Ofxam Training Sydney Trail Walker 2015

• Seven Bridges + Iron Cove Bay Run!!! – 33 km

  This is the sixth in a series of 25-35 km urban trails which explore, in detail, parts of Sydney that may be familiar only because we have driven through them or have heard about them. There is no better way to understand the culture, history, architecture, parklands, built environment and social diversity of our magnificent City, than to walk through it! These walks are relatively long, but the tracks are basically flat making them ideal for anyone who wants to build fitness and burn off those pesky calories, whilst having a great day out.

  So, what is this walk all about?

  We take on the the famous 7 Bridges Walk, and add a 7 km loop, the Bay Run at Iron Cove Bay. To get going we meet outside Hungry Jacks, near Wharf 4 Circular Quay, at 8:00 am on Sunday 26 July. We head out of the City by crossing the historicPyrmont Bridge, in Darling Harbour. (Bridge 1)

  The ANZAC Bridge (Bridge 2) takes us to Rozelle and backstreets which lead to the Iron Cove Bridge (Bridge 3). We can look at the Iron Cove Bridge, but not cross it! That would be too easy. It is about 500 meters across the bridge. But we take the 7 km loop of the Bay Run, to get to the other side and Drummoyne. We immediately take a deserved 20 minute break, at Brett Park.

  Refreshed, we head to Gladesville Bridge (Bridge 4), which offers spectacular views along the Parramatta River, east to the City and west to Rhodes. Exiting from the bowels of Gladesville Bridge, it is a short walk to Tarban Creek Bridge (Bridge 5) which takes us to Hunters Hill. Just half a kilometre away is Fig Tree Bridge (Bridge 6), spanning the Lane Cove River and landing at Linley Point. We pass through Burns Bay Reserve, rejoin local roads through Riverview, and head for Tambourine Bay Reserve and Hodgson Park. We stop for a 30 minute lunch at the water’s edge.

  After lunch, a bush trail runs north, through Warraroon Reserve to local roads in Longueville and Lane Cove. Heading east, a combination of parks, bush trails and local roads provide a richly varied tour of the Lower North Shore, ending at Lavender Bay and Milson’s Point. Finally, we climb stairs to Bridge 7, the Sydney Harbour Bridge! We cross back to our starting point Circular Quay, and the Paragon Hotel for a tasty beer!

  We should arrive back at about 4.30 pm.

  Distance: 33 km

  Type of Walk: This walk is a full day adventure. About one half is along local roads and one half through parks and harbour trails.

  Difficulty: Hard, because of the distance and sustained pace. If you are unsure about the distance but would like to test yourself this is a walk for you: there are plenty of get-out points.

  Walking Pace: We will maintain a steady pace all day and average 4.5 km per hour.

  Meeting Place and Transport: Meet at Circular Quay; see above.

  What to bring: Good walking shoes/boots or trainers; 1.5 litres of water, refill available along the way; hydrolytes; two snacks and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions; sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim.

  Gratuity: There will be a $5 gratuity for this walk.

  Pub: Paragon Hotel, Circular Quay, see above.

  By RSVPing to this event you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Sydney Explorers which you can view here

  If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.

  Ted.