Distance: 18 Km | Duration: 6.5 Hrs | Grade: TBA | Rating: | Style: Circuit | Map
About the Walk
Overview
Up to Sweet's Lookout, then to a high point of the ridge around picturesque Ruth's Gully, returning to Blackwood along Byers Back Track via the Tunnel.
The Walk in Detail
Cross the bridge at the mineral springs and turn left along a water race for 180 metres then climb sixty metres up to Shaws Lake Rotunda. Proceed east then north east along Shaws Lake Track to North Blackwood Road. Continue north east along North Blackwood Road for 1.2km to Ruth Track on the right. Follow Ruth Track north east then south east for 800m through lush forest to meet Hayden Track. Have a break.
Head southerly down Hayden Track for approximately 3.5km to a knoll where the track ends. From this knoll head 204ºM for about 250m, crossing the head of a small gully, to gain a southerly spur. Head south down this spur to the junction of Clear Water Creek and the Lerderderg River. Cross the river at the ford on Ambler Lane south of the junction and proceed up Ambler Lane 400m to Byers Back Track. Head south west then north along Byers Back Track, following an old water race around the head of a gully with spectacular views of the river below, to the junction with Gribble Track. Descend steeply east down Gribble Track to The Tunnel.
Cross the river then climb steeply for 40m then north north west for 3km along Tunnel Point Track to rejoin North Blackwood Road. Follow North Blackwood Road south east for 250m to Shaws Lake Track. Return to Shaws Lake and descend steeply down to the Mineral Springs Reserve.
Note:
This walk passes along the boundary of the Ruths Gully Reference Area. Please do not enter this area and obey all signs and map directions.
Getting There
Drive to Blackwood on the Western Highway via Melton and Bacchus Marsh, taking the Greendale-Myrninong Rd turn-off from the highway and then the Greendale-Trentham Rd to Blackwood. In Blackwood follow Martin Street north to Golden Point Road. Follow this east for 500m to the Mineral Springs Reserve on the left.
Walk Precautions
This walk involves some steep climbing and descent on and off formed tracks, two river crossings and some off track navigation. A good topographic map as well as competent map and compass skills are required.
Additional Information
Blackwood Recreation Reserve: 
