Rams Heads and the Western Fall
A few years ago I made a memorable visit to North Rams Head, camping on the exposed plateau a little north of the peak. The night was bitterly cold, with the wind like ice. But above the great boulder pile of the peak the sky was ablaze with stars, leaving me enthralled despite the temperature.
Next morning we scrambled up to the summit — not a long climb but a fun one — and enjoyed the fantastic views across the boulder-strewn landscape. The experience left me wanting to explore the rest of the Rams Head Range, so when the opportunity for a five day walk in the Snowy Mountains arose, I naturally started with the Rams Heads. The rest of the walk fitted into place from there, including a return to a special place from my past.
Part 1: South to North
Our first day in the Snowy Mountains promised some of the best scenery and views with a traverse of the Rams Head Range: a high, untracked ridge linking a series of rocky peaks.
Part 2: Alice Rawson
After shifting camp to the other side of Mt Kosciuszko, we made a side trip to Alice Rawson Peak. It was our first visit to this peak, which is reputed to have some of the best views in the area.
Part 3: The Western Fall
After a stormy night, we followed the Main Range over Carruthers Peak and on towards Mt Twynam, then headed down to the edge of the Western Fall. I hoped to rediscover a campsite in secluded valley I remembered from many years ago, and longed to revisit.
Part 4: The Tail of the Kangaroo
A day of two halves: the morning featured glorious views and an easy walk to Charlottes Pass, while the afternoon saw us engulfed in heavy fog as I tried navigating down the trackless Kangaroo Ridge.
Part 5: Kangaroo and Dead Horse
From our camp on Kangaroo Ridge we headed towards the eastern end of the Rams Head Range, then sidled round to its southern face. As we dropped down to the Cascades trailhead, the boulder-covered peaks along the ridge rose ever higher above us.
