Great Northern Hike 11.5km Cowan to Brooklyn - The Angler's Rest Pub for drinks!

You gotta love these train station to train station hikes... in between our beautiful National Park(s) & of course another cool ass pub. Thanks to legend member April - her friend recommended this one, and it sounds (and looks) like a gem that we must hike... then toast with drinks (and food) at The Angler's Rest. Brooklyn is (historically) one of the most demanding pieces of railway construction, and in 1870 rail workers needed a place to get pissed... a pub was born. Now it's our turn for fun. But first, we hike.

Cowan Station to Brooklyn is 11.5kms... no doubt some ups and downs - described by some as medium, others as hard. National Parks describes it as Grade 4 with some words to tempt your trail shoes...

Ever dreamt of completing the legendary Great North walk? Why not try a taster, without wearing out your walking boots? Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a challenging section that winds through dense bushland within the park. Starting from Cowan Train Station, it’s not just the scenic wilderness views that will take your breath away. It’s definitely a track for the experienced bushwalker.

Descending steeply, you’ll hardly believe you’re only an hour from the centre of Sydney. The track leads past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed and on to Jerusalem Bay. Stop here for a break and take in the spectacular views over Cowan Water before tacking the hard climb to Brooklyn. You might be in need of a beverage or two at the pub before catching the train at Hawkesbury River Train Station.

The List:
a) Central Station to Cowan Station leaves from Platform 8 at 848am. Cowan is the 5th stop. Easy ride. We arrive at 946am at Cowan Station. THE HIKE STARTS AT 946am FROM COWAN STATION.
b) Driving? Park at Cowan (please do your research)... Hawkesbury River Station is only a 9minute train ride back to Cowan. Easy.
c) Don't be late, or you've missed it. Please honour your RSVP.
d) Ending time? I don't know - sorry. I'm thinking this hike will be 4 to 4.5hrs. We have a 2pm reso at the pub.
e) Bring some lunch / snacks. Water. We'll have a 20min stop to chat, eat, and enjoy some views.
f) Be fit and ready for this one. Be safe! Be respectful of Mother Nature.
g) $10 cash or PayID.
h) The Angler's Rest looks like a historic gem - steps away from the train station. Drinking is always optional, but let's enjoy some food and have some laughs to conclude the day.

Amazing eh? This city just keeps delivering beauty after beauty for our hiking group. I'm super excited for this one. See you soon.

MJ