Big Monks
Sunday arvo 21 May: Big Monks, a data-driven experience # 3 – S/E. Big Monks is a trig above the deep south suburb of Banks. At 300m above the Lanyon suburbs, it commands sweeping views to Mt Tennent, Booroomba Rocks and the Bullen Range. An access road climbs steeply towards it, then a footpad. We’ll also visit ‘little monks’, then head south and off-track through open going to additional knolls. On our return, there’s the option of plunging off-track down the hill to find more hidden treasure. Around 7km and 400m climb, so we will be exercised. Walk will start at 1.30pm. Map: Tuggeranong. Leader: John Evans john@johnevans.id.au 0417 436 877. Please book by email or phone, but on Sunday morning by text only. Drive yourself to Orange Thorn Cr Banks for a 1.30pm start.
Further Information
Don’t be fooled by the S(hort)/E(asy) part of the grading in a CBC walk. All it means is that the gradable distance (distance walked + 1km for every 100m climbed) is less than 12 ‘gradable’ km and the terrain is “fire trail, tracks, beaches, etc”. A good walk description (which I try to encourage as the current Canberra Bushwalking Club Walks Secretary) should also contain the expected distance and total climb of the walk, so you can interpret the gradable distance. Thanks to the great CBC publication Finding Your Way in the Bush by George Carter, a useful measure is that Black Mountain is 200m above the Canberra business centre (Civic).
And why … a data-driven experience? The Canberra Bushwalking Club is soon to introduce a new trip control system and web site. Tomorrow is our training day for leaders, members and committee, so we wanted some real live data to work with!
Summary
Distance: 5.9km | Climb: 375m | Time: 1.35 – 4.00pm (2hrs 25mins) | Grading: S/E; E(7)
Photographs
Photographs are available, where you can start a large sized slideshow.
Waypoint and Track Files
Download the .gpx file. (Right click, Save Link As…, Save – if you want to use it.)
To use in Google Earth, do File, Open… and select Gps or All files as the File Type.
Track Notes
A beautiful Canberra Autumn afternoon, so no wonder 10 of us turned out for a breath of fresh air with less than 48 hours notice of the short notice walk.
The initial ascent of the road up towards Big Monks is steep and can knock the wind out of you. So slow and steady gets you there.
Our party split into two, with the majority completing pretty much the planned route. Huge thanks to Mike B for taking over. A couple of us enjoyed little monks and Big Monks.
Beautiful colour in the suburban deciduous trees and lovely views to the hills and features to the west.
Many thanks for your company from old and new friends. Always great to seize the opportunity for some fresh air.
Track Map
Party
10 walkers – Mike B, Mike B, Andrea C, David G, Nathan H, David L, Julie M, Llewellyn S, Ian T, me.