The usual route from Leura into the Grose is via Lockleys Pylon and then steeply descend Shortridge Pass to reach the junction of Govetts Gorge and the Grose. A rough alternative takes a more south westerly ridge to the valley floor.

After parking at the Pinnacles on Mt Hay Road, the track to the Pylon is well marked, but a little rough in places. After ascending the Pylon, the way to the valley is to the North, via an equally well trodden path. Initially, down 100 old wooden stairs, into a small gully and around the small knoll. Then the majesty of the Grose appears on the left.

The track to DuFaurs Head and then Shortridge Pass continues over boulders for 30m across this gully. However, the Chute starts in this gully - take the very steep route westwards keeping right, and then left after 100m, to reach a small climbdown at the broad vegitated ledge.

From this point contour South for around 500m, mostly following the Mt York Claystone. It’s never exposed, and you’re unlikely to ever feel close to anything airy.
And eventually the there is an obvious (although steep) route to the talus to the West.

It’s a bit of an anti-climax. From here, follow the ridge to the NW, really just ‘follow your nose’ steeply down, then more and steeper down, …

… and eventually, after further descent you’ll hit the Grose - do whatever works for you. Towards the bottom of the talus are some deeply dissected dry creeks that are well worth avoiding. The descent has little vegetation to negotiate. The Grose is easily crossed, to reach the tourist track on the other side.

From there, turn right to head back up Shortridge Pass, or alternatively to your carpark of choice - you did remember to leave a car somewhere in Blacheath?

The GPS Trace shows the track along the ledge underneath the pylon