The month of May in the northern Swartberg, on the edge of the Great Karoo, is a lovely time to camp, hike and rock-climb, as the weather is mild. The Bushman Valley resort is very comfortable with nice camping and chalets and a selection of walks. The huge crags of Horlosiekloof and the more user-friendly Yellow Slabs are nearby.

The Yellow slabs

This was a hiking and climbing meet and it was great to have so many climbers present, thanks largely to a contingent from the Eastern Cape.

The participants, in no particular order, were Sanet van Meersbergen, Gillian Forbes, Karin van Niekerk, Gary and Sandy Cundill, Jeremy and Alex Lister-James, Derek Marshall, Juandray Marshall, Ruben Snyman, Nelmarie van Staden, Christi Geldenhuys, Garvin Jacobs, Marriane Schwankhart-Pretorius, Mark Durrheim, Kenneth Willemse, Janet Moore, Erica Davies, Joan Lourens, Retha Meintjies and Greg and Cheryl Devine (Leaders).

On the Saturday, the EC climbers headed off to the big walls to climb some hectic routes, while the softer climbers tried out the Yellow Slabs, which turned out to be fantastic rock, good quality and loads of natural protection. Two new single-pitch routes were opened. On Sunday it was the hard-folks’ turn at the Yellow Slabs and a lot more routes were opened.

Festive evenings in the boma

Hard climbing in Horlosiekloof

Karin very kindly led the big hike on Saturday. Here’s the story in her own words.

While a big group went rock climbing, 10 hikers set off from the camp on a 6,5km circular hike in the resort.

L to R: Sanet van Meersbergen, Retha Meintjes (visitor), Gary and Sandy Cundill, Jeremy Lister-James, Cheryl Devine, Alex de la Rouviere (visitor), Joan Louwrens, Janet Moore.
(Photographer : Karin van Niekerk)

With great views of the Swartberg, Prins Albert and the Karoo the path ascends steeply to a ridge where it follows a fence line.

After a tea/ breakfast stop I managed to slip on loose stones and sprain my ankle. We had done 1.8km so far and with about 5km remaining I decided to turn back. With Retha and Alex as company and help, we made our way back to camp. It was a slow descent and we met the returning party on our way down.

Gary took the others along the ridge, with spectacular views to both sides.

One of the party used the opportunity to scramble up a nearby peak (1161m). The wind picked up strongly, but a suitable spot was found for lunch, before returning to the campsite.

Fearless Chairpeople and Joan

Kenneth studies the fire

Meet Leaders ~ Greg and Cheryl Devine