Cathedral Peak - Monk's Cowl link-up via escarpment

Apologies... the title of my post was supposed to read "Cathedral to Monks Cowl Traverse"

Hi, I heard Mikes Pass is closed? Haven't confirmed it myself, hikers from the hotel said they were going to use it but had to use the camel route instead. Maybe check on the state of the pass.

Hi. Mike's Pass is closed. There is a large rockfall shortly after the Staff Accomodation. We managed to get one of the rangers to take our group as far as he could, but that still left a good couple of kms to the top of the pass. It is a good days walk to the top of the escarpment especially with the extra bit of Mike's. Took us 9 hours to get up there, but we were not going that quickly. The trip looks doable. I always lug a tent around with me, but that is just a matter of choice.

The number of days seems to be fine - even though you might expect a longer day 1 if Mike's Pass is closed.

Also, this is a route for which I would definitely leave the tent behind - even in summer. In May you can expect much more settled weather and the chances are you can sleep out without getting wet.

Day 1 I'd make for Roland's Cave - one of the very best. Day 2 for Didima Cave, which is also a gem. Alternatively, the lesser known Reido Cave might be worth a look. Day 3 Nkosazana should be dry enough, or else heading down Grays should only take a little over two and a half hours. Bonne route.

Many thanks - didn't know the pass was closed! May have to extend the trip because of this, or look at going up elsewhere. Rolands & Didima caves would be definates, thanks.

Will you let us know how it goes? I'm keen to start doing those sort of hikes, from North to South, a GT in bite size bits. As opposed to out and back loops. So I'd be interested to see how you go/what you thought or your route etc.

Will do! Thats my thinking to a degree - do a few of these 'mini-traverses' & then hit the GT later in the year or early next.

Did the Camel Route (via Mushroom Rock) over Easter (25 May), awesome views!A couple short sections (ca. 2 m) of the path near the top of the Camel Route (before you get in to Organ Pipes) are washed away , but its still more than doable with out too much stress, speaking as a newbie to the exposure thing!

Given the current state of the Amphitheatre I am considering changing my mission slightly. If anyone has any tips/tricks/experience on the route from Cathedral Peak Hotel up along the escarpment down to Monks Cowl camp site that would be great. Thanks, Adrian Tregoning