Comments

This was a really nice walk but the bolt ladder has been removed... so I had to solo that section. But I dont recommend that option unless you are a relatively confident rock climber.

Daniel Smith on 4 Sep, 2021

I'm going to write about this walk with a high level of detail to hopefully help others navigate the way correctly and also to inform those interested in doing this as to what to expect.

This walk contains at least two sections of climbing, scrambling near sheer drops and transversing several sections containing loose and unstable rocks. Please be under no illusions that this is an extremely dangerous route and should not be attempted by the inexperienced.

I'd never gone this way before and took the wrong way twice but was able to return in just under 5 hours. I'd probably allow for 6 though, and suggest you've done at least one of the other walks on the mountain so you have a general understanding of it. Expect bush bashing, sun exposure and a good workout! Also note that in some sections there may be better ways of ascent than what I took.

*The Razorback:*

From the car park continue along the fire trail to the first fork and head to the right towards Waterfall Gorge. At the next fork (splitting between the Southeast Ridge and Waterfall Gorge) turn right once again towards Waterfall Gorge. The path heads upwards towards a small crest before descending quickly down into a creek crossing. Just before it starts heading down into the creek, the eagle-eyed may spot a small trail to the right heading down along the side of a rock embankment. At the bottom there is a nice little plunge pool (water dependant on season). This is the place I started my ascent onto the razorback. If you miss the side trail, just follow the creek downstream from the main path for about 50m, but bear in mind you will have to descend a small waterfall section if you do so.

There are probably several different routes of ascent up to the razorback, but I started ascending the rock face directly above the plunge pool. The first climb is short but has a reasonable level of difficulty to it and I'd recommend going this way because if you can't do this first section you probably shouldn't continue upwards!

Above the initial rock wall is a short scramble through bush before you come to the main rock face leading to the top of the razorback. The rock here is very crumbly, and many of the handholds are set at a slight decline, which increases the difficulty. The 'triangular front' of the razorback should be just to your left. I have no doubt there are multiple routes from this point on, but I personally did not like the decline of the handholds, so instead I made my way about 30m to the right towards a small gully. I climbed the gully (again, some sections were reasonably challenging, especially near the bottom) which took me to the top of the razorback.

From the top it appeared that the ground further along to the right (northeast side) was relatively shallow and could possibly offer an easier way up for those who didn't want the steeper climb (and were willing to bush bash another 150-odd metres along to get to it).

The rocks at the top of the razorback are extremely unstable, many being quite loose, and often quite crumbly. Handholds and footholds can not be trusted. Extreme care is required here. The drop on the western side is sheer and, frankly, would be fatal, though the drop on the eastern side is more forgiving. The razorback itself is rugged, uneven, and in places very narrow. I was constricted at least once into sidling along the western precipice.

The razorback continues for about 150m or so and then widens into a nice easy series of broad rocky slopes. The suggestion for this walk is to descend back down into Waterfall Gorge (be careful as to your route as if you go too early you'll come out above the sheer drop of the gorge itself) but this is unnecessary. Instead you can follow the slope uphill (mainly along rock, though later also including some light bush bashing) until you reach the top of Waterfall Gorge and intersect the path leading to the lookout at Slab Rock. Those concerned about having to climb down off the razorback need not fear - no descent required!

*Northern Gorge:*

From the lookout at Slab Rock, the Northern Gorge can be accessed by descending the first slope immediately on its western side (to your left, as you look at the peak). In the distance you should see two rock stacks with trees in between. This is where you're eventually going to head for.
The slope down into the gorge is earthy and stony and extremely slippery. There is a small path here and though there are no actual drops the way is steep and care is still needed so as not to sprain an ankle.

At the bottom stay to the left and immediately start ascending a slope filled with large loose rocks. (Again, no drops here, for those concerned about heights.) The way starts off with loose rocks but soon the foliage thickens and bush bashing becomes increasingly needed. I believe I could see at least two intermittent paths in the gully, the one I was on was to the right and started ascending towards the first of the rock stacks. It skirted under the left side of it and then continued on to the second rock stack. When you reach the second rock stack stay to the left side of it (west side, closest to the main mountain). If you do not the trail will crest a small ridge and then start leading you down another gully and off the mountain - this is wrong, you should only be heading up by now.

Stay to the left of the second rock stack and you will start ascending a steep stony gully. This continues up and up to the top of the gully where there is a short rocky scramble into a bushy area below a semi-circle of cliff. From here there were multiple routes up but a short climb up a rock face is required to get to a cave used by climbers (you can see their anchors set into the rock). About 15m to the left of the cave is the ladder.

The ladder is set about 2m up the cliff face and is narrow so that only one hand or one foot can be on each rung at a time. It ascends a vertical section of cliff but fortunately the rock offers enough handholds to help you along. You are, however, going to have to trust that whoever installed the ladder did it right!

At the top there is a tiny section of climb/scramble over a rocky buttress before a small path zigzags you up through the bush and along gentle slopes to the summit of Mt. Greville (can see it on your left).

Descend along the southeast ridge or one of the other main paths.

MDWL on 21 Oct, 2020

Super tough hike - make sure you’re good with heights. 4 hours to summit and 40 mins back to car down SE Ridge

Juiced Pixels on 27 Jan, 2020

Very dificult physically with a good amount of rock scrambling and exposure. visually exciting with lots of bang for your buck. This walk has it all with long range views of Fassifern valley. Mt Moon, Different aspects of Mt Gravile itself aswell as the cool wet gorge. Navigationally hard. I would not attempt this without someone who ',S DONE IT

Jamie Johnston on 31 Mar, 2019