Mt Yarrahapinni climb

Mt Yarrahapinni can be seen from everywhere; from Coffs Harbour looking south and from Hat head looking north. So I had always wanted to climb it and see the view from the top. Of course riding up was the way to do it.

There are three main routes in, all of which meet up; we chose to go up Way Way Creek Rd. The first 5 or so kms up to the Pines Picnic area, the road undulates, climbing slowly and for much of this follows the pleasant Way Way creek with one bridge and several splash crossings through State forest (all native). From the Pines Picnic Area, the road started to climb seriously. According to Strava the gradient of the main climb is only 8.3% but it seemed harder than that as there was lots of loose gravel. We were riding our touring bikes rather than the mountain bikes but it would definitely be an easier climb with MTB tyres. On the way up we rode straight past the lookout wanting to get to the summit before stopping. To be truthful the view from the top was not that great. The obligatory TV towers etc with rather hazy views through gaps in the trees. After regrouping at the top we then coasted down to the lookout for lunch. This was a splendid view looking south towards SW Rocks and well worth the effort of the climb.