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

AdrianT wrote: I see Judges Pass is not marked on the map I have, is there a reason for that?

Is this map in David Bristow's book by any chance

Judge Pass is definitely on the current maps, and I am pretty sure it is also on the Slingsby Maps. The pass is just south of Corner Pass. If you follow the path from the saddle between Injisuthi Dome and Mafadi, just after it starts climbing up from the lower river crossing, there is a turnoff to the left. Follow that and it basically takes you to the top of the pass. Just be sure you don't miss the contour path - the trail keeps going down the hill and the contour path is very vague in that area. It is roughly as far to reach Giants or Injisuthi from there.

On a 12 day GT, you would normally cover the section from Tseke to Langies in about 3 days - so reaching Judge Pass is by no means impossible. It obviously depends on how the team feels, weather etc, but you could even push it as far as Bannerman, Langalibalele or even Giants Pass. I like your idea of keeping your lifts informed so that your plans can be variable. Gather GPS tracks for Ships Prow, Leslies, Judge, Bannerman, Langies and Giants Pass - and you will have the flexibility to make a call at the time.

Haha! No I have his book, and am not a big fan of his maps, all respect to an otherwise lovely book my Mr. Bristow. This is one of those Geomaps. Maybe it's very old. Ezemvelco KZN Wildlife is says, map #3 as that series was known. This is edition 3. Maybe it's too old? Judges Pass is definitely not on mine. Would you perhaps have a co-ord for this location?

We will have 6 or 6.5 days depending if we start Sunday or Monday. I'm into my photography a bit and like I said, we're not GT machines, but have above average fitness and want to enjoy. Mainly, we'll adjust our route accordingly. Must say I feel like a kid again

AdrianT wrote: This is one of those Geomaps. Maybe it's very old. Ezemvelco KZN Wildlife is says, map #3 as that series was known. This is edition 3. Maybe it's too old?

No, 3rd edition is not too old.

My map #3 is badly worn due to how much I have used it. Giants is my stomping ground!

Here's Dave G's map off his website - scanned Slingsby copy - you will see the pass between Popple and Judge:


That kid-in-a-candy-store feeling becomes much stronger when you realise how many undocumented gullies there are in the Berg! Not to mention more than 100 different documented passes

Ok then it's my simple error for not seeing a "path" indicated on the map Because I see Judges Pass. Thanks for clearing that up. Have you ever done that pass?

In the ideal world I'd live 3 months in Cape Town, 3 in Natal, back for 3 in Cape Town, back to the last 3 in Natal again, depending on wind and waves and time of year I do envy the guys living close to the Berg. Maybe one day...

AdrianT wrote: Have you ever done that pass?

www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/55434-you-be-the-judge.html
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/55926-injisuthi-dome-you-be-the-judge-part-2.html

Egg-cellent. Thanks so much again. You've been exceptionally helpful. Perhaps I can offer you a whisky and Berg water one day.

Yesterday was hot and calm here on the hike:

www.facebook.com/104204339617967/photos/a.404398309598567.89025.104204339617967/1083084461729945/?type=3&theater

Again, thank you

The kid is back. Whom I kidding, at 34 I'm just a big kid:

Hi AdrainT,

Like Ghaz has said, that turn-off to the contour path can be easily missed when you are coming down the pass. Let me know if you need the co-ordinates of that point, I'll happily give it to you. Have done the pass quite a couple of times over the last while.

Cheers

Yes please Supertramp, would love to that the turn off co-ord.

Sure thing AdrianT. Just pop me a PM with your contact details and I'll send it to you.