Good page, but you could add two things. Topo coordinates and perhaps a elevation gain, distance to summit from the trailhead, and one question, is it just a scramble to the top, not technical???
The route to the top is non-technical, in fact there's only one place where the scrambles are on vertical rock, and that's just a short section leaving the gully by the gendarme. According to a comparison table I looked at, the grading, "C" by the old South African system, is roughly equivalent to Class 3.
There are plenty of opportunities for technical climbing in the 'Berg, but the rock quality is not good at all, it's really crumbly and thus quite dangerous to climb on. I don't have much info on climbing in the 'Berg, but there is some for the Sentinel.
Thanks Andrew. Shame about the rock quality, but I'd still love to visit some time. Is there ever any winter climbing in the Drakensburg, or is it too hot/dry?
Hi Dan. Winter is actually a good time for climbing, if you can work within the slightly limited daylight hours (not as limited as the UK though). The weather's more stable, but colder, and you're less likely to be struck off an isolated pinnacle by lightning - which can actually happen in summer (I've heard some horror stories...). There's also some winter ice climbing at Giant's Castle, which is a bit further south in the range.
Lightning strikes, eh? Strange you mention that. I got zapped two months ago up on the Cobbler in the Scottish Highlands, so this topic's quite close to my heart (almost literally)...and an experience I'm keen to avoid in future. Winter sounds better, all round!
Gabriele Roth - Jul 1, 2004 5:25 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled Commentamazing mountain and fine page :)
vertx - Jul 1, 2004 5:38 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice page.
Aaron Johnson - Jul 1, 2004 6:11 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice page, stunning mountain. Great photo additions! Be sure to add a good route description!
Kane - Jul 1, 2004 7:18 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentFantastic looking mountain, and fantastic looking page.
Andrew Hagen - Jul 4, 2004 9:30 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for your vote!
I've spaced it out a bit now for readability...
hgrapid - Jul 1, 2004 8:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGood page, but you could add two things. Topo coordinates and perhaps a elevation gain, distance to summit from the trailhead, and one question, is it just a scramble to the top, not technical???
Andrew Hagen - Jul 4, 2004 9:26 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for your vote.
The route to the top is non-technical, in fact there's only one place where the scrambles are on vertical rock, and that's just a short section leaving the gully by the gendarme. According to a comparison table I looked at, the grading, "C" by the old South African system, is roughly equivalent to Class 3.
I've added the distance and differential now.
Cheers
Andrew
Gangolf Haub - Jul 2, 2004 1:31 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentExcellently Done, Andrew. Very nice picts of a great looking mountain. Very informative!
Since it's the third Cathedral Peak up there you might change the name into something like "Cathedral Peak (South Africa)".
Cheers
Gangolf
wuedesau - Jul 2, 2004 2:59 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAnother interesting mountain of SA very well presented!
BobSmith - Jul 2, 2004 7:01 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentVery nice. Good to have such an important peak at Summitpost.
Pawkala - Jul 4, 2004 2:11 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAwesome Page....4 stars
Dan Bailey - Jul 20, 2004 7:03 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentLooks amazing! Do you have any info on technical climbing in the area? What's the rock like?
Dan
Andrew Hagen - Jul 20, 2004 4:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for your vote.
There are plenty of opportunities for technical climbing in the 'Berg, but the rock quality is not good at all, it's really crumbly and thus quite dangerous to climb on. I don't have much info on climbing in the 'Berg, but there is some for the Sentinel.
Cheers
Andrew
Dan Bailey - Jul 21, 2004 9:50 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThanks Andrew. Shame about the rock quality, but I'd still love to visit some time. Is there ever any winter climbing in the Drakensburg, or is it too hot/dry?
Andrew Hagen - Jul 21, 2004 4:28 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentHi Dan. Winter is actually a good time for climbing, if you can work within the slightly limited daylight hours (not as limited as the UK though). The weather's more stable, but colder, and you're less likely to be struck off an isolated pinnacle by lightning - which can actually happen in summer (I've heard some horror stories...). There's also some winter ice climbing at Giant's Castle, which is a bit further south in the range.
Dan Bailey - Jul 22, 2004 5:27 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentLightning strikes, eh? Strange you mention that. I got zapped two months ago up on the Cobbler in the Scottish Highlands, so this topic's quite close to my heart (almost literally)...and an experience I'm keen to avoid in future. Winter sounds better, all round!
Super Dave - Nov 26, 2005 6:47 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat Page.
dalton1 - Jan 16, 2006 1:40 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat! I had been to South Africa two times, last summer and winter /which is the opposite there.../ but had no chance to climb!
I've seen the Drakensberg from my way to Durban.
Beautiful country!
Andrew Hagen - Jan 31, 2006 4:34 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentCertainly is an amazing place.
Thanks for your votes!
Andrew
James C - Feb 5, 2006 11:33 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled Commentamazing mountain!