This is a nice, comfortable, out of the way walk that my uncle showed me a couple of years ago. It’s not widely known but shows the walker a marvelous view of the southern arm of the Grose Valley where it joins the Grand Canyon and Govett Gorge. The track is not clearly defined so take somebody with some experience!

The track begins at the end Grand Canyon Rd. Travelling from Sydney follow the highway past Katoomba. Just after the Hydro Majestic the road dog-legs right and then left over the railway at Meadlow Bath. Follow the road to the right over the bridge but turn off to the right immediately into Railway Pde. Take the fourth left into Rutland Rd, which turns into Grand Canyon Rd. Continue past Katoomba airport until you reach the end.

Some years ago this used to be a four wheel drive track, but it was closed (as is evidenced by the barriers) and the bush allowed to regrow. As such there is no defined track where the four wheel drive trail peaters out. Take a topo if you need it - I believe the track is on the Katoomba map - but don’t fret if you don’t have one. I would never normally advise a trip on a non-marked track without a topo, but its not far and your return course is always in sight. A sheltered picnic area and water tank is provided at the start. Fill up - there is no drinking water on the track.

Initially the route is level and follows the old four wheel drive track for about half a click along the cliff. The best views are a little off track closer to the cliff and if your adventurous feel free to scramble down a bit. It’s rough, steep and slippery but you don’t need to venture too far. For those that feel safer up top you’ll get a good view soon.

The trail becomes narrower, veering to the left through the scrub and leads to an open grassland. Here the track basically ends and turns into a water course meandering down the side of the hill. Now’s a good time to fill you out on where your headed. You’ll notice that to the right the land curves round in front forming a bit of a gully down below. Beyond the gully the land climbs again to the trees. The water course wind its way down the hill and then veers left behind the foliage just in front to your left following the gully. For now just follow the water course down.

As the track enters the gully it leads into a marshy swamp. Lots of tall grass and probably a fair bit of water. The more defined track suddenly ends but you can make your own way to the cliff edge without a lot of bother. Lots of long grass and thick foliage. As with most gullies the wind near the cliff can be rather strong at times and can blow the inattentive traveller off the edge. Just a thought.

When you get to the edge you’ll discover a rarely seen view of the Grose Valley. The waterfall you hear to your left is Beauchamp Falls. Occasionally, if the wind is right, spray from the falls is remarkably refreshing in summer and I’ve seen a rainbow of colours in the mist. Further around is Evan’s Lookout, Bridal Veil Falls (the highest in the mountains) and Govett’s Leap. On a clear day you might just see Pulpit Rock directly ahead.

Just head back the way you came to get to the car. You might want to stay a while however. Certainly a more interesting picnic site.