Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit (5.8km)

The Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, and Centennial Glen circuit is a rewarding 5.8-kilometre walk just outside Blackheath in Blue Mountains National Park. While it’s graded as a level 4 track, making it more suitable for those with some hiking experience, it’s well within reach for walkers who are comfortable with uneven surfaces, short scrambles, and a few steep sections. Allow around three hours to take it in at a steady pace—though you might find yourself lingering longer in places where the landscape invites a pause.

Starting from Centennial Glen carpark, the circuit can be walked in either direction. Heading southwest along the Walls Ledge track is a popular choice, with the path hugging the base of the cliffs. This section is especially striking in the early morning or late afternoon light, when the orange and ochre tones of the sandstone seem to glow. It’s also a well-known area for rock climbing, so don’t be surprised to see climbers scaling the walls above as you pass beneath.

The route weaves through open heath, hanging swamps, and shaded gullies, offering a rich mix of vegetation. Changes in plant life are noticeable as you move through different elevations and microclimates. Dry ridgelines transition into damp, fern-filled corridors near watercourses, giving a real sense of the region’s ecological diversity in a relatively short distance.

Views over the Kanimbla Valley are a highlight throughout, with glimpses opening up between the trees and from exposed sections of the track. Waterfalls tumble from the cliffs in wetter months, adding sound and movement to the landscape. Descending into Centennial Glen—the section known locally as The Grotto—brings you into a cooler, more enclosed environment. Here, moss-covered rocks and trickling water create a calm contrast to the exposed heights above.

The circuit continues via Porters Pass, gradually climbing back toward the starting point with a series of switchbacks and narrow ledges. Some sections require care, particularly after rain when the track can be slippery, but the rewards are plenty: peaceful bush, striking views, and that satisfying sense of following a path shaped by the terrain rather than imposed on it.

This is a walk best taken with time to spare. Not just for the practical reason of negotiating uneven ground, but because the landscape itself encourages a slower pace—one where you notice the textures of the rock, the calls of birds echoing through the glen, and the scent of eucalyptus in the air. For hikers seeking a half-day walk that combines natural beauty, a touch of challenge, and a quiet connection to place, this loop delivers something memorable.