After a challenging day looking after sick children, I was lucky to be offered enough time for a quick stroll to the base of Wentworth Falls. This is a nice, accessible option with lots of steps and beautiful views all the way. It seemed like a good place to stretch my legs, as judging from my fitness climbing out of the Grose Valley last weekend, I knew I needed to walk some more hills!
I tend to avoid this area on weekends as it can get extremely busy, but even today (Friday) there were a lot of people on the track. It certainly deserves its popularity as a tourist hot spot. While I never tire of the stunning National Pass, this time instead of continuing around to the Valley of the Waters I took the turnoff to Slacks Stairs and continued down through the lower cliff line to the base of the falls.
This is a very steep descent on a series of steel ladders and I met a group of young women here who baulked at the prospect of trusting the ladders and seemed disinclined to continue down. But although they require concentration and sure-footedness to avoid a fall, they are extremely sturdy.
It was very peaceful at the bottom of the lower falls, separated from the bustle above by 300m of sheer sandstone walls. After a brief moment taking in the majesty of the surrounds I turned my footsteps upwards, and I’m pleased to say the climb back to the carpark felt quite comfortable today. The training must be working!
