The Stirling Ridge - Definitely no Cake Walk
Andrew Miles, England
Please Note: Andrew has significant mountaineering experience.
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For the 2 ½ months I had spent in WA, I had heard, read and seen many great things about the Stirling Ridge Walk. It was to be the final venture on my WA 'to do' checklist, so with much enthusiasm I headed for the Stirling Ranges with fingers crossed for favourable conditions on the mountains. Appreciating the severity of the walk, I was hoping to find a companion to go with, but it soon became apparent that if I was to do the ridge, I would have to go alone. Being confident with my previous mountain experiences, I eagerly packed my bag ready for my assault on the ridge.
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Whilst driving to the start of the walk by the north east boundary fence there was a bit of cloud over the peaks, but I was confident that with a bit of sun they would burn off. Sure enough, as I set off for the 5km walk to the start of the track the peaks were out of the cloud and the ridge was displayed in all its glory.
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I was immediately relishing the challenge of scaling the spectacular Ellen Peak and before I knew it I was at the foot of the summit cone. The scramble up the eastern gulley and along the rock terrace was a great route and the views from the peak were amazing. Next up was Pyungoorup Peak, and after a quick dash up to the summit I was cautiously going around the traverse with a staggering drop down the south slopes of the ridge. Baker's Knob was a relatively easy walk to the top, where the views over the 3 arrows were great. I couldn't resist the scramble up to the summit of the 3rd Arrow so I ditched my bag and followed the gulley to the top.
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I was making good progress and with each peak climbed, Bluff Knoll was looking temptingly closer. I was now determined on completing the walk in a single day, so I pushed on to the foot of the ascent up to East Bluff. This final climb seems never-ending and my legs were screaming near the top after a day of harsh ups and downs. Just as I was approaching the summit of Bluff Knoll the cloud starting coming in, so after a few quick photos and a snack I was heading down to the end of the walk at the car park.
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The Stirling Ridge Walk fulfilled all expectations and was a fantastic walk, very similar to the great Scottish mountains I am familiar with. I was blessed with great conditions, which meant I could make fast progress and finish in a little under 10 hours. The ridge is a serious undertaking and should be given the respect it deserves. Good preparation and previous mountain experience is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk. Hopefully one day I may be back in WA, but for now I'm left with great memories from the Stirling Ranges.
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