Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve

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 Northwest 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 Southwest returning to our starting point. This part of the walk involves mainly off trail walking, undulating landscape with at times steep sections, possibly slippery and unstable underfoot. Walking pole(s) might be useful at times and gaiters and/or long pants a must to protect legs from injury. With an approximate linear distance of 9.5km with an adjustment for elevation gain of 250m makes this equivalent to a 12km track walk. Given the nature of the terrain (surface, vegetation, steepness) and the length/elevation gain/loss the hike is likely to be take approximately 3.5hrs to complete and best suited for walkers with a moderate level of fitness, who are comfortable off track and have completed successfully at least one 10km hike in the past month. Nature Connection: This walk intentionally balances social walking with short, clearly defined periods of quiet, attentive mindful walking and a brief sit spot to foster a more immersive experience of and a deeper engagement with the landscape. Participants should be comfortable with occasional silence and willing to engage respectfully with this rhythm of walking. Conversation is warmly welcomed at all other times.