Navigation Point 13. North Mirlpunda Track junction
Navigation Point 13 is an alternative exit point onto the North Mirlpunda Track system. Unlike the preferred exit from the Orange rockface area, this connection is less distinct and less frequently used.
Although this location is labelled the North Mirlpunda Track junction, it should not be interpreted as a single, well defined junction on the ground. Instead, there are several faint tracks, false trails and informal footpads in this area that can eventually lead into the North Mirlpunda Track system between Navigation Point 10, the Orange rockface area and Navigation Point 13.
Navigation Point 13 is one of these connection points, but it is not as obvious as the preferred descent from the Orange rockface area, located east of Navigation Point 12, and is used less frequently. However, it has been included because it helps explain how the various tracks in this area relate to one another on the map.
If you find yourself on this track, either intentionally or by mistake, it is important to understand that it eventually joins the main North Mirlpunda Track, as shown on Map 5. However, this route is not recommended if your navigation skills are limited or visibility is poor. In these conditions, the preferred exit remains the descent from the Orange rockface area. Use the map to confirm your direction of travel rather than relying solely on the presence of a track on the ground.
If travelling west from 1st Arrow towards Sheoak Col
If you are travelling west from First Arrow towards Sheoak Col, Navigation Point 13 is mainly a confirmation point. The main decision to descend to the North Mirlpunda Track should already have been made at Navigation Point 12.
On Map 5, the preferred exit leaves the main Stirling Ridge Walk just east of Navigation Point 12 at the distinctive Orange rockface area. If your intention is to exit via the North Mirlpunda Track as part of the Half Ridge Circuit, this is the main exit point.
If you are continuing along the main Stirling Ridge Walk, keep following the route shown on the map towards Sheoak Col. Do not turn onto the North Mirlpunda Track unless that is your deliberate exit plan.
Looking west on descent to Nav 13
Looking west from Navigation Point 12 towards Sheoak Col, this photograph shows the continuation of the main route after descending from Red Bluffs, at Nav Point 12. Keep the distinctive orange Red Bluffs rock face on your left, using it as a reliable handrail as you continue towards Sheoak Col. The rounded hill directly ahead marks the ascent towards Isongerup North Peak, with the route continuing beyond to Sheoak Col.
Looking west on descent to Nav 13
Looking west, this photograph was taken approximately 30 metres east of Navigation Point 13 and shows the continuation of the main route towards Sheoak Col. The distinctive Red Bluffs remain on your left, continuing to provide a reliable handrail as you approach the bottom of the descent. For walkers heading towards Sheoak Col, Navigation Point 13 is primarily a reference point, as the decision to leave the ridge via the North Mirlpunda Track should have been made earlier at Navigation Point 12. If you have remained on the main route, simply continue west towards Sheoak Col.
Looking west from Nav 13: North Mirlpunda Track (junction)
Looking west from Navigation Point 13, this photograph shows the continuation of the main route towards Sheoak Col. From here the track begins ascending towards Rock Castle, where the Rock Castle Gully is located. The faint track branching to the right descends to the North Mirlpunda Track and rejoins it approximately 40 metres north of Orange rockface. This variation is not recommended and can be difficult to follow. Occasionally, walkers mistakenly continue down this faint track instead of remaining on the main route when coming from Sheoak Col.
If travelling east from Sheoak Col
If you are travelling east from Sheoak Col or Bluff Knoll, Navigation Point 13 is only important if your intention is to leave the main Stirling Ridge Walk and descend via the North Mirlpunda Track. If you are continuing east along the main ridge walk towards Navigation Point 12 and 1st Arrow, Navigation Point 13 is mainly something to recognise on the map, not a point where you need to change direction.
In this direction, Map 5 shows you descending from the saddle east of Rock Castle before the track begins to climb again. About 5 metres into this short ascent, look for the left turn onto the North Mirlpunda Track(alternative), if your intention is to exit the ridge walk.
Take this left turn only if you are deliberately leaving the main Stirling Ridge Walk and descending via the North Mirlpunda Track. Because there are several faint or misleading lines in this area, do not rely only on the track being visible on the ground. Check its direction against the map.
If you are travelling east and miss this turnoff, it is not a major problem. Continue ascending towards Navigation Point 12. When you reach Navigation Point 12, use the map to identify the Orange rockface area and the main exit option that leads down towards the North Mirlpunda Track.
The key point is direction and intention. If travelling west, Navigation Point 13 is mainly a confirmation point after the earlier route choice at Navigation Point 12. If travelling east, it is relevant mainly if you intend to exit the ridge walk via the North Mirlpunda Track. The preferred exit is still from the Orange rockface area near Navigation Point 12, but the Navigation Point 13 line is shown because it helps explain how the local tracks connect.
Looking east to Nav Point 12
Looking east towards Navigation Point 12:Base of Red Bluffs, this photograph shows the route if you are approaching from Sheoak Col.
When travelling in this direction, the distinctive Red Bluffs, which form the base of the North West Pinnacle, remain on your right and provide a reliable handrail leading towards Navigation Point 12.
The walker shown is descending from Navigation Point 12. The photograph is equally useful for illustrating the ascent towards Navigation Point 12 when travelling in the opposite direction.
Looking east from Nav Point 13
Looking east from Navigation Point 13, this photograph shows the continuation of the Stirling Ridge Walk towards Navigation Point 12. The faint track branching left descends to the North Mirlpunda Track(alternative).
This variation is not recommended if your navigation skills are limited or if visibility is poor. Walkers following the Stirling Ridge Walk should remain on the main route towards Navigation Point 12.
However, if you do find yourself on the North Mirlpunda Track variation, it will eventually meet the track descending from the distinctive orange rock face before continuing to the North Mirlpunda Track.
Panorama Video: Navigation Point 13
This panorama video was recorded from Navigation Point 13. The video begins by looking west towards Sheoak Col, where trekkers can be seen continuing along the main route. The camera then tilts slightly upwards to briefly reveal the Rock Castle before panning north to show the faint track leading to the North Mirlpunda Track.
Continuing around, the panorama reveals the main route back towards Navigation Point 12 before returning to provide a closer view of the exit to the North Mirlpunda Track. The North Mirlpunda Track can also be seen crossing the plains below.
Viewed together with the map, this panorama helps illustrate the relationship between the main SRW route, the exit to the North Mirlpunda Track, and the continuation towards Sheoak Col.
Panorama video from Navigation Point 13, showing the route towards Sheoak Col, Rock Castle, the exit to the North Mirlpunda Track, the route back towards Navigation Point 12, and the North Mirlpunda Track on the plains below.