Mt Majura Mt Ainslie Loop - Morning Walk

Walk to be led jointly by my partner, Julienne McKay and myself.

A (longish) morning walk to the top of Mt Majura via the Casuarina Track and Summit Track, then back to the saddle and down Mineschaft Descent and Cherryburn Trail across to the top of Mt Ainslie on a series of footpads and trails. From there, descend west via a steep, rough footpad to join a series of tracks and footpads, leading back to the car park. Morning tea at grassy hilltop (760m) between the two mountain tops. While there is significant overlap, the planned route differs significantly from the 'classic' loop (described in All Trails), with a totally different approach to the saddle below Mt Majura, and some variation in the return from Mt Ainslie. The walk offers both panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounds and significant, and at times quite steep, ups and downs, but always on clearly defined tracks and trails. Walk will probably finish close to noon (though have allowed a bit more time below) - so not proposing to stop for lunch. Planned as a half-day walk that could suit people with time constraints. Bring adequate drinks and a good morning tea - the proposed morning tea spot is very pleasant with panoramic views to the east.

Length 14km: 4- 4.5 hours
Terrain: medium - with some steep, and in places possibly slippery, downhill stretches. Some wide tracks, some gutted footpads
Conditions: Well defined footpads and trails
Ascent: 574 m (net) maximum elevation 890m (Mt Majura is the highest peak within the Canberra City limits)
Map names: Canberra 8727-3N (covers almost the walk) and Hall 8727-4S (NOTE: Getlost version of 8727-3N has wider margins and covers the entire walk)
Transport information: communicated to walkers after bookings close. Given the walk will start within urban Canberra, formal car pooling is not proposed.

Approximate return: estimated 12.00-12.30pm