VK2/CW-017 Belougery Split Rock

VK2/CW-017 Belougery Split Rock, 08th April-2019, VK2NU/P

This was the first completed summit on a 5 day trip to the Warrumbungle and Mount Kaputar National Parks (a 5 hour drive from the Central Coast).

During planning for the trip I had shortlisted a dozen or so summits. Three of these I visited prior to VK2/CW-017 but was unable to gain access due to locked gates on the trails. Not a good start to the trip, and at this rate I would run out of summits to activate. 

I wanted to activate at least one summit on first day, but was running out of time, so I though I would do one with a shortish walk. 

A single main road (John Renshaw Parkway) runs through the park and everything is well signposted! Access to the park is not free, but a 1 year single park pass was only $22 at the visitors centre.

 Map showing the main road, and the Split Rock Track that circles the Mountain (although the map suggests there is a break in the track, there is not).

Photo of summit from Split Rock Carpark.

Signposted start of walk, via Burbie trail, and then turning left onto the Split Rock Circuit

Park employee?

One of the main info boards detailing the various walks and tracks.

The track is easy to follow but steep with lots of loose rocks and poor footing, and care needs to be taken. After a 5 hour drive to the park and a 3.30am start, I was feeling it all the way. It was also mid-day, and temperatures were in the high 20's with little shade.

About halfway around there is a side-trail to the summit.

 The sign says it all.....

The first 10m is easy, it's just a shame the stairs didn't continue to the summit.

The 800m or so to the summit area, is a scramble over exposed rock, which at times is very, very steep. It is well marked with reflective squares and white paint, and at points attempts have even been made to cut steps into the rock. THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED.

 Paint splashes mark the route

 Steps chiseled into the rock at parts.

Paint and reflective squares.  The photo does not do justice to how steep the fall would be!!

Posts cemented into the rock, that I assume once supported a rope or chain to help the climb!

And again.

The last stage was a real slog, and I was sore, tired and hungry. Views from the top were great, but I was only interested in making my 4 contacts and getting down. I actually manged 8, including Tony VK2WFT on 2m, who was waiting for me at the carpark.

 Scenic shot, Mt Exmouth VK2/CW-002 is the largest summit in the photo.

 A different direction

 And another

 Mt Woorut VK2/CW-003 to the right

 Trail photo, about 200m to go!

 The summit is up there, somewhere?? Shows how steep the climb is!

 Loop trail, on the way home!

And again

Total walking distance is about 4.6km! Not the toughest summit I've done, but very painful on the feet due to the rough track.

Total time including operating was about 4 hours.