This walk was organised and led by Max S as a private Tuesday walk:

Folks, This Tuesday will possibly be wet, so a track walk is proposed. From Corin Dam car park, up the normal ridge (or another parallel ridge) to Stockyard Spur. Depending on weather, possibilities are Pryor’s Hut, Stockyard Creek, Snowy Flats or even Gingera. Approximately 12-18km plus 700 m + climb. Say 5-7 hrs walking, plus 2 hrs travel. Meet at Kambah shops at 7.30. Map Corin Dam. Canberra weather - showers, min 3 max 16 Warm and wet weather gear required. Usual FBI condition applies – a walk can be sanctioned if 4 walkers otherwise it is a private walk.

3 of us drove to Corin Dam.

Walk

A wet day chosen by Max for us to test out some new wet weather gear. We were walking by 8.20am up the footpad from Corin Dam to Stockyard Spur. The track is much better defined than previously and better taped - someone's been working on it. I don't know what Max and Karen had for breakfast, but they left me for dead. They must have arrived at the top hours ahead of me. This leg 2.1km in 1hr, with a 570m climb. Showers all the way.

From the 2 marker cairns (one right in the middle of the Stockyard Spur fire trail) we decided to head for Pryors Hut. Easy walking, a little cold and damp. Lovely grasses and a soft haze to the bush in the rain. Passed a new UNSW weather monitoring station on the side of the track. This leg 5km in 1hr5mins with 150m climb.

Pryors Hut was a welcome sight. The first time I've used an ACT hut in anger - for shelter rather than just visiting. We called in (see pic 1) and had a look to see how wet we were and enjoyed morning tea. Lovely view through the window towards the arboretum to the lichen covered trees, looking fresh in the rain.

More exercise was needed, so we decided to go on to Mt Gingera, but to return to the hut for lunch. A quick 4.7km in 1hr40mins, with 230m climb. Cold and wet on the top, so we didn't stay long.

Back at Pryors Hut we again examined out wetness state. I'd kept Paddy in caviar last week by purchasing a new raincoat, so my top was dry. My two-pairs-of-boots-for-the-price-of-one new policy failed a little - 'waterproof' boots are not the same as Gote-tex lined boots, but they kept the water out until Mt Gingera and they sure are comfortable. Max had a new pair of boots and a new-old coat, too. Karen showed us the one pair of socks, plastic bag, other pair of socks trick.

The rain and showers slowed a bit on the return journey. A lyrebird on the footpad down to Corin Dam. This leg 6.9km in 1.5hrs.

I trotted across the dam wall and to the lookout, which I'd never visited before. Not a bad view (see pic 3). Wandered down to the fenced off walkway to the inlet tower. The construction of the dam exposed at both ends of the wall shales and sandstones of the Adaminaby Beds. This is Site of Significance in the ACT UC8 - Corin Dam Geological Site.

Always a nice bit of exercise and a great walk. Lovely rain. The bush takes on a misty beauty. Thanks Max and Karen.

Distance: 19.5km  Climb: 1000m.  Time: 8.20am - 2.40pm (call it 6.3hrs), with 1hr of stops.
Grading: L/E; M(11)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: Stockyard Spur and Mt Gingera