Mt Walsh Loop

This trial combines together the normal route up Mt Walsh with the descent and ascent of the two other Pinnacles in the Mt Walsh area called the Tassels track. This track is difficult and contains elements of smooth rock assent, cliff edges, confined spaces and chimney climbs over mostly uneven surfaces. Many people have attempted to tape the route however much of the tape degenerates over time and although a good guide at times it is hard to find.

The track starts off at the normal place for Mt Walsh at the picnic area and slowly Stevens becomes more uneven as it progresses upwards. Eventually you hit a smooth rock area which requires you to carefully place your feet and work upwards through a crevice. Climbing slowly upwards you will eventually hit the part most people have problems with on Mt Walsh which requires you to climb vertically up a small chimney to move on.

Just beyond this section you come to the top where you will see a whole bunch of boulders. In this route I went across to an adjoining higher section via a little chasm that allows you to a send to a slightly higher top. After visiting this section within came back to where we came up and then went across to the cliffs that look down on the other two Pinnacles. This gives you a good understanding of what will come next and those feeling tired should pull out now.

The next section requires you to come back to where you came up and progress down the other side of the mountain looking for a Gully that slowly descends to the side of a cliff face on the other side of the mountain. From the base of this cliff face you proceed down the mountain to where the cliff face swings around to the north where you continue to follow before coming up to the saddle between the first pinnacle and the second pinnacle.

This puts you in the rock area which can be seen from the distance which forms the eagle shaped rock structure. A good place to have a break add admire the cliffs of the first pinnacle. From here you come back down a bit from they rocks in the saddle and then proceed around the base of the cliffs of the second pinnacle. Eventually they start ascending and take you up the side of the second pinnacle.

From here you will see a cave. Proceed into the cave and you will see light at the other end up above you and you must ascend up through the cave out through the top to get to the next section. I recommend taking your backpacks off to do this.

Once above here you will send a little bit and then follow round to the left of the Pinnacle to find the track. Some of our team ascended to the top of the boulders that formed the second pinnacle. Once you're on the northside of that pinnacle you follow around the base of the top boulders and then down into the gully adjoining the second and third pinnacles.

You may have to drop down into the gully. The track from here continues directly opposite where you come down up through the boulders to eventually hit the top of the third pinnacle. From the top of the third pinnacle you drift to the left of the mountain where you follow a chain of stacked boulders down the north side of the third pinnacle before eventually drifting back to pick up the spur that takes you back to the car park.

I note that depending on the time of the year cobblers pegs are highly prevalent and can be an absolute pain. Best conditions are therefore August to September where the cobblers pegs seeds have all fallen. This route is definitely too hot to do in summer. Ignore the timings we took over 6 hours to do this route.