Wednesday walk, Medium - Tallaganda forest and a cascade

A circuit of 8 to 9 km in Tallaganda State Forest, with one and a half viewpoints, a cascade, some glades and beautiful old growth forest. The main view point, from a granite outcrop, is sometimes called Window View Rocks. About 4 hours actual walking, plus lunch and other breaks. We should be back at the cars by 2.30 pm. We will spend about a third of the time on management trails, a third on footpads/biketracks, and a third off-track. The off-track will include some steep slopes with loose stones, some knee-high logs to step over, leaf litter and bark that may be slippery, but not much scrub. The route undulates; the main descent is 100 vertical metres and the main climb is 70 vertical metres. The pace on the uphills and rougher sections will be slowish. The ACT Conservation Council will be screening a film on Tallaganda on 7th September; if you are planning to attend, this walk is an opportunity to see why conservation groups want this forest turned into national park.

The forecast for the Tallaganda area is for 'a shower or two' totalling 2 mm. Max about 12 degrees. Bring warm layers, a warm hat as well as a sun hat, a rain jacket, gaiters, lunch, snacks and water. Gloves and waterproof overpants recommended.

We will car-pool in Queanbeyan. The drive is 55 minutes from Queanbeyan, via Captains Flat to avoid some bridge closures. About 20 minutes of the drive is on well-maintained gravel road suitable for 2WDs. Fuel costs are $60 per car.

No need to book. Meet at the Spotlight carpark, 6 Bungendore Road, Queanbeyan, at 8.20 am, to be ready to start on or before 8.30 am. If you have not previously done a Wednesday walk or have any questions, contact the leader, Linda Groom, lbgroom@gmail.com or 0474 507 259.