"Really, no one? Only two of us are going to Mt Solitary?"
That message popped up on our hiking group chat the night before Christmas Eve. The plan was a hike up Mount Solitary, a grade 5 trail (the highest level of difficulty). I had initially dismissed the idea. Grade 5? Thanks, but no thanks. I had other plans—a scenic coastal walk near Kiama, something relaxing to wrap up the year.
But then, persuasion struck. "You’ve already hiked the Youngnam Alps (in Korea). This will be a breeze for you!" someone chimed in. Another hiker added, "If you’re coming, I’ll come too." Uh-oh. The peer pressure was real. And just like that, four of us committed to tackling Mount Solitary.
What is Mount Solitary?
Mount Solitary is part of the Blue Mountains Range, a dramatic spur off the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales.
From Echo Point Lookout, where tourists flock to see the iconic Three Sisters, you can spot Mount Solitary standing alone in the distance. Its solitary stance is fitting—it’s a place of rugged isolation, both visually and in spirit.
While the full Mount Solitary Walking Track is a 34km loop that takes about three days to complete, we opted for a point-to-point route via Kedumba Pass. Spoiler alert: it was no less challenging.
The Hike Begins
We parked at the start of Kedumba Pass and began with a long descent along a fire trail. The walk started easy—almost too easy. It wasn’t until later that we realized how deceivingly tough the return journey would be.
Kedumba Valley was serene and untouched. No signs of civilization, no bustling crowds—just the quiet hum of nature and the four of us. In fact, throughout the entire day, we only encountered other hikers twice. Solitary, indeed.
The Climb That Tested Us All
After a quick snack in the valley, the trail turned steep. And I mean steep. The incline felt never-ending, as if the mountain itself was testing our resolve. Luckily, the cool, cloudless weather was on our side; any warmer, and it might have been unbearable.
But what made the climb worth it were the views. From certain vantage points, the vast Blue Mountains unfolded like an ocean—flat and blue, stretching to the horizon. Unlike the pointy, wave-like mountains of Korea, the Blue Mountains’ ridges are almost linear, creating a unique sense of calm and expansiveness.
Reaching the summit was both a relief and a triumph. We were elated, taking in the panoramic views that seemed to erase the memory of our struggles—at least temporarily.
The Descent: A New Challenge
As challenging as climbing up was, scrambling down was equally intense. Several times, I caught myself thinking, How on earth did we manage this on the way up? Every step felt precarious, and by the time we reached the valley again, we were exhausted.
Cooling our feet in the stream at the bottom was pure bliss. We laughed, feeling victorious, oblivious to what awaited us: the final, grueling ascent back to Kedumba Pass.
The Last Climb: “Once in a Lifetime”
The final stretch was a test of endurance. Every corner revealed yet another hill to conquer. We ran out of water and relied on sheer determination to push through. By the end, we all agreed—this was a "once in a lifetime" trek. As in, once is enough!
When we finished, the sense of accomplishment was unmatched. Despite the fatigue, we were grateful for each other’s company and teamwork. Later, I learned that we’d gained 1,850 meters in elevation and covered 26.5km. One of my companions joked,
"You’ve climbed this, so now you can hike any mountain in Australia!"
Reflections on the Trek
Looking back, I’m not sure I would’ve joined had I known the true difficulty. But sometimes, not knowing is a blessing—it pushes you to take on challenges you might otherwise avoid.
Mount Solitary lived up to its name, offering solitude, breathtaking views, and a reminder of the strength that comes from camaraderie. It’s a hike I wouldn’t have done alone, and I’m so grateful for the friends who made it possible.
Would I do it again? Probably not.
But will I treasure the experience forever? Absolutely.
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