Epic trip indeed! 5:20 wow! great shot! 10:25 What a view! 14:40 Shot! Jimmy and yourself managed to get some of the best photos and videos I've seen of the Castle.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much - wow what a compliment thanks. Yes I'm going to get one of Jimmy's photos printed and hung on the wall in the office. Happy hiking.

What an epic hike, and that sunrise! Thanks for sharing, it's on my list for sure :)

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, It really is a cracker, I only have fond memories no its been a few months to recover hahaha

Noooo not the hat, that was a bugga. Once again awesome photography, some pretty special views and that night sky WOW. Thanks Kate another wonderful high adrenaline ( those rope climbs with packs) packed adventure. 😁

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Deb. Yes I'll not be in a rush to get back up there for a little while. Hope you are well and can't wait to see your next adventure.

@DebOxy

2 жыл бұрын

So good just watched again, what a climb, well worth it, epic views. Wondering what it’s like now after 12 months.

Wow! This is one I haven’t dared attempt. Yet. But loved following along in the guide book to see what it really looks like. Thanks so much for you videos. Loving the Australian hiking content!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much - its pretty steep, but yes next time I don't think i'll camp up there. That was quite difficult. Thanks for watching

Awesome footage and commentary. Thx Kate. My crew turned back metres from the top but you have now inspired me to give it another go.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. So good to hear. Yes it’s a tricky one. I’ve been turned back several times. The weather up there can be hectic. Happy hiking

I was looking into doing this hike, looks sensational and good to see the regrowth coming back. Great video and look forward to seeing more of your adventurs

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. It's a cracker of a hike. Took me a few times to get to the top, so it's always special to get up there. The wind and rain can really smash you up there. Happy hiking

Great Video Kate, love those early morning shots of the Budawangs, Byangee Walls & Dithful

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. It's hard to take a bad shot up there. happy hiking

Thank you, thank you, thank you - to Kate, Jimmy and Laura for taking us on that A-MAZ-ING!! Journey... I have no delusions that I would ever be able to climb the Cooyoyo (the Castle)... but I do hope to hike at least the first half... someday. We have just started exploring the Budawangs, and our last adventure was a day hike out of Wog Wog Campground. What an absolutely amazing place to spend some time... We can't wait to go back! Aha, now I know the story of the lost hat ... slowly catching up with your older videos. Glad you got a new one now though. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

Thank you for sharing! Loved it

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

thanks so much, glad you liked it

Another awesome adventure! You guys are pretty brave doing all that climbing with loaded packs! Actually down those cliff looked far more scary!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Amy - totally it was a good idea at the time...hahaha. but yes it was rather challenging and it was amazing to get Laura up on her first attempt.

Loved this. Stunning!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much - it is some spectacular country

Hey Kate thx for the amazing footage. A small grp of 4 are heading up the castle next weekend. We will keep an eye out for your hat! Cheers

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Oh brilliant thanks - best of luck and enjoy its a spectacular part of the world. Happy hiking.

What an amazing adventure! And easy to watch too...I was laughing so hard when you mentioned the hat AND the pants 😂...but still sorry about the feathers... I am stoked that you are getting more subscribers! Well done! 👏👍 I even shared your video about the C2C track in my C2C track planning video. Keep it up :D :D :D

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Oh wow thanks so much for the share. And yes it was a funny trip. Love hiking with those two - such funny buggers. Happy hiking.

Great trip Kate! Bugger about the hat! What a fun hike through all the gaps. Definitely will have to try and get there once I’m living in NSW. Thanks to Jimmy too for his photographic contributions!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. Yes it is a very special place. Thanks for the kind words to Jimmy too - I'll pass them on. It is lovely having such a talented photographer on my hikes - especially as he carries all the photo equipment.

@margueriteleahy4585

3 жыл бұрын

Kate Grarock I gave him a follow and some love on his Instagram.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Marguerite Leahy thanks he is such a lovely guy.

You've inspired us to give this one a nudge Kate! What a fun overnighter. Thanks so much for sharing 🙏👍

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Louise, yes it was such a great adventure. Best of luck - let me know how you go. Happy hiking.

Lots of peering over the edge of sheer drops in this video! Reminds me that I don't have a head for heights - tried scrambling up the Castle 25 years ago but had to chicken out at that last really exposed climb. Anyhow, now you climb so I don't have to! Great work again Kate, these videos look amazing. That DJI Pocket is quite a tool, but you've also got a real knack for amazing shots and how to build a narrative. I'm looking forward to watching more.

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Sean, it's fun watching your comments pop up on different videos. Hope I didn't make you feel too dizzy looking over cliffs. Thanks for the kind words.

Good on you Kate, great stuff. Thank you again for a wonderful video.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, so glad you liked it :)

Another amazing trip, thnx for sharing. In a former life (career) I must have flown over the top of this area too many times watching the scenery and never realised this was underneath me.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Oh so cool - were you in the Navy? I have seen some very impressive helicopter work around some of those mountains

@scarps113

3 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock not quite😁, but I like the way you think👍 I hiked the Snowy Mountains & Vic High Country a bit when I was younger, then lapsed for many years due to work, but recently gave up a long corporate career that saw me flying Melb to Syd most weeks. These days feet are firmly planted back on SE Aus tracks, trails and mountains

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

@@scarps113 Oh cool nice part of the country to keep you busy. With all the fires one of my flights did a direct fly over the castle to avoid fire smoke to the south - it was spectacular. Happy Hiking.

This was supposed to be tomorrow's adventure but car issues put that to rest 😭. Your videos fill me with so much joy 🏞

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

Oh nooooo. You poor bugger. But love to fight another day. The good old castles cooyoyoo will still be there. Happy hiking to you

Nice video, thank you for sharing this great experience

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. Just checked out your channel. Some great stuff there.

@inourtracks8357

3 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock Thanks Kate, so much more exploring to do. Hope to share a lot more. Keep those vids coming

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

@@inourtracks8357 Cheers will do, you too.

Fantastic Kate. Love your channel. We are new to Canberra and are using you as our guide to the cool local walks. We did Slot Canyon at Bungonia a couple of weeks ago after watching yr vid and now we are definitely doing Cooyoyo after watching this one. Thanks so much for making these.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

OMG this is great thanks for letting me know. I'll try to throw in a few that are a little more enjoyable and not so hilly hahahahaha

@geedawgie

3 жыл бұрын

Nah.. we love the hills and the scrambling.. we'll keep an eye out for your hat when we do Cooyoyo!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

@@geedawgie brilliant thanks a bunch. Happy Hiking. and welcome to Canberra - hope you love living here as much as I do.

Great vid Kate - I lost my hat on the dedscent too, I was fortunate to have noticed in time and was able to pick it up again. We've done it with Packs twice not, the first time was with my sisters 6month ol son in a carrier. Not sure we'd do that again (well we can't, he's 12 now LOL

@KateGrarock

2 ай бұрын

Haha makes it a bit harder with packs hey. Such an amazing place hey. Bet it’s claimed a few hats. Happy hiking. I’ll have to get back up there one day soon

What a great adventure, Kate! That rock scrambling/climbing looked like heaps of fun but I’m sure would have been tough with the big packs on. Bummer you lost your hat and feathers (and a bit of stitching from the pants!). Looks like it was a great couple of days out there and magic views from the top!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Yes it was amazing and totally worth it 😀😀😀 hope you are out hiking soon.

@FreedomOnFoot

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kate. Hopefully not too much longer now before us Melburnians can get back out there again.

Hi Kate just wanted to say I really love your videos. You have such a pleasant personality and I can see you are really passionate about nature. Keep up the great work your doing :)

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!! Will do my best to keep them coming. Cheers

Awesome video!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot 😀 first time using 4K I think I’ll keep doing it.

@NickandRachel

3 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock it's nice especially whenever you need to crop in on something it don't lose its quality. We really enjoy making outdoor content as well

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

An Adventure with Nick & Rachel it’s the best. I’m a subscriber. 😀😀😀

Hope some critter is enjoying their new hat home. Bummer about that. Awesome video.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha yes totally - must be so much great hiking gear off that cliff.

@rachelvine6808

3 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock Cool - know where to get some new hiking gear!!! Have fun hiking!!!

Stunning views! Watched three vids about Cooyoyo recently and two of them had de-pantsing incidents - you’re part of a club 😂

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks hahahaha Cooyoyo pants another victim. I have also heard a heap of chatter on a Facebook group about all the gear people have had blown off the top. I think there must be almost a whole kit down there.

Great vid, thank you, sorry about the feathers

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. It’s ok. My next vid I’ve got my new hat up and running. Happy hiking

Amazing views! Too hardcore for me with my dodgy hip and bad knees. Did a lot of climbing in my younger days but alas... those days are gone. Still have all the gear though. 😆 You certainly lucked out with the weather too.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. It was amazing editing this video and even I was blown away with the beauty.

@BlackshacksBushcraft

3 жыл бұрын

Kate Grarock truth be told, I had to pause the video after commenting and go to work. I'm home now and have just watched the rest of it. Shame about the hat and pants but as you said, they can be replaced, but the feathers... bugger!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Blackshack’s Bushcraft thanks.

Is an awesome spot

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

absolutely, thanks for watching

great video. i attempted this yesterday by my self. didnt see a single person out there or any cars in the car park. i got lost from the part between from the caves to where the timber treads start just before the tunnel. ended up re-finding the track, then when i got to the ropes. none where like the ones i seen in your video, and i couldn't scale the rock because it was far to steep and the fall would of been deadly, and then on the way down i got lost and couldn't find the track after the timber treads where and i ended up coming out of the bush not far from where the first part of the castle wall starts, at the bottom of those metal chains i guess you could say that area. lets just say it was a very long hike through the bush. i didnt find a hat either, sorry haha

@jamesdewhirst7738

2 жыл бұрын

next time ill take some one whos been there, because it looks amazing from the top .

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

Oh dear sounds like a standard day in the budawangs. Glad to hear you got out safely.The good old budawangs have a way of track disappearing, its a hard slog and it took me a few goes to get to the top. I think i've been turned back from the top 3-4 times due to weather. Good maps and GPS can really help as the mind games start to hit when you keep questing if you are on the trail or on a wombat trail. I love some of the phone apps avenza with tracks downloaded online. But yep no substitute for going with someone who has been up there before. Even on this trip I had a few times when I was questioning which way to go. It's an epic climb, I can't wait to get back out there when lockdown ends. Stay safe and happy hiking

Amazing sacred place :))

@KateGrarock

Жыл бұрын

Totally. Thanks mate

Hey Kate, great vid of one of my fave places! What's the pampas grass situation looking like up near the saddle at Cooyoyo? It's been getting worse the last few times I've been there. I'm wondering if the fire has actually been a bit of a blessing and got rid of the nasty stuff.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Oh great point - i can't say I saw it - so maybe it didn't like the fire, but maybe I was just too tired by then. There was a very hot burn from the saddle to Cooyoyo camp and stopped around the saddle.

This video was a beauty Kate. Your overall presentations are getting better and better. Mate next time you buy a hat, put a loose chin strap on it, at least that will catch it and stop it blowing off. Those hats aren't cheap and a real must in summer hiking in Australia. Just use a long leather boot lace, it'll last as long as the hat, which is basically half a life time. Your mate on the strings does some nice pleasant back ground pieces.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, great idea re the chin strap will have to get that happening. I'll send on your appreciation to Josh. Thanks for watching and commenting, really appreciate it

Loved this one Kate! Those views are stunning. Shame about the hat though :(

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much - yes a little sad - one day I will find it. Hope you are well. Thanks for the comment.

Folly point is great to

@KateGrarock

2 ай бұрын

It’s so good hey. Haven’t been since fires. How is it looking?

What fun! Shame about your hat. Stunning scenery and well rewarded sunset and rise.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot - yes it was such a beautiful place. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Hey there, I just did the castle a couple of days ago, however I clearly did a different rope section to summit to the ones you guys did. I came out of the tunnel and then about 200 metres on I did a section of much more sketchy ropes then you guys did, which only put me on the tail of the summit. Where did you guys go after the tunnel? Many thank thanks in advance

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

oh wow so interesting. After the tunnel we turned right, heading south and probably 200m similar to you then yes up to the tail for the views. From the tail we kept going south on the eastern side of the mt then after a few scrambles it switches to the western side of the mt still heading south a few more ropes and eventually to the top. I have had someone else mention different ropes. Perhaps these are just the ropes before the view over the tail? hmmm quite interesting. Happy hiking

@cadeynmclellan7572

2 жыл бұрын

So how many ropes in total would you say you did? I did 3 or 4 and only got on top of the tail section, but not the summit/plateau top

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

@@cadeynmclellan7572 Hmm good question One down out of the tunnel Two ropes possibly 3 on the eastern side. including a triangle rock i hate a couple of scrambles and a chimney then at the tail 10:26 Then a heap more scrambling Then 11:46 the rope on the west of mtn that a lot of people hate because of the drop pictured 12:28. Then one or possibly 2 more ropes to the top.

@cadeynmclellan7572

2 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock awesome thanks

Another great video Kate. Thank you so much. I'm considering going there instead of the K2K. I've just done 4 days along the Capertee River, which is spectacular. But I'm thinking of a change in geology. Currently researching, and this video is very helpful thanks.

@KateGrarock

Жыл бұрын

So cool mate thanks. Yes always good to get a change in geology. Highly recommend sim good gps apps in addition to maps. Many confusing trails in the budawangs. Cooyoyo camp is a cracker and I’d probably recommend staying there than on the castle. Best of luck. Let me know how you go.

@MrGaza74

Жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock Awesome. Thanks. Yes, definitely staying at Cooyoyo as a base for a couple of nights. Hopefully, will climb The Castle, explore Monolith Valley, and see what happens, keeping it flexible. Maybe walk Deadmans Gulch. I use Memory Map app and it serves me well. I'll be there on 01/05/23 and explore for about 5 or 6 days. Your video was the clincher. It looks amazing. I've climbed Didthul years ago. I hope you're doing well. Hard yakka young babies. Mine are 16 and 19 so they're free range now. I like your approach so far in Alone. Like some of the more gentle past participants, they talk about Living with Nature, rather than the hard struggle for survival.

@KateGrarock

Жыл бұрын

@@MrGaza74 thanks mate. Yeah gotta work with nature, she is far stronger. Amazing re staying up there for a good chunk. I love the mt Owen cole loop and love shrouded gods. I use memory maps too. Great app. Let me know how it all goes. Jealous. Happy hiking

@MrGaza74

Жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock I'll keep you posted. Thanks for taking an interest.

@KateGrarock

Жыл бұрын

@@MrGaza74 no worries. Cheers

Kate I loved this. Looked tough. Bad luck about your hat .

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Yes back to the hat shop and pantaloon shop hahaha

@helenwallis5914

3 жыл бұрын

Kate Grarock oh yes forgot about the trousers 🤣

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

@@helenwallis5914 hahaha

Hey Kate, would you have a resource for a decent map to follow? I'm heading to do the castle this weekend and wanted to prep a map just in case. I have a gps, phone and compass to assist. Also, I'm carrying an ~18kg pack and aiming to camp on top of the castle overnight, what is the best approach in your experience for that? Comparing your vid to others, looks like you had an easier time getting up. Thanks!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Hey mate. Sounds fun. My best advice is start early and just keep chipping away. I love the all trails app there are some good gpx coordinates there for the wangs. I’ll try to link here. I just use the free version then add to something like avenza maps. There is nothing too extreme except but you will need some rope if going solo. It’s hard if you are scared of heights. If you feel like you have gone the wrong way retrace you’re steps. It’s quite well marked right now but lots of wallaby tracks that can lead you off course if you loose concentration. Best of luck take extra care if the weather gets nasty. Cooyooyo camp is a great alternative. Such a good view there. Let me know how you go. I also like to plot the trail on a paper map. Check out this trail on AllTrails. www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/castle-walking-track

@benjaminisbester3582

3 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock Thanks Kate, you're a bloody legend. Thanks for your knowledge and I will fill you in here post hike next week. This is my first solo hike so I'm super pumped. Cheers again 🙏

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

@@benjaminisbester3582 best of luck and don’t stress if you don’t get up on your first try. Rain and wind knocked me back on my first few attempts. But it made the subsequent summits all the more enjoyable. Happy hiking

Great video, total pack weight seems a little light in the description or it is Ultralight!

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks yep went ultralight for this as I knew the climb would be epic. No tent Just a tarp. I'm glad I took my super warm quilt though as it was very cold.

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Oh nooo hahaha I see what you mean I left off a zero - wish my pack was that light

Hi Kate, great video. How do you recommend a novice hiker to tackle this trail? Are there maps? Can you do this in a day? Also I enjoyed your photos and camera work. What camera are you using?

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

Id recommended finding an adventurous friend and or group. I guess it depends on your skill level. It can be a pretty hectic place. I’d recommend the following for navigation but it is always a good idea to test all these systems at home in a safe area. I love Avenza maps to help with navigation and go here to download the topo and print out for compass nav maps.six.nsw.gov.au/etopo/geopdf/25k/8927-3N%20CORANG.pdf. All of the NSW maps are free from six maps. Then Google castle gpx this and load a couple of track files to the map. I like to try and load a few peoples trails as sometime the budawangs can be very hard to navigate. It is a very big day walk - possibly 10-12 hours. I’ve never done it as a day walk. But also hard as an overnight hike as you have to talk your gear up. There is a nice campsite near the base cooyoyo. Be prepared to turn back. I think the first 2-3 times I went the conditions were bad (rain, wind and thick fog). It’s a very long day hike so this time of year you might run out of daylight. So keep a close eye on the time and take head torches. It’s an amazing place but it’s easy to get a bit lost especially towards the end in the ropes sections. Be safe tell Someone about your plans. I always carry a plb you can hire/borrow from macpac. Even if you don’t make the summit the walk is very beautiful. I run one on one training sessions via zoom if you want to me to help work through in more detail. But I think a great place to start would be some of the hiking clubs like Shoalhaven bushwaker or Canberra bushwalking club.

@eks6164

2 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock Thank you for the detailed reply, I think I will slowly work my way up to this trek. Maybe get started walking around base camp area and slowly work my way up. As you said the weather conditions and light maybe an issue, so maybe reserve it for summer. I will find you on instagram :) thank you again

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

@@eks6164 sounds great mate. There are some stunning walks from little forest Plateau they are perfect for intro with banger views. My fav is mt bushwaker

@eks6164

2 жыл бұрын

@@KateGrarock HI Kate is this Ngaityung Falls via Mount Bushwalker, I found a GPX file for this and wondering if its the same track? Im binge watching your videos by the way

@KateGrarock

2 жыл бұрын

@@eks6164 yep. Out that way. Past bushwaker. Great area hey. Haha so glad you are enjoying cheers

Great looking trip. Shame about your hat at least you get to choose a new one !

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Totally. Thanks a lot

I think enjoyed this one of your videos the most (but all have been great.) Why not wear a hat with a chin strap though?

@KateGrarock

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Susan - I may have to invest in one.