Two variations for peak Ten67 on the North facing slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains
Hike Start:
Camferskloof is in the Witfontein Nature Reserve, George. The access is gained via the Burnsleigh Hop Farm in Herold. Self-issue permits can be obtained at the Witfontein CN office. We met on the outskirts of George for a late winter start at 8.30am and gathered for the group shot at about 9.30 am.
The group:
In these current days of “social distancing’, herding the participants for a customary Mountain Club photograph is an even more difficult task to achieve! As the photographer (Evie) moves backwards to fit everyone in, some turn their backs, tie a shoelace, seem to go missing, or possibly they were never there?? Here attempt number 5!!
Hikers who participated:
Members; Cheryl & Greg Devine; Janet Moore; Peter Hobson; Werner Frei; Clive and Sandy Louw; Fran Hunziker; Tony and Evie Bowen as meet leaders; Maretha Alant; Jude Coburn; Stuart and Nelia Neill; Karen van Niekerk; Ruth Powell.
Visitors: Rose Hobson; Caitlin Stott.
The 2 hiking variations offered.
The normal Trail route: –
Which follows the regular trail footpath. The path winds from the old pine forest up to a sadly “not in use” CN Trail Hut. Thereafter the views open to show off the many ridges, Peak Ten67 and the Outeniqua “Skyline” ridge on the southern end. The trail ascends to the nek on the southern end of the valley. From there, with stunning views down onto the Outeniqua south side, a steeper less distinct trail heads up to the Peak Ten67.
The hikers who opted for a more leisurely day in the sunshine chose this option led by Evie Bowen.
The leisurely group on the normal trail path
Statistics for normal route: Trail length 9.6 km, and assent of 400m. The trail normally takes around 4 hours, however today with extra chatter and overall enjoyment – we took a little longer. Grade 2 for most of the trail/ some grade 2+ for the peak itself.
The partly off path “Traverse Circuit’
Last August a group of us explored this option in reverse. This was un unofficial hike as it was undertaken during the 2020 “lockdown’ level for Covid-19 that only allowed us to hike in groups of 4.
This is a tougher, more interesting route for those who enjoy rock scrambling. It starts (see track/map) initially along the same path. Soon after the hut it ascends not the 1st but the 2nd rocky East -West ridgeline to connect higher up into the western rim of Camferskloof Valley. This rim is then followed through to Peak Ten67, and the circuit in completed by returning along the normal trail to the start.
The adventurous hikers who joined Tony were Clive, Werner, Fran, and Ruth
Tony Bowen led this option. They moved at speed and with a purpose, and despite it being a longer trail caught up with the first party at the Peak.
Statistics for “Traverse Circuit”.
Trail length 10.8 km. Assent of more than 400m as there are quite a few additional ups and downs. Tony says his tracker was unreliable. It seems to have taken him down to sea-level on one of the short descents along the rocky ridge!!
Allow at least 5+hours for this option. Grade 3
“Rocks and More” – for those on the scramble route
Enjoying the views on Peak Ten67, as Tony’s group with Werner and Ruth in the lead, rush in from down below!
The planned 3rd option for the hike never happened- just too late in the day. To partake of “pizza” in Waboomskraal on a Sunday we needed to be there before 2.30pm. The group decided not to rush, instead to rather enjoy more of the views, sunshine, and great companionship.
My thanks to: –
• Karen for an extra photo.
• Tony for leading the Ridgeline Traverse and adding his very ‘rocky” photos taken during that hike option.
• All of you hikers who joined in and had both loads of fun and exercise in our lovely Outeniqua Mountains.
Meet Leader ~ Evie Bowen