The visit to the Twin Peaks this year differed from past excursions in that this time the approach was not from Witfontein via the Power Stream and Breakfast Rock to the saddle. This ascent was made via the VK (vertical kilometer) route directly up the front of George Peak. The VK route has been developed by the trail running community of George. A VK is defined as an uphill mountain running race, which ascends approximately 1000 metres while covering a distance of no more than 5km.
The group consisted of 10 people – Stewart Stiles (leader), Phillipa Barnard, Birgit Zwang, Christine Stiles, Tony Bowen, Eugene Fichardt, Werner Frei, Johan Olivier, Jacobus Olivier and Christelle Olivier
We met at the top of Arbour Road We had a mild dry day with a bit of a draught!
Actually it was blowing a gale at times – luckily the wind subsided a bit for the ascent but once we got back to George Peak on the return it really picked up with very strong gusts. At one point Tony attempted to take off but without a hanglider – luckily he did not get far.
We started out at 07h30 from top of Arbour Rd following the VK route passing the cross and summitted George Peak around10h00, summitted Cradock Peak at 11h40. After about a 40 minute lunch stop on Cradock Pk we headed back reaching the cars around 15h30. As can be seen this route is significantly quicker than the Witfontein to saddle route. The last 300 – 400 metres of the VK ascent are quite physically demanding. This route also has a small section of easy scrambling on the rock band visible from George.
Thanks to all those who attended the hike and provided photos – it was a great day despite the strong wind. Distance approx. 15,6 km elevation gain 1800m.
Well worth the effort! Pictures attached below:
Meet Leader ~ Stewart Stiles