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Hi all

I'm wondering if anyone would have any advice or comments on the following proposed route - do the distances sound feasible (we have a decent amount of berg experience and are fit enough? And could anyone recommend whether we should aim to stay in caves (is didima cave in particular worth going to) or rather tent it?

DAY 1 (Thurs 19TH May): Drop-off top of Mikes pass, walk to Nek, up Organ Pipes, pitch tent/cave. Approx how long would it take in hours to get to the top of the escarpment (What is the latest we should start hiking from top of Mikes Pass an order to reach the top comfortably before nightfall?)

DAY 2: (Fri 20TH May): On to Yodlers cascades and then didima cave

DAY 3: (Sat 21ST May) Didima cave to Champagne castle summit, then descend Grays Pass to Keiths Bush Camp or stay in Nkosana cave. Can cut out Champagne summit if necessary.

DAY 4: (Sun 22ND May) Continue on down to Monks Cowl Resort.

Any comments would be appreciated!
Thanks

Apologies... the title of my post was supposed to read "Cathedral to Monks Cowl Traverse"

Hi, I heard Mikes Pass is closed? Haven't confirmed it myself, hikers from the hotel said they were going to use it but had to use the camel route instead. Maybe check on the state of the pass.

Hi. Mike's Pass is closed. There is a large rockfall shortly after the Staff Accomodation. We managed to get one of the rangers to take our group as far as he could, but that still left a good couple of kms to the top of the pass. It is a good days walk to the top of the escarpment especially with the extra bit of Mike's. Took us 9 hours to get up there, but we were not going that quickly. The trip looks doable. I always lug a tent around with me, but that is just a matter of choice.

The number of days seems to be fine - even though you might expect a longer day 1 if Mike's Pass is closed.

Also, this is a route for which I would definitely leave the tent behind - even in summer. In May you can expect much more settled weather and the chances are you can sleep out without getting wet.

Day 1 I'd make for Roland's Cave - one of the very best. Day 2 for Didima Cave, which is also a gem. Alternatively, the lesser known Reido Cave might be worth a look. Day 3 Nkosazana should be dry enough, or else heading down Grays should only take a little over two and a half hours. Bonne route.

Many thanks - didn't know the pass was closed! May have to extend the trip because of this, or look at going up elsewhere. Rolands & Didima caves would be definates, thanks.