Trig #2 - Mount Painter

19 June 2020 - Mount Painter
I had been walking pretty regularly for a few weeks when I thought I'd take a walk up Mount Painter after work. I'd tried it about a month earlier, but only got as far as the water tank. This time I was a bit earlier and thought I'd go for the trig.

The Australian Hiker site calls this one a 3 star walk (though this review starts the walk in a different place). It turns out it's actually a pretty easy walk if you want to do a quick walk. It took me a little longer as I'm still building my fitness, but it was 2.7km return which I did in about 45 minutes (I go pretty slow on the downhills too!).

I parked in the carpark off Coulter Drive, next to a horse paddock. The first part of the walk is a short, steepish walk up a dirt road with some gravel and pretty loose rocks. If you're not sure-footed (like me!) it's a good idea to wear some good grippy shoes. I bought some of these (that totally means I'm getting serious, right?), and they are great. The last time I walked up (or at least down) that same hill, I really thought I was going to slide all the way down, but with these shoes it seemed much easier.

Once you reach the two water tanks, there is another path that takes you to the summit. On the way there's a little stop with a bench that looks out across to Black Mountain.

After that, there's a bit of a downhill, then you have to climb some stairs (about 30 metres worth) to get to the summit. And it's an absolutely magnificent view all the way around! Right across to the Brindabellas in the south and Gungahlin in the north. 

The city and the lake to the east.

The view to the south.

My walk was between 5-6pm on a Friday evening, and while there were a few people up there (particularly in the first part), by the time I walked down I almost had the trail to myself; just a couple of dog walkers. Though it was getting pretty dark when I got to my car. 

Because it's so easy to get to (there are approaches from within Cook, as well as Bindubi Street and Coulter Drive), and a quickish walk - not to mention the sensational view - this might be one I do a few times!

Mount Painter

Elevation gain - 740m.

Time to trig - about 25 minutes (15-20 for a fitter person!).

Difficulty - easy-medium. There are a couple of steepish bits (and steps), but a pretty easy walk

Best part - the amazing view!