Bollard Pass

This thread discusses the content article: Un-named pass Mashai River

Nice one! I've also explored that valley above Sleeping Beauty cave on a misty afternoon. Couldn't see all the way to the escarpment but the valley itself is certainly worth exploring with all those rock formations. I recall a path continuing higher up the valley than that which was indicated on the map - how long does it last?

Definitely on my list next time I make it all the way to the Southern Berg - that cave sounds fantastic

It disappears as it enters the base of the pass. Most of these paths are Eland tracks, as there are many in this part of the berg and they tend to follow set routes. The valleys both north and south are worth a few days exploratory. Hidden valley, the valley of cod Eye cave etc.

Pics, google map and GPS to follow shortly [just need some time]. Most suitable would be Bollard Pass, as it is right below same peak.
"Stealth Cave" in honour of the good mate who was with me at the time, and it requires a bit to get to it.
There appeared to be no evidence of sheperds using this cave, or even other mountineers as no old tins, plastic, fires etc. could be found, even after turning over a few rocks.

Pictures of the Pass have been posted, under Bollard Pass.

@Intrepid

Bollard. If this pass has been used by Basotho, then it will only have been to recover strayed livestock. The cave has not visibly been used and the top of the pass had no animal tracks as it gets steep quite quickly.
Would be difficult [like Minaret] to move the large "dry produce" carry bags up and down.
No visible evidence of path or cairns.

Wilsons ,could be occasional, and has much animal track evidence near the top. Also found a horse jawbone 1/2 way down.
2 cairns on the top right bank [facing down] and then nothing.

This was my first visit to the area. We followed the valley up from Sleeping Beauty Cave past Engagement Cave following a path until it petered out. This path appeared to be a footpath rather than an Eland path as it showed no braiding. From here we crossed the ridge to the south near point 2651 and then down the valley to the south to Sherry Cave. This valley had Eland paths at all the awkward places and was very pleasant. From cave to cave was 6h easy going through delightful country.

@Bergie

Welcome.
This is a beautiful part of the berg, and is definitely less well trodden than the central to northern areas.
The path leading up the valley does appear to be a footpath, although the eland do use it too.
Did you contour into the valley from below point2651
ie. in a wsw direction? Their appeared to be a track leading in this way, although could not see too far around the first spur.
I am keen on tackling the head of the valley you refer to. The pass is known as Tsepeng, and The Forum is still quiet on any info re this pass.
Is Sherry cave a good cave i.t.o size, shelter and prox. to water?

ST2

@ST2
I am sorry I missed your post until now.

We did contour below point 2651 in a WSW direction. It was very steep getting into the valley, but no real problem. There was no sign of a path on this slope.

Sherry Cave will sleep 7 at a squeeze (not 12, as marked on the map). There was no water near when we were there altho there is an obvious small watercourse next to the cave, probably flowing much of the time, but dry when we were there (July). The main river bed is perhaps 10min away. The cave has a magnificent view facing NW. It should provide good shelter from the rain. It is under a sloping rock a short distance up from the path leading up the valley and, while easy to spot, is not obviously a cave as seen from the path. We were told it is an obvious cave and nearly missed it!

I would like to hear about your trip.
Bill.