The iconic circuit is also something of a hit with local residents looking to keep fit.

Over the years there has been a steady trend towards people using this venue as part of their regular exercise routine.

In fact “walking the Mount” has developed its own cult following from a diverse range of residents keen to test their mettle on what is a tough 6.2km layout featuring some steep grades on the way up to the Skyline.

While exercise is vital to staying fit and healthy, it seems there are real problems when it comes to the safety of the walkers.

Residents who live in the Mount Panorama precinct have voiced concerns about people walking side-by-side while they do their lap of the track. Most set off in the same anti-clockwise direction as the racing cars and all too often that means traffic approaches them from their rear.

This does not give them any chance to see what’s coming up behind them as it would if they were walking on the other side of the road, which would mean traffic comes at them head on.

Residents who walk the Mount have to realise it is a public, two-way road and, with blind turns and crests, it isn’t really suited to this practice at all. They need to also remember there are more than 40 private residences located around the circuit, both inside and out.

Private businesses also exist on the Mount, including luxury accommodation, a winery, restaurant and fruit orchard. 

Several local sporting associations also use the Mount as a base for their activities, including the Sporting Shooters Association, Bathurst Rifle Club, Bathurst Gun Club, Panorama Motorcycle Club and, of course, the Bathurst Light Car Club.

Taking this into account, you can see it is a busy location, so to everyone who loves to walk the Mount, take extra care, do the right thing and walk so the traffic heads towards you.

Better still, consider another location in beautiful Bathurst to keep fit because a race track which is a public road is not suited to this type of activity.