Towerkop with its cleft peak, as seen from the R62 on route from Barrydale to Ladismith in the Klein Karoo is a characteristic landmark. At 2189 m it stands higher as an obvious peak in the Klein Swartberg ridge line. Legend says a witch (tower) waved her wand and cleft the peak. It does feel somewhat haunted when you stand at the base of the peak itself – especially in the howling wind and swirling mist!
Climbing the actual peak has been popular amongst rock climbers, who normally overnight in Nel’s Cave in the cliffs forming the base of the peak.
The object of this trip was to camp out at the base camp/ tin shelter about halfway up the mountain. From here to experience the mystery of the mountain and enjoy the spectacular rocks which lie, perched or rolled all around you.
Access and permits.
The trail starts from the farm at Bo-Buffleskloof on the R103 outside Ladismith. As of 2019, in order to undertake this trail, there is a new system in place. The MCSA is a part owner in the property and bookings need to be made through Jan Viljoen / convener of all the Towerkop area properties.
Visit this web page above for details.
The Hiking party:
4 girls- Ruth Powell, Elna van der Walt, Mari Swart (guest) and Evie Bowen (meet leader); while only one guy dared to join in – Tony Bowen.
The Weather:
For an overnight stay in the high Swartberg where snow can fall at any time of year, accessing a good weather forecast is highly recommended. The weather did seem rather unsettled for the weekend. Always a tough call for the meet leader. A cold front with good rains for the winelands was on its way. Would this front continue into the Swartberg, or dash off to the south and dump most of the remaining rain in the sea?? In these current drought conditions of the past year this seems to be the norm.
Good weather sites are: –
https://www.yr.no/place/South_Africa/Western_Cape and
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Seweweekspoortpiek/forecasts/2325
It seemed the forecast was for gale-force winds, some rain during Friday night, some cloud on Saturday, and the possibility of a 2nd front to arrive by Monday with snow on the high peaks! Thus … all being good, I decided to go ahead with the outing – needless to say, a few members cancelled due to weather or other commitments.
The hike details:
Friday – we started from the farm parking and hiked up to set up our camp for 2 nights at the base camp / Tin Shelter at 1425 m – 4-hour hike with packs, about 800 m of assent and 6 km.
Saturday – we hiked up through the various rocky sections which involve a scramble here and there, to reach Nel’s Cave at 1989 m and return to the campsite by the same way. This hike took about 3 hours up and included 560 m of ascent and distance of about 2.5 km.
Sunday – return to our cars at the start – leisurely 3.5hours, mostly downhill.
Our weekend:
We set off from the cars. Filled water bottles and approached our first hurdle. A locked gate.
With what seemed like very clumsy, heavy packs, we puffed our way up to the first ridgeline, and then on to the second. Despite very hot sunny October weather we were soon cooled off on higher ground by exceptionally strong gusting north westerly winds. In the camp getting our tents erected was a serious swearing event. Peg no 1 + guy rope + gale force wind = no progress!! Added to the wind, any ground is virtually absent, just rock upon rock. Eventually almost all the guy ropes were fastened around rocks.
Elna, with a very small tent managed to wedge hers in a wind free spot between boulders, while clever Mari gave up on the wind, and pitched her inner tent in the shelter. Luckily still enough space in the tin shed for us all to cook our meal in wind free conditions. The shelter is so much cleaner and orderly compared to my last visit 2 years ago. I guess this may be as a result of our new convener in the area: Jan Viljoen.
The wind howled all night. Did I hear Macbeth’s 3 witches cry? During the night lovely to hear some rain on this dry landscape. Somehow, I think some of us slept. Tony & I, as well as Ruth managed to squeeze our bodies between the numerous heavy clumps of Restio plants under the ground sheet -which meant having to maintain an “S-bend” sleeping position for the entire night.
The next day cloud and drizzle. Hmm – should we all sleep a little longer! Eventually we set off. Finding the path was
relatively straight forward. We did however add the odd rock to some of the flattened cairns – in case of returning in even thicker mist.
Nel’s cave is a special experience. Sadly, no views out today, and we decided therefore not to do our full traverse.
We descended and eventually the clouds began to break up and warmer temperatures returned.
The vegetation is back, after a fire 3.5 years ago. It was all blackness during our SC MCSA visit in Sept 2017.
These tall white “pom- pom” flowers (Lachnaea pomposa) were quite distinctive and abundant on the higher slopes – while new fluffy Protea seedlings emerge all over.
Back at the camp – we were able to enjoy a very “quick dip and a few yells” in the icy river.
Later a wonderful evening outdoors, cooking and chatting as only 4 girls can, while watching the rosy skies fading in the west.
On our last day – Sunday the weather was perfect and after a slow break of camp, we returned to the start at around midday.
We all had a super weekend. My thanks to all the hikers – for so enjoying themselves and being completely delighted and awed by the majestic surroundings.
Many thanks for the pictures which we shared on our “WhatsApp’ group.
Evie Bowen – meet leader