12 Foot Track - FKT attempt male solo self-supported. 08/10/2020.
The Six Foot Track is a classic Blue Mountains long-distance track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.It is a historic journey and a great adventure. Originally built about 2 metres wide, over 100 years ago, this track takes you on a fantastic journey exploring the natural beauty and historic stories of this part of the Blue Mountains.
I set off from the start gate at approx 0730hrs (AEST) on 08/10/2020, this is the start of the 6 foot track, the trial that routes it's way through the Megalong Valley and Kanangara National Park. I decided to run solo and self supported myself. Good conditions for a few hours and crossed over the Cox's River via the suspension bridge. Long climbs out of the valley and during this time I encountered a storm for approximately 2 hours, lots of rain and wind. I resupplied water using a Katadyn filter from local creeks which had a good supply. I arrived at the end of the Six Foot Track some hours later, this is where it officially stops. The cafe at Jenolan Caves house was open and I resupplied starting the return.
The 12 foot track is the same track but just in reverse. Good conditions on the way back with clouds clearing towards the later stages, I again crossed via the suspension bridge at Cox's River and refilled my flasks. The last couple of kilometres were hard going, Nellie's Glen, as it is a few hundred metres of climbing up to the end and I arrived back at the start of the 6 foot track in the dark.
An enjoyable rugged and undulating trail, recommended. There were quite a few hikers and campers along the route.
Comments
Post completing the FKT this week and sharing to the community here in Australia, anecdotally I've heard that a few other athletes have completed faster times on the 12 foot track. However, I cannot find any evidence of these athlete times despite looking on-line and through the older pro-boards. Whilst I don't doubt these claims, it's important to document these attempts and share to the community for transparency. As the acronym suggests it's the 'Fastest KNOWN Time'.
Athletes mentioned to me that ran a quicker time - Ewan Horsburgh. So I think it's important to mention Ewan, and of course there maybe others.
Hopefully this site is becoming and will become the 'de-facto' in cataloguing and documenting world-wide FKT's.
Good luck and stay safe everyone
Jase