| Time: | 4 hrs |
| Distance: | 14 km |
| Fitness: | E |
| Skill: | E |
| Ascent: | 200 m |
| Maps: | LPI Cowan 9130-4N 1:25000 |
| Notes: | Print-friendly notes (opens in new window) |
Introduction
The walk along Smugglers Ridge takes you to Marramarra Creek, a major tributary of the Hawkesbury River. The walk can be turned into a loop by returning via Marramarra Ridge.
A fair part of the walk is on fire trail, so the best time to walk is in the cooler months, from late autumn to early spring. Late winter and early spring are also good for the wildflowers.
Access
Follow Cobah Rd from Arcadia for 3.3km until it crosses Notlands Rd and becomes Bloodwood Rd. Continue along Bloodwood Rd for 4.6km and turn left on to the unsealed Marramarra Ridge Trail, normally fine for 2wd vehicles. Follow Marramarra Ridge Trail for 1.1km to the junction with the Smugglers Ridge Track, and park at a clearing on the left.
Track notes
From 22 Feb 2020, last checked 22 Feb 2020
Head along the Smugglers Ridge Track, which is the fire trail to the left (west). The return is along Marramarra Ridge, which is the fire trail that continues straight ahead (north).
Pass a clearing after 100m that has been degraded by 4WDs and trailbikes. Keep right at a fork after 600m (10 min), and then stay right at a major junction after a further 1.3km (20 min). Continue along the fire trail for another 2.5km (40 min) until it ends at a rocky clearing at GR214878 (Cowan), with views out over the Marramarra Creek valley. If you look carefully, you should be able to find an aboriginal engraving of a large kangaroo on the rock platform.
Beyond the rock platform, the route becomes a rocky foot track, which descends steeply in places towards Marramarra Creek. In the final section it narrows considerably, and there are some spots just off the track where you can look down into Marramarra Creek from the cliff edges.
The very bottom of the track may be indistinct, but the clearing at the creek is visible, so it is easy to push through the bush if necessary.
Turning left at the road brings you to the Marramarra Creek campsite, on a wide bend of the creek.
Otherwise, turn right and follow the old road along to the east for about 1km (15 min). At the major fork, turn right and climb the steep hill. After about 1.3km, look out for a large rock outcrop on the right, with views out over the valley. A further 1.5km (25 min) brings you to a locked gate. Keep left at a major intersection just beyond the gate. It's another 2.8km (40 min) from here back to the car.
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