There are a number of excellent walks which start on the unsealed (and rough) Mt Hay Road, near the Blue Mountains town of Leura. Over 12 years of regular bushwalking in the area I had often noticed cars parked at the side of the road about half way to the end, and wondered whether there was a track there. Well, Sophia and I finally checked it out and discovered the really excellent Fortress Ridge Track. Better late than never. The track undulates through heath and occasional tree cover to a view point over the Grose Valley and Lockleys Pylon, which is quite spectacular from this angle.
There are nice views for much of the walk, either of the surrounding heathland which is very nice, or of cliffs lining the Grose Valley, and then eventually the Grose Valley itself. Definitely recommended. Other great walks in the area include the track to Lockley’s Pylon itself, and walks starting at the end of the road: to Mt Hay, Butterbox Point, and the more remote Venus Tor.
Track Notes
There are track notes on the Wild Walks website. You follow a fire trail at first, keeping right at a distinct track junction, then again at a rock formation, and on to the viewpoint. The left hand option at that distinct junction is a short side trip to another spot overlooking the Grose Valley, and is worth the visit. Pretty easy walking for 7km; 8-ish with that side trip.
Fortress Ridge Track: The Scenery
A few shots from 2019 in here too. Both occasions were hella windy!









These next shots from a short side trip near the start. You can walk down to the cliff edge.




Much nicer photos than what I managed to get this weekend, with all the smoke around… I’ve referenced your blog post on my recent post, in case people want to see what the view should look like!
https://hikingtheworld.blog/2019/11/23/fortress-ridge-blue-mountains/
Oh hi Oliver. I did this walk on two very clear days, so was lucky. And as it happens I linked to your blog the other day when putting together a post on Mt Amos in Tasmania. I did it on a cloudy day 11 years ago with a point and shoot camera, but saw your very nice pictures and wished I’d taken shots like that (especially the ones of Wineglass Bay from the summit).