I’d only been to Venus Tor once before, 12 years ago. It couldn’t have been in more different conditions – a drizzly, foggy day where we saw no views. We were also on a much, much harder trip – an overnight trip crossing the Grose Valley. This trip on the other hand; we couldn’t have had better conditions and a very cruisy route plan for the day (7km – all on track or rough pad). Today was an absolutely stunning day in the mountains – winter bushwalking at its finest.
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08166.jpg)
Classic Blue Mountains scenery
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08170.jpg)
The group (joint SBW/BC/UBMC)
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08172.jpg)
Checking out familiar features from different angles
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08174.jpg)
Descending Mt Hay
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08177.jpg)
Beaut morning tea spot
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08178.jpg)
The route out to Venus Tor
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08179.jpg)
Rock colours
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08180.jpg)
Wattle in bloom
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08185.jpg)
Approaching Venus Tor
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08190.jpg)
Bob deciding perhaps the lower ledge was a little too narrow
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08193.jpg)
Belinda negotiates the narrow (upper) ledge onto Venus Tor
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08198.jpg)
Fuschia heath (epacris reclinata)
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08201.jpg)
Views up the Grose
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08202.jpg)
Rock formation
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08204.jpg)
Most of the party below the ledge
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08207.jpg)
Walking below the cliff lines
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08208.jpg)
Heading back up to Mt Hay
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08212.jpg)
Enjoying the sunny, still day
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08215.jpg)
Walking towards Butterbox Point
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08218.jpg)
Rock formations
![](https://grindlay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DSC08220.jpg)
More speccy walking