This walk starts with a scenic walk along the Blue Tiles Walking Trail enjoying the sights and sounds of the Molonglo Gorge. After a short break at the Blue Tiles Picnic Area, we contour around to the North West into the Nature Reserve exploring the mainly open grassy woodlands with its numerous spurs and gullies and unused/used fire trails. We will drop down one of the spurs to the South West returning to our starting point. This part of the walk involves mainly off trail walking, with at times steep sections, possibly slippery and unstable underfoot. Walking pole(s) might be useful at times and gaiters are a must to protect legs.
Hike fit: The linear distance of 9.5km with an adjustment for elevation gain of 465m makes this equivalent to approx. “14km” hike. Given the nature of the terrain (surface, vegetation, steepness) and the length/elevation gain/loss the hike is likely to be “moderately strenuous”, take approximately “3.5-4.0hrs” to complete and best suited for walkers with “a good level of fitness”, whom are “comfortable off track” and in the last 3 months have hiked regularly and completed successfully at least one hike equivalent to a club grading of “M”/”M”. Nature Connection: Please note this walk will involve deliberate periods of quiet, attentive, and reflective mindful walking to foster a more immersive experience of and deeper connection with the country we will be walking in.