Ruined Castle

On top of one of the pillars of the Ruined Castle

The Ruined Castle is an outcrop of large rocky boulders that lies in the middle of the ridge that runs from Castle Head, off Narrow Neck Peninsula, to Mt Solitary. It is a local high point, jutting out above the surrounding bush, and has 360 degree views of the area. The walk from the Golden Stairs to the Ruined Castle is one of the best easy day walks in the Blue Mountains.

Head along Cliff Dr from Scenic World in Katoomba. After passing several lookouts, turn left into Glenraphael Dr, which immediately turns into a dirt road. Follow the road out along Narrow Neck, and after about 1.8km park at the parking area at the top of the Golden Stairs.

Alternatively, you can walk from Katoomba Station but it is about 4km each way to the parking area. However, there are buses from the station to places where it would be a shorter walk.

For a longer walk, it is possible to start or finish (or both) the walk at the Scenic Railway or Furber Steps, below Scenic World at Katoomba. This adds about 2.5km each way, and if you only do it for one way you will need a car shuffle.

From the car park, head down the Golden Stairs. A short distance from the top is a good lookout across to the Landslide and Dogface. Dogface (and the Landslide) was formed in 1931 when a large section of cliff fell away, possibly because of previous mining activity.

The Golden Stairs descend steeply and quickly to the Federal Pass walking track below. Turn right at the track junction and head along the track towards the Ruined Castle.

The track to the Ruined Castle follows the line of an old shale railway, which used to haul shale from mines out near the Ruined Castle. You can also see coal on the ground at various points from other old mining operations in the area. The track passes into deep rainforest in the shadow of the cliffs, with giant tree ferns and coachwood abounding. After some distance the forest opens out with large eucalypts.

About 2.5km along the trail you reach a junction, with a sign to the right to the Ruined Castle, and another noting that the track is in very poor condition. Head up this track. It climbs quickly up to a saddle, and then again to the top of the ridge, where it continues relatively gently to a large collection of rocky boulders. This is the Ruined Castle.

It is fairly straightforward to climb to the highest of these, although some of the smaller ones require an exposed scramble or climb to reach the top. The scenery is superb, with 360 degree views of the Katoomba cliffs as far as Kedumba Walls and the Kings Tableland to the east, Mt Solitary, Lake Burragorang to the south and Narrowneck to the west.

Have lunch here, keeping an eye out for the greedy crows who will make an assault on any unguarded food, before making your way back. For a slightly longer walk, continue along the track towards Mt Solitary, but turn left when you rejoin the Mt Solitary track. This adds an extra kilometre or so to the walk.

If you are heading back late in the afternoon, the sun should be well-positioned for photos of Dogface near the top of the climb back up the Golden Stairs.

Mt Solitary traverse

Time: 2 days; Distance: 20km; Fitness: EM; Skill: EM; Ascent: 810m

An excellent overnight walk with good views of Lake Burragorang and beyond, and options for camp cave camping.

Mt Solitary return

Time: 5 hrs; Distance: 13km; Fitness: EM; Skill: EM; Ascent: 320m

A slightly more challenging day walk than the Ruined Castle, with views to the south

Castle Head

Time: 2 hrs; Distance: 6km; Fitness: E; Skill: E; Ascent: 60m

Excellent panoramic views from this easy-to-visit lookout off Narrow Neck Peninsula

Redledge Pass

Time: 5 hrs; Distance: 11km; Fitness: EM; Skill: M; Ascent: 440m

An interesting trip exploring of one of the old miners' passes of Narrow Neck, with good views of the Megalong Valley

Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains, Greg Powell

An interesting series of walks following the routes of the old explorers of the Blue Mountains

A Day in the Bush, Les Higgins and Tony Rodd

A useful guide for the less experience bushwalker, or for people looking for walks to take kids on.

Walks in the Blue Mountains National Park, Neil Paton

A useful book with a wealth of information, although inexperienced walkers should note there are a number of errors.

Sydney and Beyond, Andrew Mevissen

A reasonable variety of walks with good descriptions, but let down by the maps and the lack of index

Ruined Castle - Creative Spirits

Description and pictures of the walk to the Ruined Castle from Furber Steps