Winmalee Day Hike, Blue Mountains

“Some walks are measured in kilometres and elevation, while others are measured in the moments that stick with you.”

The 20 km Winmalee Loop track with almost 500 m of elevation was definitely both. We set out on fire trails that quickly became uphill and downhill rock scrambles, the challenge being trying to concentrate on every step whilst being so distracted by the show of spring colours of wildflowers.

 The trails opened up to towering blue gums and forests of ferns. We managed a gorgeous gentle glorious moments of quiet forest bathing interrupted by the whip bird, screeching white cockatoos and majestic black cockatoos with their haunting calls flying overhead. The fire trails climbed forever, their loose marble-like rocks kept us alert with every step. There were challenging rock climbs that tested our balance and legs, but each push forward rewarded us with breath taking views across parts of the Blue Mountains many of us had never seen before and incredible glimpses of the Wollemi Pines, but we can never reveal the location.

Nearing the end of the hike one of the highlights was reaching a beautiful grotto, a cool peaceful haven with a wall of ferns and a waterfall as a backdrop where we enjoyed homemade cookies and savoured the quiet.

Our theme for our day was holding on to hope, and it showed up in simple ways, when the climbs felt never ending, red frogs were passed around for a burst of energy, and our hope of finishing the trail restored. Friendly encouragement and trail mix with every flavour imaginable helped us focus on the incredible experience not just the tired muscles. It was a challenging, beautiful day and a reminder of how good it is to walk these trails together with friends.

Tamara S