Rob Roy Range Nature Reserve- Nth to SW

This walk is for club members only. The loop route connects the northern section of the Rob Roy Nature Reserve with the south/western side. Starting in the north, we will head along foot pads and off trail south west along various gullies and spurs until we join the fire trail leading to Big Monks. From Big Monks we continue along the various knolls and spurs to the south before veering north west followed by a very steep ascent off-trail along a spur to meet up with the fire trail and foot pad that leads to Mt Rob Roy. From Mt Rob Roy we head north along the fire trail before heading to the north west off trail through the woodland forest following a series of spurs and gullies and with one last climb to take in the views of the reserve and back to the start. The walk will be predominately off-trail, criss-crossing the undulating landscape with some very steep sections and rocky/grassy slopes that are slippery and/or unstable under foot with varying thickness of vegetation from open grasslands to moderate-thick scrub. Walking pole(s) and gloves might be useful at times and gaiters a must to protect legs. Hike fit: The linear distance of (15 km) with an adjustment for elevation gain of (950m) makes this equivalent to a “24.5km” hike. Given the nature of the terrain (surface, vegetation, steepness) and the length/elevation gain/loss the hike is likely to be “very strenuous”, take approximately “6.5hrs” to complete and best suited for walkers with “a high level of fitness”, whom are interested in nature connection and 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.