Bushwalking Logo

Bushwalking



Sat 3 Aug 2013 10:30am - 6:00pm

Posted by Ingrid E on Thu, 25 Jul 2013
Leaders: Ingrid E
Standard: n/a
Meeting: Tue, 30 Jul 2013, 7:10 pm


Requirements: Everyone interested in doing a training/preparation hike on a steep incline with a heavy backpack. Fairly fit as the elevation will be at least 1000m - and it's a return trip so at least 1000m down hill too.

Hey all,

I've found this nice and steep walk as enjoyable as it can be when training to go uphill with a heavy backpack. A few weeks ago I did the walk with a full heavy backpack and now I'm planning to do it again with a bit more heavier backpack :)

The hike up to the top of Mt Donna Buang is starting from Warburton, at the end/top of Martyr Road. The hike passes through beautiful lush mountain ash forest with pockets of spectacular cool temperate rainforest.

As this is a training or preparation hike, I encourage you all to bring your heavy backpacks with pretty much everything you would carry on an overnight hike or up to Midnight Ascent so you can get the proper feel of the weight on your back and will have time to adjust or carry less/pack better etc. There's no rush up to the top, for the hardest and steepest section we will split up and you will be encouraged to go at a pace you feel comfortable with. This allows you to go as fast or slow as you want, as well as to better appreciate the spectacular forest around you. We will then re-group at the junction on the road further up the mountain.

Grade: Hard, 1000m elevation incline
Distance: 15km return (including circuit up to Mt Victoria)
From Melbourne: 70km (roughly 1 hour and 20 min driving time)

Limit of walkers: 15

Who can join: Everyone interested in doing a training/preparation hike on a steep section, it's beginner friendly as long as you're mentally prepared for the steepest part of the hike (at the start and end of the walk). If you need a gear list or what you should pack please let me know.

What's special: Fern gullies, spectacular lush forest scenery, nice views of upper Yarra Valley, great fitness and endurance training if you're planning to do steep/harder hikes or Midnight Ascent and haven't been carrying a heavy backpack for a long time. Chance of snow at the top if it's cold enough.

For the day you'll need to bring at least 2 litres of water, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves and beanie, gaiters as the steepest sections are quite muddy after rain, down jacket if you have one otherwise layers on layers so you can stay warm once we've stopped for lunch,  all food and snacks for the day (suggesting BBQ food for lunch as there's a BBQ on top of Mt Donna Buang which we can use free of charge) and your heavy backpack carrying all the stuff that you want to carry, sunnies, headtorch, toilet paper and plastic bags, small first aid kit and camera.

Hope to see you guys,
 Ingrid - you can reach me on i n g r i d e f t o d i @ g m a i l. c o m for any questions - trip meeting will happen on Tuesday 30th of July at 7.10pm at the club rooms


Back to list of trips