by Aardvark » Sun 08 Apr, 2018 10:33 am
You can scramble easily enough from East to West Cougal but the only way around to the base of the cliffs on the West Cougal in order to travel on the watershed over to Springbrook, is to descend around East Cougal just before the summit climb and stay around the same altitude all the way around East and West Cougal to the ridgeline.
It used to have the odd bit of tape. We, on one occasion continued at about the 700m contour all the way to Numinbah Gap, above Crystal Ck. Not recommended for many. It was that occasion which cemented the route over Springbrook as the preferred extension of any 'entire scenic rim' walk we've done.
I once ascended to the ridgeline between West Cougal and Springbrook from one of the tributaries of Tallebudgera Ck after descending the Cream track. There was a cut track angling all the way up. I've no doubt it crossed private land though. There is a cliff break some distance along the south side of the plateau above. It is slippery and most often wet. I remember tape on that too.. No doubt known to some of the Gold Coast Bushwalkers. It made for a nice daywalk circuit from the top off Springbrook.
Ever on the search for a one ended stick.