Leader: Lionel Sonntag

Capertee valley: Pantoney's Crown

27 July 2019

An 80 leaders walk

Photos Roy Jamieson, Henry Lacina and Fiona Sonntag

Participants:

Lionel Sonntag, Fiona Sonntag, Henry Lacina, Rogo Owens, Warwick Blake, Carolyn Blake, Brian Piper, Ewa Jazwinski, Roy Jamieson, Carol Thompson, Jim Romanowski and prospective Mark de Wolf.

Walk description:

Approaching from the north via private property we follow a ridge to the steep slopes of Pantoney's Crown. There is a rock scramble to get onto the Crown for which ropes can be set for assistance if needed. Great views are your reward. Walk subject to land owner approval. Map: Ben Bullen

Report:

On a sunny July morning we met at Lithgow information centre at 8am and car pooled to the walk start. A short stop was held at Pearson’s lookout (5 minutes before Capertee) which gave a great side view of Pantoney's Crown and our proposed route. We started walking from Dom’s property across the fields to the Gardens of Stone National Park fence. After entering the park
we followed a slightly overgrown track along the ridge which was very dry.

Careful steps were taken along Grevillea ridge so as not to damage the rare grevilleas. Tall grass trees were abundant and there were good views of the northern end of the Crown.

The steep slopes of the Crown were very loose and crumbly. Morning tea was enjoyed at a sandstone cave before tackling the rock scrambles to the top of the Crown. Ropes were used for assistance in two of the ascents and the final ascent was via a short tunnel and a chute.

The walk across the top involved navigating a number of interesting pagodas and provided fantastic views of Capertee valley and the surrounding escarpments. Lunch was at the southern end. After a quick photo at the cairn we retraced our steps. Our total ascent/descent was 700 metres and the route 14km.

After the walk we enjoyed refreshments at the Capertee Hotel.