Friday, 9th April 2010
10 miles, 2,600 feet
We left the hotel just after 9am and headed up to Doreen Falls. After a quick photo shoot we retraced our steps a short distance and headed up the hillside to tackle some scrambles and a ladder. After a brief pause we continued towards Ribbon Falls and higher onto the hillside. We stopped for elevenses overlooking the next waterfall. Continuing on we had great views of the escarpment separating the High Berg from the Low Berg. Further along the path Cathedral Peak came into view, as did more of the escarpment. Our lunch spot gave us the opportunity to spot some grey rhebuck. Heading towards Tryme Hill a salamander added some interest to the walk. Eventually Rainbow Gorge came into view and brought back memories of the first day’s walk. Traversing below the summit we reached the zig-zag descent, though the path was difficult to find near the bottom.
Doreen Falls - just catching a rainbow
A few rocks are followed by . . .
a short ladder . . .
which Katy quickly navigates
We all seek the shade of the rocks for a brief pause
Ribbon Falls, seen initially on the second walk
The escarpment begins to appear . . .
and we have a glimpse of Cathedral Peak and its nearby summits
Mount Helga stands out in front of the escarpment . . .
and Ribbon Falls from a higher viewpoint
The views are great as we take a refreshment stop . . .
and the escarpment continues to impress . . .
as we make our way along a wide track
At our lunch time stop Claire spots some grey rhebuck in the valley
The easy path gives lots of opportunity to take in the spectacular surroundings . . .
but we need to keep our eyes on the path . . .
to avoid stepping on the salamander
Zooming in on Cathkin peak and Sterkorn in the far distance
Looking down Rainbow Gorge - our first day's walk . . .
and up to the top of the gorge
Not much shade as we take a break . . .
before tackling the steep descent . . .
followed by a tramp through course grass . . .
down to the main path