Ruined Castle Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

7.9 km Return

666 m

Hard track

Entering into the Jamison Valley via the popular Golden Staircase, this walk climbs one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Jamison Valley - The Ruined Castle. A beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Explore some of the history of the coal mining in this part of the Jamison Valley.

Going under the cliffs along the Golden Staircase

Going through the fern environment in the valley

The sign at the Ruined Castle (Nth) Intersection

(0km) Golden Stairs Track carpark → Bottings Lookout

210 m

8 mins

-80m Moderate track

From the Golden Stairs car park and information sign on Glenraphael Dr[1], the walk follows the 'Golden Stairs / To Federal Pass' sign[2] along the narrow track. The track leads gently downhill[3] past the black and yellow 'Warning - Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet' sign[4], with the occasional glimpse out to Malaita Point and towards the Three Sisters[5][6]. The walk soon heads down a few steep eroded sections of track[7] and passes through a couple of switchbacks. The track then leads to a fenced rock platform[8] signposted as 'Botting's L.O.'[9].

Botting's Lookout

Botting's Lookout[10] offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985)[11], a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District. More info.

(0km) Bottings Lookout → Bottom of Golden Staircase

430 m

19 mins

41m

-177m Hard track

Turn right: From the lower side of Botting's Lookout[12], this walk heads downhill along the eroded track[13]. The walk follows the steps through a narrow gully[14] then turns right to flatten out[15] and head under a small overhang between the cliff and fence (passing a 'Caution Rockfall Hazard' sign[16]). After about 100m of fence, the track turns right to cross a wide gully[17]. On the other side of the gully, this walk climbs down a series of metal[18] and stone[19] staircases. The walk flattens again before heading down another series of stairs. Finally, the track winds down the wide spur[20] to meet the signposted T-intersection with 'Federal Pass'[21].

(1km) Bottom of Golden Staircase → Miners Campsite

2.3 km

51 mins

104m

-129m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Federal Pass - Ruined Castle' sign[22] along the flat wide track, keeping the valley to your left. This track follows the old horse-drawn coal tram route. The track leads through a tall rainforest filled with fern trees[23] and vines[24], with the occasional lyrebird. After about 1.3km the forest opens up[25], letting in more light and exposing some distant filtered views. After wandering through the more open forest[26] for about 250m, the track passes a small campsite[27] (on the right). This walk continues for another 700m along the main track through the bracken fern forest[28] to find a larger campsite[29] (just up to the right) with a short stone wall on one side[30]).

Miners Campsite

This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall[31] left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.

(3km) Miners Campsite → Northern Ruined Castle campsite

300 m

7 mins

16m

-11m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the miners campsite[32], this walk follows the clear track south-west, keeping the valley to your left. The mostly flat track narrows a bit as it leads past a large flat area (on your right) after about 140m[33], then past a smaller campsite[34] a short distance later. The track then winds through the forest for another 100m to come to a clearing and signposted three-way intersection[35], where there is a 'Federal Pass - Katoomba' sign[36] pointing back along the track. (There is a campsite a few metres further on and to the the left[37].)

Northern Ruined Castle campsite

A short distance south east of the intersection[38] with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares[39]. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns[40][41][42][43]. There is no water nor any other facilities.

(3km) Northern Ruined Castle campsite → Ruined Castle

730 m

20 mins

82m

-17m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Ruined Castle'[44] sign uphill along the eroded track and soon passes the yellow 'Warning - Remote area indistinct route steep terrain - Exposed climbing loose surfaces - No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route' sign[45]. The track winds up the wide valley getting steeper as it goes, climbing up onto the main ridgeline. Here the walk turns left (away from the view of Castle Head[46]) and follows the rocky track more gently uphill for about 220m to pass under the side of a large boulder[47]. The track continues along the narrow ridge for about 280m, with some filtered views past another large boulder to the base of the tall Ruined Castle summit[48]. Here the walk heads gently down a bit (keeping the rock wall to your left), past a crevice[49], then follows the main track to the other (southern) side of the summit. The track then heads up again to find a number of rocky pinnacles[50].

(4km) Ruined Castle → Northern Ruined Castle campsite

1.3 km

35 mins

78m

-145m Experienced only

Continue straight: From near the summit of Ruined Castle[51], this walk heads south-east along the main ridgeline, initially keeping the rock wall to your left[52]. The track follows the rocky ridgeline gently downhill[53] and after about 70m the track starts to become much steeper[54]. The track winds down, flattening out for a short time[55] before continuing steeply down to a sign posted three-way intersection[56] just beyond the 'Ruined Castle to Mount Solitary' map[57]. There is a 'Ruined Castle' arrow[58] here, pointing back up the hill.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Katoomba' sign[59][60] along the mostly flat and clear track[61], keeping the main valley to your right. The track almost immediately passes a campsite[62] (down a steep track on your right) and continues along the flat through the ferny forest[63]. A little over 200m later, the track passes a large square boulder[64], then about 100m further, this walk comes to an intersection[65], where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[66], a campsite down to your right[67] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[68] (behind a rock) on your left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[69], this walk heads along the main track[70] initially keeping the campsite[71] down to your right. The clear track is mostly flat and passes through a tall turpentine forest[72] for about 500m before passing another campsite[73] (on your right). Then, just a few metres further on, this walk comes to a signposted three-way intersection[74] where a sign points back along the track to 'Mount Solitary'[75]. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

Maps for the Ruined Castle Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Jamison	1:25 000 Map Series	89302N JAMISON	NSW-89302N
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Ruined Castle Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Ruined Castle Walk

Altitude analysis for Ruined Castle Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	7.9 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.2km is very steep. The remaining (210m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 730m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

3km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 730m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (210m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 730m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (210m) requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 3.2km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 730m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 3.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 210m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Ruined Castle Walk walk.

Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Exploring below the cliffs on the western side of the Scenic Railway, this walk passes some spectacular lookouts, especially the view from the Landslide. In addition to this, it goes through beautiful shrouded forest before climbing steeply up the Golden Staircase. Once out of the valley, be prepare

Total climbing: 723m

Hard track

Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop

6.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World tourist spot. The walk winds down into the Jamison Valley via the Furber steps, heads west around the edge of the valley, past the landslide, and climbs the Golden Stairs, before returning to Scenic World along the roads. This is a great day walk, provi

Total climbing: 769m

Hard track

Federal Pass Walking Track

8 km One way, 5 hrs

This classic trail follows along the base of the cliffs from Leura to the Golden Stairs, passing many of the more popular sights of the Katoomba region. Travelling through beautiful forest environments, this is one of the longer walks in the area. Leura Forest and Kedumba Falls are both great places

Total climbing: 989m

Hard track

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

11.7 km Return, 8 hrs 45 mins

With quite significant hills, this is a great walk is for the day-walker looking for something more challenging than the average Katoomba cliff top walk. With fantastic views at Botting's Lookout, from the top of the Ruined Castle, and especially good views from Mt Solitary, this walk is well worth

Total climbing: 1048m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle

12.4 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

This is a very popular, full day walk, in the Katoomba Area, offering great views of the valley. The walk follows the edge of the cliffs, through the undergrowth, from the Scenic Railway to the Ruined Castle. There are great views to enjoy from the Ruined Castle. Arrive back in time to catch the Sc

Total climbing: 963m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

16.2 km Return, 11 hrs

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch t

Total climbing: 1345m

Experienced only

Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley

29.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the on

Total climbing: 2135m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls

29.3 km One way, 3 Days

Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman's Gully campsite over

Total climbing: 2147m

Experienced only

Mt Solitary and Kedumba Valley Circuit

33.8 km Circuit, 3 Days

On this 3 day walk you will explore some remote areas around the Kedumba Valley, and some of the most famous spots in the Blue Mountains. The walks starts at Scenic World to head down Furber Steps and follow the Federal pass past the Scenic Railway, the land slide, to an optional side trip up Ruined

Total climbing: 2863m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Ruined Castle Walk walk.

Along Narrow Neck to Taro's Ladder

20 km Return, 7 hrs

This walk follows the Glenraphael Drive management trail along Narrow Neck, enjoying plenty of great views of the Jamison Valley and across to Mount Solitary. The climb down Taro's ladder requires skill, and much care and caution should be used. There are plenty of pleasant spots to rest along the

Total climbing: 671m

Moderate track

Narrow Neck to Castle Head

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

From the locked gate on Glenraphael Dr, on Narrow Neck, this walk heads out to Castle Head lookout. From the Lookout, there are fantastic views over the Jamison Valley back to Katoomba and over to Mount Solitary. You get a birds eye view of Ruined Castle, and distant views of the Three Sisters. M

Total climbing: 229m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

6.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world's steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest.

Total climbing: 622m

Moderate track

Scenic Railway to the Landslide

2.7 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

A great walk for those exploring Scenic World as it passes the old coal-mining sites of Katoomba. Following the base of the cliffs the views are largely shrouded until breaking out into the open at the Landslide. As you walk, be sure to look up and see if you can spot any abseilers, especially in th

Total climbing: 353m

Moderate track

Furber Steps-Scenic Railway

869 m Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This popular walk descends into the Jamison Valley, passing great views of Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Be sure to allow time to explore as many of the side trips as possible as these are just amazing (especially the cascading water at Katoomba Falls). To save the walk back up the hill, take a ri

Total climbing: 46m

Hard track

Katoomba Falls Circuit

1.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

For those looking for a walk involving more than simple boardwalk, this trail winding through the temperate rain forest could be just the thing. Katoomba Falls cannot fail to dazzle as they cascade down the cliffs, and the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee in Katoomba Falls Kiosk makes t

Total climbing: 159m

Hard track

Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)

1.7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

This pleasant walk starts at the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, where the Scenic Railway and the Skyway are located. The walk finds its way down the Furber steps, where there are some great side trips to lookouts. At the bottom, the walk heads around through the forest to the base of the Katoomb

Total climbing: 302m

Hard track

Scenic World to Echo Point

2.1 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This is one of the most popular tourist walks in the Katoomba area. The walk follows the cliffs along a well maintained and signposted track between two popular destinations, Scenic World and Echo Point. You will see amazing views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary before enjoying the majesty of

Total climbing: 192m

Moderate track

Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Lookout

1.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts from Scenic World and winds part way down the Furber Steps and along a small, well travelled side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. Providing great views, and plenty of visitor information at Scenic World, this is a great walk for those who like waterfalls, ferns and grottos, and

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps

5.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, and winds down the Furber steps into the Jamison Valley, following the bush track around the Three Sisters, before climbing up the Giant Staircase and returning along the clifftops. This walk takes you on a crash course of the Blue Mountai

Total climbing: 722m

Hard track

The Prince Henry Cliff Walk

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Moderate track

Witches Leap Circuit

1.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

A great circuit walk near Scenic World, Katoomba. This walk heads into a temperate rain forest, following a shrouded trail through Witches Leap, a small creek crossing, before emerging near Katoomba Kiosk. The kiosk is a good spot to stop for a coffee before heading back along the flat trail to Scen

Total climbing: 89m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Ruined Castle Walk walk starts and ends at the Golden Stairs Track carpark (gps: -33.734348, 150.28237)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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