An off-track adventure along the White Trig Ridge

I’m finally heading out to one of the last Ku-ring-gai Chase trig stations I haven’t yet visited… I’ve been advised by Phil from the Old Desperates Walking Group that there is a rough pad out along the “White Ridge Trig”, but no real trail. Starting next to the Slades Trail, I set off up the Cullamine Trail for a short distance, before leaving the firetrail and heading north-west into the bush.

Although there is no trail, it’s easy walking along the wide ridge ridge which runs towards Cowan Creek. There’s not much undergrowth, and progress is reasonably quick.

As I continue along the ridge, I spot a white marker on a blackened tree. Occasionally, there’s an obvious trail through the undergrowth. Despite these remnants of an old trail, it’s easier to find the easiest route along the ridge than to try and follow the infrequent markers.

There’s not a lot wildflowers in Autumn, but I spot a few common fringed-lilies (Thysanotus tuberosus). A herb which is endemic to Australia, the species’ name tuberosus refers to the “crisp tasting” edible root. Flowering from September to April, the three-petalled flowers with frilly edges last for one day.

Also keeping me company on my solo bushwalk are many Golden Orb spiders: a female orb spider can be up to a thousand times larger than the smaller male spider.

I’m soon at my first stop, White Trig (or rather the remnants of White Trig), which is about halfway along the ridge.

After the trig, the ridge veers sharply to the west, passing a gully to the right which has some low sandstone overhangs and orchids.

I haven’t seen any white markers for some time… but I spot a couple of small rock cairns that suggest I’m following roughly the “right” route!

I reach what seems to to be the end of the ridge (although it does descend a bit further to the north-west), where there is a large, grassy clearing – but no views.

However, as I return along the ridge, I follow the western side where there are some nice views over Bobbin Head.

Returning along a route close to the western side of the ridge, there are more filtered views down Cowan Creek to the south.

A few more rock outcrops provide views towards St Ives and over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Getting to the White Trig Ridge

The bushwalk starts at the end of Booralie Road in Duffys Forest; leave the Cullamine Fire Trail after about 200m to follow the ridge. There are some route markers (white metal squares and rock cairns) but they should not be relied upon.

For more bushwalks (as well as swimming spots and other activities) visit the Guide to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.