a thermos if you like, as well as snacks. We return the same way along the base of the valley before turning off to take a rather long and steep fire trail up to the top of the ridge to Woodford Avenue which brings us back to the Academy.
Walk leader: Margaret
To join the medium walk you must have walked with the Blue Mountains Camino group previously – no first timers. You also need to be confident of your fitness to walk for 3-4 hours.
MEETUP INFORMATION
We will hold our regular Camino meetup in the gardens of the Woodford Academy. Please bring a picnic and a chair or blanket to sit on. BMCS will provide tea and coffee.
The meetup runs from 1:30-3:00pm. This is a relaxed and informal opportunity to hear from guest speakers about various topics, including recent Camino experiences, Camino gear, taking care of feet, travelling to various pilgrimages, and most importantly – just mingling with like-minded and future pilgrims. This month we’ll hear from Johann and Tony about their experience walking the Via Podiensis. We’d like to hear your Camino gear tips. If you have a particular piece of gear you have taken on a Camino please bring it along to show others. If planning a Camino, bring your gear questions.
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WALKING SAFETY
Please read this before you attempt any of our training walks.
You are welcome on our walks, but please read the following carefully before deciding to do a walk.
Your safety is your responsibility. You must know your walking ability.
The walk coordinator on the day has the authority to withdraw you from the walk if they believe the walk is not suitable for you and they believe you may put yourself (and others) at risk.
1. Read our notes about the walk carefully, and be aware of the difference between the grades of walks.
Easy walks are usually on well-formed fire roads or bush paths, with limited stairs or steep parts. Elevation gains during the walk are typically small to moderate. Distances 5-12 kms.
Medium walks also include walking on well-formed fire roads and bush paths but are generally more challenging walks and faster pace. People more accustomed to bushwalking trails should consider this option. If you’re not experienced on rougher ground, or are not confident about your current fitness level then choose the first (easy) walk to build up your confidence. Distances typically 12-16kms.
2. Do not attempt either walks if you have any health concerns, have cold or flu symptoms or are otherwise unwell.
3. Wear appropriate footwear and bring ample water (minimum 1.5 litres). Walking poles can be useful.
4. Wear and bring appropriate walking gear, the weather in the mountains can change rapidly so always have a rain jacket or poncho. Bring a hat for sun and rain protection.
5. Carry a basic first aid kit including snake bandage, sunscreen, insect repellent.
4. The group is only as fast as its slowest walker. If you are unsure about being able to keep up with the group for the entire walk, start with the easy walk.
5. All walkers will meet at the start of the walk. If you are unsure of the route, make sure you buddy up with someone who does. An experienced walker will walk at the rear of the group.
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All our Blue Mountains Camino events are subject to severe weather events. If events are restricted or the organisers determine conditions are not safe for pilgrims to gather together the walk will be cancelled. Your registration fee will be fully refunded in that case.
More information about the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters: https://bluemountainscamino.au
If you have any questions, please email info@bluemountainscamino.au