Mountains of Sydney - Mount Marsden

A mighty wall of solid rock at the north end of the Capertee Valley. Mount Marsden dominates the surrounding landscape. The walk up Mount Marsden is strenuous but rewarding. Allow about 4 hours for the return journey.

Driving directions

From Kandos, drive east then south along Glen Alice Road. As you drive south you will see Mount Marsden rising on your left. After 10km the road enters Kandos State Forest. Pull over to the side of the road.

Directions to the summit

1. Leave your car and walk east into the forest and down into a steep grassy gully.

2. Cross the gully and begin climbing up a spur. The climb is very steep and just goes straight up to the top.

3. At the top, turn right and walk south along the top of the escarpment. The going is very easy, being mostly flat open woodland without undergrowth. There are great views across the valley to the west.

4. Eventually you will come to the Pagodas. These are giant rock formations, the size of buildings. They are well worth an explore, but if you want the quickest way to the summit, skirt around to the east (away from the cliffs) and follow the back of the rocks till the land rises sharply and you have to start climbing again.

5. There is a "false summit" 300m before the actual summit. This has possibly the best views of the whole walk.

6. The actual summit is in a grassy woodland.

7. The views are found 100m away at the south-west corner. The route back is along the same path you took to get to the summit.