There was some disquiet in the group regarding this walk, especially as rumours had spread of long distances, steep and endless climbs, and non-stop rain with zero visibility.
These fears proved to be founded in reality, except for the bad weather. We had perfect weather for long endless ascents: very cold with light wind. The day was misty at first, but we could still see across the southern plains and over Mt Langi Gheran to the Grampians. The endless ascents were exactly what we required to achieve these views. Later, while we were descending the valley track ,we had just the right amount of mist to place the tree ferns in their natural conditions, and the rain came at the perfect time: when we had reached the cars. All you need for the Beeripmo walk is unbounded optimism!
The really fortunate thing about a long distance walk like the Beeripmo is the variety of the walking: a steep (endless) gulley with a stream and waterfall and jumbled moss-covered granite boulders, ridge tops with the trail meandering along, wading uphill (endlessly) through head-high bracken, passing colossal granite domes pushing their way up from underground like mega-mutant mushrooms, and just for a change an endless descent that ended at the cars.
In the comfort of a café at Beaufort, we agreed that it was a memorable walk and we were proud to have done it. Our thanks go to Malcolm for organising and leading the walk, and encouraging everyone to the finish.
