Beeripmo overnight walk - how steep is the first day?

[GazmanfromMelbourne]

Some websites rate this walk as difficult while others rate as suitable for novices.

[Eremophila]

The first day is "moderate". It is quite steep uphill for a while after you leave the car park.

The second day is really easy.

[Drummo62]

There are 3 reasonable climbs on the first day but all are short. The first climb from Richards to the top of the falls is only about 800 metres (long not vertical) If you havent hiked hills with a pack its a bit of an awakening but is probably the hardest climb on the walk. Levels out for a bit then a short climb to the top of Cave Hill. The last climb of the day is up Sugarloaf - again not long but steepish then an easy stroll to Beeripmo camp. Lots of downhill on day 2. I live 45 mins away and have done it as an overnighter, day walk and run and it is an excellent introductory overnighter.

[benjabimon]

The first bit after you leave Richards is pretty steep when you hit the falls, but there are a lot of steps cut out so it isn't so bad. It levels off somewhat and to echo what was written above, the next steep bit is Sugarloaf. Both are kind of steep, but I remember them as being not to bad all up because it the steep sections were not too long. It is a good novice walk, particularly since the official notes say something like 5 hours from the start to the Beeripmo overnight campground. From experience this is a huge overestimation of the time it will take. You will no doubt smash it out easy

When I was there about a month ago there was also water in the tank at the Beeripmo campground too, if you wanted to filter/purify water up there and save yourself some weight.

It's a short walk, but I found it was a really pretty area to be walking through. Enjoy

[Drew]

Definitely suitable for novices.

[Strider]

Does this help?

Credit to dplanet (I stole it from her blog).

http://dztrek.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/b ... wallk.html

[Eremophila]

I was not far west of Ararat last 2 weeks ago and the whole region looks to have had good rain recently, so you should be fine for water.

Could also check with DSE Beaufort who may or may not have info regarding water tank levels: 5349 2404

One thing I found with the Beeripmo campsite, even though it's in forest it is quite breezy being more or less on top of the hill.

[bmak]

I live really close by and did it as a quick day trip just Friday gone.
I decided to do it in reverse this time starting from the climb before sugarloaf.
In reverse the climb from Richards to mugwamp feels like it never ends and I was pretty tired by the time I finished.
Plenty of water around at the moment so it's a great time to go.

I'd say it's a medium day walk or easy 2 day walk with a pack. Very easy trail to follow.

I did it in just under 4 hrs with a small pack.

[GazmanfromMelbourne]

Thanks everyone for the excellent information. I can now plan to do this walk with confidence.

All the best for your walking.

[Snowzone]

I'd say it's a medium day walk or easy 2 day walk with a pack. Very easy trail to follow.

Spot on bmak. Plenty of water available at the moment. Are you doing it as an overnight or a daywalk?