Wednesday, 7th April 2010
7 miles, 1,650 feet
Being an early riser a walk around the hotel gave the opportunity for some photos in the early morning light. After leaving the hotel we followed the right hand bank of the Mhlonhlo River and up a steep grassy bank to the rock band. Mushroom Rock is a weathered feature where the lower sandstone layers have eroded faster than the harder top layers. Passing under the mushroom we continued along the path to Tarn Hill on the Little Berg plateau. From here we had good views of the escarpment separating the Low Berg from the High Berg. We made good time as we followed an easy track but as the route became very slippery more care was needed. Eventually we reached the descent and took a slight detour to Ribbon Falls before continuing down to cross the river. It was then a relatively easy walk back to the hotel.
The hotel chapel with Cathedral Peak, the Bell and the two Horns in the background
The peaks taken from behind the chapel . . .
and from the Sun terrace . . .
with a close up of Cathedral Peak and the Bell
The pool complex from the Sun Terrace
Setting out on the walk yet another opportunity to capture The Peak
Great scenery, and another valley branches off to the left
The route gets steeper ahead . . .
and walkers are lost in the grass as we look back to the hotel
The variety of rock formations is endless . . .
and the views never cease to amaze
Onwards and upwards . . .
as we make our way through Protea bushes
A Cape Vulture flies overhead
Mushroom Rock . . .
with its distinct stalk and cap
The group eventually makes its way through the arch . . .
before climbing above the rock . . .
to admire the views down the valley . . .
and check out the hotel helicopter
Zooming back across to Mushroom Rock
Time for a break on Tarn Hill . . .
but we continue on to a small waterfall for lunch
Further along our route we spot Ribbon Falls . . .
and pass a cave . . .
to get a closer view . . .
of the falls
Boots off and sandals on for a river crossing . . .
then we all line up . . .
to put the boots back on