Western Budawangs, July 1994 - by Daphne McCann

As promised by Ray and Leila we achieved five peaks on this very interesting weekend. We started off on the Klum track, leaving it to climb Flat Top Mountain, then south to find a superb level campsite on Running Creek. After lunch we climbed Castle Hill, a short distance from camp, where views were magnificent. A great campfire with equally good company was followed by a cold night and we were packed and ready to leave by 8.30am.

Travelling southeast we crossed a track and arrived at Square Top Mountain where we followed the cliffline, admiring the wonderful vegetation as we went. We found a way up on the eastern point and were treated to the magnificent scenery of the Budawangs. Further to the east a short time later we reached Fosters Mountain which we climbed near the camping cave, looking for a lunch spot. This we found and enjoyed a leisurely lunch in a protected sunny spot with the ever present scenery to enjoy.

Leaving Fosters we proceeded down from the saddle to join a track and on to Round Mountain. Our fifth and final peak was as impressive as the others. We then followed the track in the beautiful late afternoon sunshine, accompanied by the sounds of the varied wildlife in the area, past Michael Dowling's Hut, which is being restored. It was good to see happy new faces on this walk, Fiona, Trish and Jennifer, we hope to see you back soon.