Hi
I've been meaning to post something about this for a while.
The Boyce road is open again, for the moment, due to the efforts of Blackheath Area Adventure & Tourism Group, which meets at Glenella Guest House on Govetts Leap Rd once a month.
This group has been fantastic at supporting climbing in the Mts and lobbied both the Council and the Railways very strategically and effectively to have it re-opened to climbers. They have been supported really well by the new owners of Glenella, who also have climber's accommodation under the guest house. Good people, well worth supporting.
The group continues to lobby the opening of a cycling corridor from Manly to Mudgee, via the mts. and if climbers get a chance to support them it's a well-worthwhile cause.
The railways wanted to close the rail corridor totally, even for pedestrians and fence it off. Sydney Rockies access officer and some local climbers and guide groups got involved (me too) and lobbied to open it.
The access is complicated, made more so after the big landslide years ago. Getting in there without using the railway road is very difficult.
Obviously, the railways are concerned about climbers being close to the rail line, so please show discretion and great care when using the road to access the climbing areas. The meditation centre also don't like too many cars parked out the front, as it impacts on their business. Negotiations are ongoing.
There is major work planned for the signals between Blackheath and Mt Vic and the road will be closed when that starts, due to trucks etc. We're lobbying for it to be re-opened with a permanent solution after that.
The main thing is to not block the road when parking and try not to park near obvious railway gravel dumps etc, so as to not obstruct their access. And support the Blackheath Area Adventure & Tourism Group if you get a chance.
Cheers
G. |