Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk
Download & Print Map and Notes
8 hrs
13.6 km Circuit
1068 m
Hard track
(0km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St → Boyd Beach
2.2 km
50 mins
48m
-148m
Moderate track
From the intersection near 49 Dell St, this walk heads down the hill following the old ‘Popes Glen’ sign. After approximately 350m, this walk passes an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). A further 200m down the hill, the walk passes a waterfall on the right, then continues down parallel to the creek (on the right). The walk crosses two bridges, then continues to follow the creek (now on the left) to an intersection below power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down a slight hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. After some time, the walk crosses a bridge, then continues beside the creek until crossing a second bridge. The track continues for some time downhill, to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Boyds Beach’ sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down a slight hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. After some time, the walk crosses a bridge, then continues beside the creek until crossing a second bridge. The track continues for some time downhill, to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Boyds Beach’ sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach.
Boyd Beach
Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.
(2.15km) Boyd Beach → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Pulpit Rock Trk
340 m
8 mins
18m
-21m
Moderate track
Turn around: From Boyd Beach, this walk heads up the hill away from the creek, winding up the rocky steps for approximately 40m to the signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign, climbing for approximately 50m past a rock feature (below on the left – there is a track to the top of this feature). The walk continues along the creek line, keeping the creek on the left, and passes a track (accessing the creek). This walk continues for approximately 100m, heading through a ferny area to an intersection near the creek, marked by ‘Popes Glen’ and ‘Govetts Leap’ signs.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign, climbing for approximately 50m past a rock feature (below on the left – there is a track to the top of this feature). The walk continues along the creek line, keeping the creek on the left, and passes a track (accessing the creek). This walk continues for approximately 100m, heading through a ferny area to an intersection near the creek, marked by ‘Popes Glen’ and ‘Govetts Leap’ signs.
(2.5km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Pulpit Rock Trk → Pulpit Rock middle Lookout
2.9 km
1 hr 36 mins
338m
-368m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the creek, following the signs to ‘Pulpit Rock’. The track winds up the hill, reaching a railing which is followed around and under a cliff to Cripps Lookout, with views of Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. This walk then continues along the hillside, with the valley below on the right. The track rounds into a gully and over a creek to rise out again up the hillside. It then follows the hillside for some time, leading in and out of gullys to a large railed lookout, Boyd Lookout.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk leads along the hillside with the valley below on the right. The track passes by views of the Grose Valley on its right, and rocky outcrops on the left. It then swings to the right, around a hill, to head into a gully. The track continues around the gully to drop into a creek to continue to a sign marked intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs, following the sign to ‘Pulpit Rock’. The track heads down the hill to a flat area with awesome views over the Grose Valley.
Veer left: From the upper lookout, this walk heads down the long set of stairs towards Pulpit Rock (a bench seat is visible from here). The walk passes a side path (which leads to a cave) and continues down to the bench seat in the middle of the platform.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk leads along the hillside with the valley below on the right. The track passes by views of the Grose Valley on its right, and rocky outcrops on the left. It then swings to the right, around a hill, to head into a gully. The track continues around the gully to drop into a creek to continue to a sign marked intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs, following the sign to ‘Pulpit Rock’. The track heads down the hill to a flat area with awesome views over the Grose Valley.
Veer left: From the upper lookout, this walk heads down the long set of stairs towards Pulpit Rock (a bench seat is visible from here). The walk passes a side path (which leads to a cave) and continues down to the bench seat in the middle of the platform.
Pulpit Rock Lookout
Pulpit Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley and back towards Blackheath, with Bridal Veil Falls and the Govetts Leap cliff edge in view. The lookout has many levels with the uppermost lookout having the easiest access.
(5.4km) Pulpit Rock middle Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout
3 km
1 hr 40 mins
394m
-348m
Moderate track
Turn around: From the seat, this walk heads up the hill and away from the valley, passing a side track (which leads to a cave). The walk heads up more stairs before coming to a large viewing area on the left.
Veer right: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, away from the valley, for approximately 30m to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk does not follow the signs to the ‘Carpark’ or ‘Pulpit Rock’, but instead leads away from the stairs and into a gully. The track rounds the gully, dropping into a creek before it heading uphill to the cliff tops again. The track continues to undulate along the clifftops, with the views of the valley to the left. The track winds in and out of gullys for approximately 1km to the fenced viewing area of Boyd Lookout.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads along the hillside with the valley below to the left. The track leads along the hillside for some time, in and out of gullys, to then head down into a gully facing Horseshoe Falls. The track rounds the gully, passing across a creek to a railed lookout on the left. The track then heads under a cliffline to a railed section of track, which winds down the hill steeply to the street-signposted intersection after Popes Glen Creek.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign through the ferns, with the creek to the left of the track, and comes to a set of stairs. The walk climbs the steep stairs to follow the railing around a rocky outcrop. The track then winds along the hillside for some time heading to pass a lookout on the left, as the track continues to the intersection near the Horseshoe Falls Lookout.
Veer right: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, away from the valley, for approximately 30m to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk does not follow the signs to the ‘Carpark’ or ‘Pulpit Rock’, but instead leads away from the stairs and into a gully. The track rounds the gully, dropping into a creek before it heading uphill to the cliff tops again. The track continues to undulate along the clifftops, with the views of the valley to the left. The track winds in and out of gullys for approximately 1km to the fenced viewing area of Boyd Lookout.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads along the hillside with the valley below to the left. The track leads along the hillside for some time, in and out of gullys, to then head down into a gully facing Horseshoe Falls. The track rounds the gully, passing across a creek to a railed lookout on the left. The track then heads under a cliffline to a railed section of track, which winds down the hill steeply to the street-signposted intersection after Popes Glen Creek.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign through the ferns, with the creek to the left of the track, and comes to a set of stairs. The walk climbs the steep stairs to follow the railing around a rocky outcrop. The track then winds along the hillside for some time heading to pass a lookout on the left, as the track continues to the intersection near the Horseshoe Falls Lookout.
(8.44km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout
340 m
11 mins
62m
-23m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk winds along the cliff top with the valley below to the left. The walk then leads steeply up the stairs to the intersection at the viewing area.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The walk heads up and around the hillside to cross over a bridge, then up more stairs to the intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The walk heads up and around the hillside to cross over a bridge, then up more stairs to the intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.
Govetts Leap Lookout
Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831. Govetts Leap Lookout offers wonderful views over the Grose Valley and the spectacular Bridal Falls. The word `leap` is an old Scottish word meaning waterfall. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park[3], there are also toilets[4] and picnic shelters[5] nearby.
(8.77km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Braeside Walk North
620 m
15 mins
17m
-82m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, following the sign to ‘Evans Lookout’ and keeping the Grose Valley below on the left. The track rises for approximately 400m and then heads down the hillside. The walk zigzags down the hill, with stairs, and then crosses a creek with cement steppingstones, coming to a signposted intersection on the other side.
Govetts Leap (falls)
Govetts Leap, is a waterfall in the Blue Mountains National Park. The fall is fed by Govetts Leap Brook which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The falls are best viewed from Govetts Leap and Barrow Lookouts. Leap is a scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall.
(9.39km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout
80 m
2 mins
5m
-2m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the winding stairs towards the cliffs. The soon comes to the railed Barrow Lookout, where there is a bench seat.
Barrow Lookout
Barrow Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks down to Govetts Leap falls and across the Grose Valley. The lookout is fenced and has a bench seat to rest.
(9.47km) Barrow Lookout → Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area
1.3 km
23 mins
62m
-10m
Hard track
Turn around: From Barrow Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs towards Bridal Veil Falls and the creek in the valley. The walk soon comes to a signposted intersection, above cement stepping stones in the creek.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign, up the stream, along the rocky track. The walk leads approximately 100m, to then go down to the creek. The stepping stones are followed up stream to a set of stairs. This walk climbs the stairs and continues south-west for approximately 100m to find some overhead power lines. The walk continues upstream, passing an overgrown track on the left (which heads underneath power lines on the left to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed, as the brook is followed for approximately 100m, passing some large boulders on the right as the track continues approximately 500m to the Braeside Picnic Area.
Continue straight: From the weir and the barbeque, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the weir on the right of the track, soon reaching the stepping stones. The track tends right across the creek via the stepping stones. From the creek, this walk heads up the steps to the signposted intersection on the management trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign, up the stream, along the rocky track. The walk leads approximately 100m, to then go down to the creek. The stepping stones are followed up stream to a set of stairs. This walk climbs the stairs and continues south-west for approximately 100m to find some overhead power lines. The walk continues upstream, passing an overgrown track on the left (which heads underneath power lines on the left to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed, as the brook is followed for approximately 100m, passing some large boulders on the right as the track continues approximately 500m to the Braeside Picnic Area.
Continue straight: From the weir and the barbeque, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the weir on the right of the track, soon reaching the stepping stones. The track tends right across the creek via the stepping stones. From the creek, this walk heads up the steps to the signposted intersection on the management trail.
Braeside Picnic Area
Braeside Picnic Area, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small picnic area on the southern end of the Braeside walking track. The picnic area has a bench table and stone barbeque. The picnic area is situated next to a small weir and waterfall amongst the ferns.
(10.74km) Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area → Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St
2.8 km
53 mins
124m
-62m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill past a car park area on the right, and up to the intersection of the management trails.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill passing a driveway on the left. The walk heads up the hill towards the white house at the top of the hill, to turn left (west) onto Braeside St, keeping the white house behind to the right. This walk continues up the street to the intersection with Boreas St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up Boreas St to turn left onto Govetts Leap Road. This walk continues along Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Prince Edward St’ and caravan (symbol) signs, past the pink cottage on the left. The walk continues along the road, passing Memorial Park and Swimming Pool on the left before tending right to the intersection with Gipps Lane (which is on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road, leaving Gipps St behind on the left and passing a wooden house (also on the left). The walk passes Cleopatra St on the left before coming to the signposted intersection with the Pope’s Glen track on the right, near 49 Dell St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill passing a driveway on the left. The walk heads up the hill towards the white house at the top of the hill, to turn left (west) onto Braeside St, keeping the white house behind to the right. This walk continues up the street to the intersection with Boreas St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up Boreas St to turn left onto Govetts Leap Road. This walk continues along Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Prince Edward St’ and caravan (symbol) signs, past the pink cottage on the left. The walk continues along the road, passing Memorial Park and Swimming Pool on the left before tending right to the intersection with Gipps Lane (which is on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road, leaving Gipps St behind on the left and passing a wooden house (also on the left). The walk passes Cleopatra St on the left before coming to the signposted intersection with the Pope’s Glen track on the right, near 49 Dell St.
Maps for the Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside 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.
| Katoomba | 1:25 000 Map Series | 89301S KATOOMBA | NSW-89301S |
| Mount Wilson | 1:25 000 Map Series | 89301N MOUNT WILSON | NSW-89301N |
| Katoomba | 1:100 000 Map Series | 8930 KATOOMBA | 8930 |
Cross sectional view of the Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside 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 | 13.6 km | ||
| Time | 8 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 | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
| 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
11km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.5km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 890m is very steep and the remaining 390m has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.8km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.1km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 14km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 14km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 11km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
630 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
748 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
816 m Return
45 mins
Hard track
1.2 km Return
1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
1.4 km Return
1 Hr
Hard track
2.5 km Return
1 Hr
Hard track
3.2 km One way
1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
3.8 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
4.2 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
6.6 km One way
4 hrs 15 mins
Hard track
8.7 km Circuit
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
8.7 km Circuit
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
9.3 km Circuit
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
10.7 km Circuit
6 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
12.8 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
15.6 km Circuit
7 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
16.5 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
17.6 km One way
9 hrs
Experienced only
18.2 km Circuit
8 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
22.2 km One way
2 Days
Experienced only
22.5 km One way
3 Days
Experienced only
24.1 km Circuit
2 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
2.4 km Circuit
1 Hr
Very easy
1.9 km One way
45 mins
Very easy
3.1 km One way
2 hrs
Hard track
1.6 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
2.3 km One way
1 hr 15 mins
Moderate track
588 m Return
30 mins
Very easy
1.4 km Circuit
45 mins
Moderate track
5.4 km Circuit
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
7.6 km Return
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
5.4 km Circuit
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
3.1 km Return
2 hrs
Hard track
6.4 km Circuit
4 hrs
Very experienced only
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk walk starts and ends at the Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St (gps: -33.63241, 150.29411)Your transport options to Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/pgprglabw
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Comments