Ever noticed that sharp looking range to the East as you drive down to Cooma on the Monaro Hwy when you're passing Michelago? Ever wanted to walk along it? That's where I'm headed, and I'm looking for two experienced bushwalkers to join me for a two night, three day bash.
For most of the range there is no track, and the bush is thick in sections (mainly at the start). Due to the limited access to water up there, we will have to carry water expecting not to find any up there. So heavy packs! So lots of bush-bashing! So not many campsites, and thus long days to get to appropriate sites, requiring a speedy pace through the bush. SoUnDs fUn RiGhT?
It's actually a great experience and quite different to most bushwalks, and there are some lovely wild areas along the way. The first campsite is a top-notch spot near Twin Tinderry (Twinderry) Peak, and very memorable. The second campsite is dependent on how far we go and where we can find a good campsite. There is much more room the further south we go along the range, hence why speed through the bush is important.
In total the distance is about 30 km, with about 15 km of firetrail and 15 km off-track. About a third of the off-track walking is on rock, which is must faster.
To come on this trip you must have experience bush-bashing through fairly thick bush, experience with multi-day bushwalks carrying a 20+ kg pack and the ability to have fun during some tougher conditions. The main idea is that this won't be a stroll in the park, but it won't be excessively hard either and anyone with the experience listed above will do fine. We will also be sharing a tent due to space considerations, as I cannot guarantee two campsites near one another. I have a (somewhat cosy) three person tent that I will take.
Park on/near Tinderry Rd, near where it intersects W Tinderry Trail. Take W Tinderry Trail to closest point to Twin Tinderry Peak. Bash towards Twin Tinderry Peak, and camp nearby. Next day continue along the range, dip down and back up to Tinderry Peak, and toward Gulwan. Camp dependent on how far we get. Pass Gulwan, approach the road, but head west before reaching the road down the ridge toward the car.