Mt Talaterang (Budawangs) - advice please

[cajun]

I am looking for a reasonable day walk around the Milton / Ulladulla region.

Mt Talaterang appears to fit the bill. Most of my research has suggested 8 hours return. A search here wasn't all that positive ...

Has anyone completed it lately?
Is there much scrambling?


We have completed Didthul (Pigeon House), really enjoyed it, and plan to do it again the following day.

Many thanks in advance.

[Walk_fat boy_walk]

Haven't done it myself but from people I've spoken to it's a challenging, but doable day walk. They didn't mention any particularly airy scrambling but that doesn't mean there isn't. Stating the obvious that it's a rather big step up from Pigeon House... maybe try the Castle as an intermediate step? Not 'easy' by any means but a well known quantity at least.

In any case if you do Talaterang I'd be interested in seeing a report for my own reference

[cajun]

Thanks WFBW.

I think you are right. The Castle was my first choice but my wife felt that the scrambling (especially where ropes are involved!) by ourselves that might be a bit much.

A few sites have suggested the Castle is a 11km / 10hr walk where Talaterang was 20k / 8hrs, which sounded more doable - 20k isn't an issue, but we are inexperienced with the more challenging aspects.

I'll keep searching. I understand the Doughton book is very good, and I will see if I can track down a copy.

Thanks also to the people who PM'd. Much appreciated.

[ribuck]

The scramble to the summit plateau of the castle is no big deal, IF you find the right route up and IF the handline is in place and in good condition. But even if you turn back before the summit, the walk will be at least as satisfying as Pigeon House.

Alternatively, turn left at the base of the castle and pass between Mts Nibelung and Mooryan into Monolith Valley, surely the gem of the Budawangs. Just go as far as you have time for - although in my opinion it gets more spectacular the further in you go.

[tom_brennan]

I assume you are referring to my website?
http://bushwalkingnsw.com/walk.php?nid=819
Basically, the issues you will face are navigation and scrub. What other walks have you done? It is demanding, but in a different way to the Castle.

[cajun]

Thanks Ribuck and Tom,

I like the idea of deciding on the day, and had been exploring those options for both the Castle and Talaterang.

Tom, your website was one of the ones I looked at - very nice site BTW. That was the link I sent to my missus!

As for experience, I would say inexperienced. We have completed the GOW (supported), most of the walks in the RNP including the Coast walk, Grand Canyon / Pulpit Rock / National Pass etc, but would like to extend ourselves a bit. We are well equipped due to excellent advice here including PLB, but no GPS other than mobile phone. We have plans over the next 18 months to do Tongariro, Coromandel, and the OLT.

Definitely only looking for daywalks.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

[tom_brennan]

Any particular reason why Milton/Ulladulla area? Talaterang would probably be a fair jump over what you've done so far, because of the navigation and scrub. My suggestion would be to extend yourself by doing some walks that involve some easy off-track or rougher on-track.

Something like Breakfast Creek and Ironmonger Hill in the Wild Dogs
http://bushwalkingnsw.com/walk.php?nid=726
Or Govetts Leap and the Horse Track in the Grose Valley
http://bushwalkingnsw.com/walk.php?nid=791

The Castle would certainly be easier - because it's largely on obvious tracks and little scrub - other than the challenge with the climb near the top! So you could simply try and do it and see how you go. Worst case you turn back before you get into uncomfortable territory.

Also, there are a lot of good overnighters for extending yourself...

[cajun]

Thanks Tom please see PM.