Sunshine2020 wrote:Thanks everyone for the advice. I have been busy reading up on the options. The part that I am having most trouble figuring out is the Thornleigh to Brooklyn stretch.
Would it be doable to go from Thornleigh to Berowra Waters in one go?
SYD - Thornleigh
Thornleigh - Berowra Waters
Berowra Waters - Brooklyn.
Advice appreciated
As someone mentioned earlier depends on your fitness etc, so the information is very general. Re the "Thornleigh to Berowra Waters in one go" question.
I've done all of the sections of the GNW between Thornleigh and Brooklyn (only) as separate day hikes at various times and have repeated some many times over the years.
Going the opposite way, Berowra station to Hornsby took me between 5 and 6 hours. Hornsby to Thornleigh maybe 3 hours.
The section from Sams Creek to Berowra Waters would take me longer than just walking down there from the station. Maybe 60-90 minutes for that bit, the climb up from Sams Creek can be a little taxing.
I walk at a reasonably fast pace with fairly light daypack but often stop for photos etc. You'd need to consider how much weight you'll carry and any other logistics.
Unfortunately you will have to deviate into suburbia at Hornsby to detour around the rifle range, which is a royal PIA.
The tracks are mostly not difficult but can be strenuous. It really depends on whether it's a "smell the roses" stroll or you are on a mission.
I've also walked from Brooklyn through to Mt Kur-ing-gai during the 100km Oxfam trailwalker event.
That bit took from mid morning to almost sunset in late winter but with a very light pack and a fair bit of training. I was much fitter then.
Berowra Waters to Brooklyn involves a strenuous climb initially, followed by a fair amount of up and down, then a big-ish climb out of Jerusalem Bay on the Cowan to Brooklyn leg.
In between climbs is not too bad. Overall, Berowra Waters to Cowan is probably more taxing as the Jerusalem Bay climb is relatively short.
I've only linked those two sections going north to south, which took around 6 hours from memory.
Can't comment on SYD to Thornleigh as I haven't done it.