Climbing Pigeon House Mountain

On the 18th of June 2011 I decided to climb Pigeon House Mountain, as part of my training for the City to Surf. Along with my much fitter 10 year old daughter, on what is rated by the National Parks and wildlife as a moderate to hard walk.

It is about a 30km drive from Milton, with the last 14km being an eroded unsealed trail that I would not attempt in the rain.

From the car park the walking trail starts with a steep 800 meter section straight up to a sandstone plateau, and when I say steep I am not exaggerating. It is about a 45 degree angle the whole length, and just when you think your on the plateau it there is a set of timber and bush rock steps to climb. The stone platform at the top of the steps is a great spot to regain your breath and have drink, from this point you can see out to the sea and south down the coast.

The next section of the walk is about 1km along the plateau towards the summit, at the end of this section you are met by 500 meters of steep steps, at this point you will start thinking about the viability of a chair lift.

The fourth and final section of the walk is more of a climb than a walk. The old tube metal ladders that once clung to the side of the sandstone cliffs, have mostly replaced by steel mesh steps, but as you can see from the photo are still very steep.

When you get to the summit you will realise why you have almost killed yourself getting there. On a clear day you have magnificent 360 views, all the way to the horizon.

Getting up to the summit is only half the walk, as you still have to get back to your car. Allow 4 to 5 hours to walk up and back and a day to recover. As with all hikes take water, even in winter this walk is exhausting and check for ticks as the region is bad for them.