Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
11 Hrs
17 km
2493 m
Return
3.2 km S of Katoomba
Blue Mountains National Park
Track: Moderate
One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long but amazing day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch the train up in time or be prepared to walk out one of the alternate routes either via Furber Steps or via Golden Staircase.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking track
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(0 km) Scenic World to Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - railtrail
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -187 m
From Scenic World the track goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. This is a 415m long journey and is the world's steepest railway. At the bottom the track comes to a great viewing platform of the valley. Use of the railway costs $10 for adults and $5 for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More info
(0.22 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Scenic World Alternative Exit: Walk: Easy - bushtrack, footpath ( Show detail)
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 1 Hrs 45 mins
Climb = 671 m
Descent = -212 m
From the Scenic Railway Platform the track heads north-east through the gate signposted as the Blue Mountains National Park and along the bushtrack. This goes along the flat next to the cliffs until reaching an intersection with a bushtrack climbing up the cliffs to the left. From the intersection the track heads up the stairs. After the first section the track flattens out slightly as it zig-zags up the hill. The track also goes under several large overhangs. This section finishes when the track comes to an intersection signposted as the way to Vera's Grotto. From the intersection the track goes up the stairs and goes through a beautiful temperate rainforest section. After this the track breaks into the open and goes up a narrow set of stairs. These continue until the track arrives at Furber Lookout. From Furber Lookout the track goes up the set of stairs until coming to the bushtrack. This curves around the cliffs until coming an intersection next to a large rocky outcrop. From the lookout the track goes down the small flight of stairs and at the bottom comes to an intersection with a bushtrack. From the lookout the track heads up the stairs until at the top coming to a large overhang in the cliffs. At this point there is an information sign on the wildlife in the area. From here the track flattens out and continues north-west for a short while before coming to an intersection signposted as the way to Katoomba Falls. From the lookout the track heads up the stairs and at the top curves to the north-east shorlty before coming to a well signposted lookout. From the lookout the track heads up the stairs until reaching the intersection. At this point there are signs pointing along te Round Walk and to the Skyway. From the intersection the track heads south-west along the base of the cliffs. Shortly after the intersection the track begins to go up a set of stairs. Just after passing the wire safety fence the track comes to an intersection with a track going out towards the cliffs. From the intersection the track heads up the stairs going to the top of the cliffs. This climbs several metal staircases until near the top where it comes to a good lookout just off the track with views of Katoomba Falls. Up the final set of stairs and the track comes to an intersection signposted as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. From the intersection the track heads west along the bushtrack. Shortly after curving to the south and going up a very gradual set of stairs the track comes to an intersection at the end of a footbridge. This has several green scenic world signs at it. From the intersection the track heads south along the footbridge. Shortly after this enters into Scenic World.
(0.22 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bushtrack Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - duckboard
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -15 m
From the bottom of the Scenic Railway on the upper viewing platform the track heads south-west along the boardwalk (this has great views over the valley and cliffs). The track passes an old replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this the track comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh drinkable water. This is clearly signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk the track comes to an intersection with a bushtrack going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide.
(0.36 km) Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bushtrack to Landslide Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.1 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 121 m
Descent = -135 m
From the intersection the track heads south-west following the signposts towards the Landslide along the bushtrack. This winds around and the track is largely a bushtrack with frequent small boulders strewn along it. Frequently old mine shafts are just off the track as well as mine markers. The track continues in this manner passing under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a relatively good view of the area just before the landslide. At this point the track continues around to the north and at this point the track becomes considerably rougher with frequent boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the Landslide and cliffs above as the vegetation is quite sparse compared to the track at the start of the component.
(1.45 km) Landslide to Bottom of Golden Staircase Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.5 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 223 m
Descent = -177 m
From the eastern side of the Landslide the track heads south across the face of the Landslide. At this point the track is quite rough with frequent boulders making it a slight scramble. The trail continues in this manner until reaching the western side of the Landslide where the track becomes a narrow and flat bushtrack that follows the line of the cliffs. The surrounding trees at the point are quite dense producing an extremely peaceful feeling to the area. The trail continues in this manner before coming to an intersection with a set of stairs clearly signposted as the 'Golden Staircase'.
(2.96 km) Bottom of Golden Staircase to Scenic World Alternative Exit: Track: Moderate - bushtrack, road ( Show detail)
Distance = 2.4 km
Time = 1 Hrs 20 mins
Climb = 380 m
Descent = -229 m
From the intersection the track follows the Golden Stairs sign up the hill past the termite mound. The track heads west up the broad spur along a bush track. Before to long the track heads up the first set of rock and metal stairs. After this climb the track is relatively flat for a little while before another similar climb up similar stairs. Then the track makes it way around a gully to the base of a cliff. Here the track is flat for a while heading between the cliff and the fence for about 100m before another small climb up through a gap in the rock to Botting's Lookout. This lookout is signposted, fenced and provides nice views of the Katoomba escarpment including the Three Sisters. From Botting's Lookout the track initially heads west, up the hill and past a couple of switch backs. Soon the track turns north and gently makes it way up to the Golden Stairs car park on Glenrapael Dr. From the carpark the track heads along north-east along the servicetrail (Glen Raphael Rd) until reaching Cliff Drive. At this point the track turns left and goes along Cliff Drive for approximately 25m before turning right and going down along a bushtrack between the houses. This goes for approximately 60m before coming to an intersection with Cedar St. At this point the track turns right and follows the road east until coming to Scenic World.
(2.96 km) Bottom of Golden Staircase to Ruined Castle (Nth) Walk: Easy - Bush Track
Distance = 2.7 km
Time = 1 Hrs
Climb = 110 m
Descent = -185 m
From the intersection the track heads south and gradually around to the east following the signs towards Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary. The track continues along the flat, well managed and shrouded bushtrack until coming to an intersection with the Ruined Castle Circuit. This is clearly signposted. Several hundred metres before reaching the intersection the track passes several small campsites that are just off to the side of the track. These vary in their size and most have fire scars.
(5.63 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Ruined Castle (South) Alternative ROUTE: Track: Moderate - Bush Track ( Show detail)
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -97 m
From the intersection the track heads south-east along the flat bushtrack following the signpost towards Mt Solitary. This continues along the flat and at several points it is possible to see across the valley over to the Landslide. Accompanying this there are also frequent campsites down off the side of the hill to the left. The track continues in this manner until coming to a small campsite that is just off the side of the track. This is just before the track goes down slightly. From the intersection the track heads south-east down the hill slightly before flattening out and continuing along the narrow bushtrack. This goes through the ferns and low undergrowth before coming to an intersection with a bushtrack signposted as part of the Ruined Castle Circuit. At this point there are several signposts providing information on the Circuit as well as the track to Mt Solitary.
(5.63 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Ruined Castle (South) Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 85 m
Descent = -158 m
From the intersection the track follows the sign towards the 'ruined castle'. This goes up the hill to the south-west relatively steeply (please heed the sign saying that this trail is easily degraded). At the top of the first hill the track flattens out slightly, turning to the south-east. This continues until the track goes around to the right and behind the Castle. On the south-eastern side of this it is possible to climb up the large boulders o a magnificent lookout over the Katoomba Valley. The views from the top here are absolutely amazing and definitely worth the climb.. Back on the track the trail continues to the north-east beginning to steeply descend until coming to an intersection with another bushtrack. At this point there are several information signs providing information on the bushwalks in the area.
(6.66 km) Ruined Castle (South) to Mt Solitary Lookout Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.8 km
Time = 1 Hrs 55 mins
Climb = 686 m
Descent = -389 m
From the intersection the track follows the signposts towards Mt Solitary. At this point the track is relatively flat and goes through the ferns however after a short while the track begins to climb steeply and steadily up the spur towards the top of Mt Solitary. This is achieved by an extremely wide bushtrack that over time has been widened by walkers choosing the best route for them. Once reaching the top of this first spur the track continues north-east along a relatively flat bushtrack for a short while before beginning to rise again. At this point the track is consistently steep and there are several small climbs with the track following small signs including spraypainted marks until just before the top where there is a good lookout to the west.
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famou
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