The Govetts Leap Loop combines three different tracks to create a pretty and varied walk. Although it passes one of the most famous spots in the mountains - Govetts Leap Lookout - much of the walk is along quieter tracks. You’ll still get some big views but there is also plenty of time spent meandering along picturesque creeks through some nice bushland.
It does involve a little climbing, but it’s generally quite an easy walk and all on well maintained trails.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Govetts Leap Loop.
The Govetts Leap Loop
The stats
Distance: 9.2km loop (our longer route was 10.4km)
Elevation: 380m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
This circuit walk encompasses Popes Glen, part of the Cliff Top Track and the Braeside Walk. It does have a small amount of road walking at the beginning and end but it’s all on quiet backstreets.
Whilst the trail does have some wow factor views, it’s more about experiencing some of the quieter trails in the mountains and probably not the one for you if you only have time for one walk in the area. If that’s the case, check out our best walks in the Blue Mountains guide.
The whole walk took us 2 hours 45 minutes at a leisurely pace including lots of time for photos.
Starting the trail at Popes Glen
From the parking area the walk heads along Dell Street for 400m. It’s a quiet street which is lined with tree ferns so it’s not a bad start to the walk.
You’ll then see the signpost and turning into the bush on your right.
From here you’ll follow a narrow bush track which is mainly flat and very leisurely.
Popes Glen has changed a lot since the terrible bushfires of 2020 and though it is starting to regenerate it’s not the ferny wonderland it once was.
It’s still a pleasant stroll, often following the creek, and track upgrades mean it’s now in very good condition. It can get waterlogged after heavy rain but it’s never too hard to manoeuvre around.
You’ll cross the creek a couple of times on stepping stones and pass some picturesque overhangs. After 2.5km easy walking you’ll come to a junction.
You can make the 30m detour to Boyds Beach before backtracking and following the sign for Govetts Leap.
Boyds Beach was a bit lacking on the sand front when we visited due to all the heavy rain, but it’s a sweet little spot and only around a 30 second detour.
Onto Govetts Leap
You’ll climb a few stairs before the trail flattens and heads through the bush with a lot more open views now the trees are so much less dense.
After 500m you’ll come to my favourite spot along the trail, a small but very pretty cascade. Normally the pool here is shallow, but a lovely place to dip your feet. On our most recent visit it was definitely deep enough for a full plunge and the water was still running clear despite the rain.
From the cascade the trail begins to climb. It used to be a little rough but it’s now all on well maintained staircases which makes it much quicker.
There are some gorgeous ferns along this section which was really nice to see after missing them along the earlier part of the walk.
After 250m you’ll reach a fabulous lookout over Horseshoe Falls, Pulpit Rock and the Grose Valley. I’d forgotten just how good the views are along this stretch and there are several lookouts in a row providing lots of photo ops.
The track continues to climb until you reach Govetts Leap Lookout 500m later (3.7km into the walk).
It’s wildly popular and can get busy, but for good reason, it’s definitely one of the best lookouts in the mountains. If the falls are running well its even more mesmerising.
Along the cliff tops
The walk now follows the Cliff Top Track and you’ll begin descending through the bush with plenty of gaps in the trees for some epic views.
After 750m you’ll come to the top of Govetts Leap Falls and cross over the creek on stepping stones. Just beyond the top of the falls is Barrow Lookout which offers a fabulous view of the falls from a different vantage point.
You can also see the Govetts Leap Descent Track which looks precarious from this angle, cut into the sheer cliff wall. In reality it’s an excellent track and whilst steep, it’s not scary.
Once you’ve enjoyed the view from Barrow Lookout you back track for a minute or so and take the trail on the left marked as the Braeside Walk.
This is what we’ve done many times, but unfortunately I made a bit of an error this time discovering that though the Braeside Fire Trail was open, the walking track was not.
As it’s set to reopen in a matter of weeks this won’t be a problem for you.
For us it meant a strange detour - in the unlikely event this happens to you as well, continue along the Cliff Top Track for a further 650m beyond Barrow Lookout. You’ll come to a bench seat.
Just behind the bench you’ll see an unassuming and un-signposted track leading into the bush. Follow the narrow path and it will soon open up into an old overgrown fire trail.
It’s flat, easy and nice enough as it’s through quite dense bush (but not overgrown in any way). After just over 1km you’ll meet the Braeside Fire Trail (right at the pylon) and can continue the walk as described below.
Finishing up on the Braeside Walk and Fire Trail
Unless it’s closed you should definitely follow the Braeside Walk. The trail follows a pretty creek and though it was never in bad condition it will be even better now because we saw lots of new steps going in.
There are a few gentle ups and downs but it’s an easy section and after just over 1km you’ll come to a little picnic area. It’s a lovely spot to stop for lunch, set next to some cascades and lots of ferns (we hope the ferns are still there anyway!).
From here the walk takes you up onto the Braeside Fire Trail. It’s nice and shady due to the dense forest and though it’s not the most exciting part of the walk it’s pleasant enough. it does head uphill for almost the entire way but it’s never very steep.
After just over 1km you’ll leave the fire trail and hit the back streets of Blackheath.
The prettiest time of year to do this walk is in autumn when fall colour adds a little magic to the end of the walk. Regardless of the season it’s not too bad finishing up on the road because it’s very quiet, leafy and the houses are attractive, so we always entertain ourselves deciding which we’d like to live in!
From the fire trail back to your car near Popes Glen, it’s 1.3km. You head left along Braeside Road, left onto Govetts Leap Road 600m later and then right onto Prince Edwards Street 300m after that.
You then follow Prince Edward Street for 400m back to the car park.
Getting to the Govetts Leap Loop
The Govetts Leap Loop begins at Dell Street near Popes Glen in Blackheath. You could also start at Blackheath Train Station if you are coming by public transport which doesn’t add on too much additional distance.
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