While some run for the views, the course, the terrain, I mostly run for the experience. The experience of a new area, the experience of feeling fit, being in places where not many others go, and focusing on one thing only: trail running. As such, while I appreciate a great area, nice views, a lush landscape, it’s not the most important thing for me. The run itself is. So, with that in mind, Rileys Mountain Track was another really great run. Not for the amazing walk, cause besides the lookouts, there’s not much to see. Not for the diverse terrain, cause mostly, this trail is just a quite flat fire trail. But just for the act of being there, and being mindful that I’m able to run this track on a Saturday morning, experience the Australian outdoors, and have a lot of fun while doing so.
The lookout
The Rileys Mountain Track to Nepean Narrows Lookout starts at a parking spot, with enough space to always have an easy parking space. While the Nepeans Narrows lookout is our goal, one doesn’t have to run or walk that far to have enjoy the view; only a few hundred meters away from the start of the trail is a very popular lookout. And when I say “very popular”, I unfortunately base this on the amount of rubbish we found next to the track. And yes, that rubbish is no longer there now since we cleaned up most of it, and hopefully it stays like this for a while.
Rileys firetrail
After the first lookout, there’s a single track which takes you a few hundred meters into the woods. After that however, the nice paths end, and it’s fire trails all the way. Not an issue for running, but I wouldn’t recommend going here for a hike, there are other places which are far more interesting not far away from this place. One exception to this was my encounter with a Goanna, which is always an interesting experience!
After running the fire trail, the lookout gives you a wide view over the woods and the Nepean River. I enjoyed my Kodak moment here for a few minutes, and while I normally have a small bite on the turn, this time I decided to practice my running and eating, which is way harder than I expected it to be. Maybe I’ll write some more on this topic in a later post, but for now, I’m going to enjoy my weekend, and I hope to see you next week!
