Katoomba, NSW
8.7 km (3.5 hrs )
★★★☆☆

It has been many years since I had last visited Ruined Castle. Over the years the track has been frequently closed due to landslides and upgrades, so it was good to finally be able to return. Shortly after my visit, the track was once again closed due to a landslide - I am glad that I had the opportunity to go!

The fastest and easiest access to Ruined Castle is via the Golden Stairs. These 800 or so stairs take you from Narrow Neck plateau into the Jamison Valley where Federal Pass provides access to either Katoomba via Furber Steps or the Giant Stairway, or Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary. Ruined Castle itself is rocky outcrop on the top of a small hill, close to Mount Solitary. There are two access points to the summit, with the easiest by far being at the northern end of Federal Pass. It is a nice and not too challenging walk, providing of course that you don't mind lots of stairs!