The Epiphany Pilgrimage Routes

If you would like to walk the Way of the Magi route throughout the year, please contact epiphanypilgrimage@gmail.com.

Pilgrims participating in the Epiphany Pilgrimage complete The Way of the Magi beginning at Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains and finishing at Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath. Pilgrims then continue on to the Chapel of the Magi site in Bell to lay their stones which have been carried throughout the pilgrimage. 

​Whilst the core group of Epiphany Pilgrims complete the Way of the Magi by foot and following the bush trails, all members of the community are invited to make the journey and participate in whatever way they are able. Some might choose to walk part of the way with the core group but drive other sections, while others might do the entire journey by bike, car or train and join with the walking group for Adoration and Mass. The walks vary substantially in distance and difficulty level with some sections suitable for all levels of fitness but others for more experienced walkers only.

The basic itinerary is as follows; see below for an overview of each day of walking. 

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
​DAY 7
​DAY 8

January 2
January 3
January 4
January 5
January 6
January 7
January 8
January 9

Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains to St Finbar's, Glenbrook
St Finbar's, Glenbrook to St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood
St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood to Linden
Linden to Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson
Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson to St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls
St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls to St Canice's, Katoomba
St Canice's, Katoomba to Sacred Heart, Blackheath
Sacred Heart, Blackheath to The Chapel of the Magi, Bell
(note that this section is currently damaged and unwalkable due to recent rain and erosion)

Day 1: Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains to St Finbar’s, Glenbrook

Distance:
Grade:​Overview:

6 - 8.5km
Grade 2
​​This is an easy day walk, suitable for those of all ages and fitness levels. Pilgrims can choose to participate in a 'Classic Pilgrimage' (aimed at adults) or a 'Family Pilgrimage' (with a children's focus). Depending on the pilgrimage option chosen, the walking route varies in length and features which may include the Knapsack Viaduct, Lapstone Zig Zag, Historic Lucasville Station, the Old Glenbrook Railway Tunnel, Tramway Route, Funicular Railway, Lennox Bridge as well as spectacular views of the Sydney Basin and Glenbrook Gorge.

Day 2: St Finbar's, Glenbrook to St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood

Distance:
Grade:​Overview:

17.5km
Grade 3
​The route begins with Florabella Pass - a pretty local track - to reach Warrimoo. From Cross Street Reserve, there is a short technical descent to reach the stunning Blue Gum Riverflat Forest of Sun Valley and Long Angel Valley, and a sharp ascent out of the valley at Winmalee. Some road walking at the end of the day is required to reach the church. 

Day 3: St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood to Linden

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

20km
Grade 4
This is a long day of walking and a high level of endurance is required. The walk begins by following a local undulating bush track through Birdwood Gully to reach Faulconbridge. This very pretty track includes some small rock scrambles. The route then heads out along Faulconbridge Ridge before descending steeply to Linden Creek and then ascending steeply to reach the end of Linden Ridge. From here the route follows the gently undulating ridge in a generally south-westerly direction to reach Linden.  Features along the walk include Birdwood Gully and views from Faulconbridge and Linden Ridges.

Day 4: Linden to Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

11km
Grade 3
This walk begins with a steep descent to reach Paradise Pool and then follows a series of undulating fire trails through the bush in the area around Woodford Dam to reach Hazelbrook. The route then follows a local bush track past a number of very pretty waterfalls on route to Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson. Features along the walk include Paradise Pool, Burgess Falls, Lena Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Fairy Falls.

Day 5: Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson to St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

15.5km
Grade 4
This day begins with a local walk past the pretty 'Fairy Falls' before a short section of road walking connects the track with the historic Bruce's walk which began as a maintenance track for the power supply in 1931 and was cleared again in 1986 by two local walkers – Jim Smith and Wilf Hilder. This section of the walk has two steep descents and ascents (into and out of valleys) that are quite difficult and require a moderate level of fitness. Walkers are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants for this stretch of the walk as some of the vegetation can be quite scratchy. Features along the walk include Fairy Falls, creek crossings, and a range of artefacts associated with the history of the walk including various artifacts such as signs, ladders, seats and shelter caves. 

Day 6: St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls to St Canice's, Katoomba

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

12.5km
Grade 4
This day of walking follows some of the well known walking tracks in the mountains including the Valley of the Waters track and Prince Henry Cliff Walk. There are a number of ascents and descents as the route dips into small gullies, but the route stays above the cliff line. This day has the highest total ascents and descents of any day and so you’ll feel your legs at the end. The route takes in some of the most spectacular and famous Blue Mountains views across the Jamison Valley. Features along the walk include various waterfalls and lookouts including Queen Victoria Lookout, Empress Lookout, Bridal Veil Lookout, Olympian Rock, Elysian Rock and Echo Point. Other features include Lilian Bridge, the Pool of Siloam and the Three Sisters.

Day 7: St Canice's, Katoomba to Sacred Heart, Blackheath

​Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

15km
Grade 3
This is a comfortable day walk with only moderate ascents and descents. Features along the walk include Explorer’s Tree, the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Mark Foy's tomb and spectacular views of the Megalong Valley.

Day 8: Sacred Heart, Blackheath to Chapel of the Magi, Bell
(note that this track is currently unwalkable due to recent heavy rain and erosion; in 2023 we will drive / train to the Chapel)

​Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

18km
Grade 3
The walk from Blackheath to Mount Victoria is very comfortable – a largely flat and wide track. The track from Mount Victoria to Bell combines fire trails with a narrower bush track following the railway line across the Darling Causeway. This section undulates and includes a several moderate ascents and descents.​ Features along the walk include views of the Megalong Valley, Mount Victoria Train Station, views of the upper Grose Valley.