Beedelup to Beavis campsite

Mileage: 14.7 miles/23.5 km

Sectional total: 30.7 miles/49.1 km

There were so many mosquitoes outside my tent this morning, it was hard to summon up the motivation to get out of the sleeping bag. Instead, I stayed wrapped up and watched a wren outside my tent jumping from branch to branch.

The trail began with the steep climb and then levelled off as it headed to Beedelup Falls. We came across our second tiger snake of the trip which headed off into the bush as soon as it saw us. Then, figuring it was nicer to lie in the sun than hide under leaves, it headed back to its previous spot.

After our dalliance with danger, we continued on and reached Beedelup Falls. Even though it was the end of summer and the water level was at its lowest, the falls were still impressive.

From there, the trail headed past Karri Valley so we took a quick detour to the resort. We got a drink there and, given this is Australia, a hot pie. The view across the lake was absolutely stunning.

Tempting as it was to stay, we headed on from the resort across the dam, past a ‘Danger: Snakes!’ sign and on into the forest.

We stopped for a break at a nice waterfall about 5km further on which is a rarety in WA.

From here on in, the trail was tough. There were continual steep climbs and ascents, many of which were very high grade. The constant switching between the muscles used for uphill and downhill made this section really tough.

What is worse is that many of the ups and downs seem a little pointless as you climb a huge hill and then stumble down a big descent only to find yourself 500m further along the valley. Never mind, it beats being in the office and the Donnelly valley and its mixed forest is very nice.

After endless ups and downs, we eventually reached a long descent which allowed us to step up the miles a little.

On getting close to the campsite, the Bibb was not to be outdone, however, and threw in one of the steepest climbs there is on the Bibb. Not quite 45 degrees but close!

From here, we were glad to reach Beavis campsite at the end of a tough day (although tomorrow will possibly be harder).

The campsite was really well set up, clean and a great spot to relax at the end of the day.