A challenging out-and-back trail across vastly changing landscapes in the Northern Budawang ranges. Set out from Wog Wog campground as early as light allows, and summit Corang Peak as the first milestone. Track eastwards across the valley towards Bibbenluke camp, where a flowing stream serves as a reliable water point. Head southeast across the next valley to the base of Mt Cole. Run beneath the caves of Mt Cole, past the Seven Gods Pinnacles, into the Monolith Valley and through the Green Room to arrive at The Castle tail.
Summit The Castle using the chains and ropes provided, then run south across the top of the castle to the tall rock cairn and logbook at the clifftop. Sign it, then retrace back to Wog Wog - but bypass Corang Peak using the southern bypass route.
This run is a challenge due to the narrow, muddy and uneven trails, as well as the intense overgrown vegetation in the middle section (Bibbenluke-Bibbenluke). But on a day with good weather, expect breathtaking views of soaring sandstone crags, rolling forested valleys and a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from the top of The Castle.
Generally speaking, the first 18kms and the last 18kms can be run. The middle 16kms are largely not runnable and runners should expect extremely slow progress during this section. FKT strategy favours runners that cover all runnable kilometers at pace, and minimise losses in the middle section.
ROUTE NOTE: The AllTrails map directs hikers returning from The Castle via a southern loop between Mt Cole and Mt Owen. This alternative return is said to be significantly slower than returning along the slightly longer northern route around Mt Cole, so the FKT route returns via the northern route.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/the-northern-budawang-range-castle-and-corang-peak-trail?sh=celobk&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
