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This weekend past a group of us went to the Monks Cowl area with the purpose of climbing Sterkhorn, come hell or high water.

As it happened we had mist and low clouds that basically blotted out Cathkin, Sterkhorn, Tower and Amphlet. But the group was still keen to go, knowing that they would not see any view at all.

With this I took then up with the warning that we stick close and if it gets too dangerous we will retreat of the mountain no questions asked.

We had about 30m - 40m of visibility with breaks in the cloud every now and again. We all made it to the top and back down in one peace and the weather held out. We had a great time and everyone loved it!

Normally I would not climb under these conditions, but I made a reluctant exception, as the group was fit and motivated.

My greatest concern was if the weather turned drastically, but this can happen even on a clear day.
We all had rain gear and food and water.

Next concern was that if anything severe happened a chopper could not land in those conditions.

So yes in my opinion we took a bit of a risk, was it a big risk?

Hence my question about the hiking in the mist.

Hey BB !!!

I say it depends what you looking to do : if you determined to bag a peak, sure go for it cos there's no guarantee that next Berg trip gonna have any better weather. Given that you have a certain level of Berg experience that is.
If its a social, relaxing hike like I had at MC on 7-10 March, with very heavy mist up Sterkhorn and route finding could be an issue, I thought an afternoon snooze at Sterkhorn campsite was a better option.


The realistic thinking would be that should a rescue become necessary, you are now placing the rescuers lives at risk. Given that they are suitably trained, there would still be a risk.

Guess the weather will always be an issue. Better to make the most of it while you are there!

Love that MC area!!

Two things strike me here:
1) you assessed that they was a risk and thought through it, you were not over-confident - this is good;
2) your group knew this but were in agreement to continue.

I think there is a lot to be said about a group leader making a sober assessment about his/her own abilities and experience, the strength/fitness and moral of the group, as well the weather and overall situation.

As a leader, if I am confident of my ability to lead and genuinely have the welfare of the group in mind, and if I have explained any risks or unknown factors to the group, and together we have reached a decision that all are confident with - then I can face many adverse conditions. Even if something like getting lost or an injury should occur, this is something that the group will be a lot more tolerant of and the reaction will be a better one.

Granted, hiking in the mist does have its risks. But it is not necessarily something which should cause a hike to be called off. There will always be risks, even if the conditions are good. What counts is your attitude, sober judgement, cooperation and a team spirit.

This weekend we went up the organ pipes via mikes pass. What seemed like a clear day soon turned very misty in the afternoon. As a result we decided to camp on the pass. Not recommended but the best option at the time.

The next morning we were stuck with 20-30m visibility and subsequently took the wrong pass up the mountain. Going behind the pipes instead of in front. We had some older members in the group and going was painfully slow. With the younger guys taking most of the weight from their packs. It was hell! Luckily we made it up OK.

Even though we were all relatively experienced hikers, as a group we made the wrong decision. So unless you know exactly where your going. I’d say don’t hike in the mist.

I would agree with you, 1/2 pint. If there is any doubt about where you are or where you are headed - best to stay put. Mist really messes with your bearings. We did the Sentinel-Cathedral Peak traverse one winter, and being young and stupid took a map but no compass. We woke on the 4th day to a thick blanket of mist that only cleared at 4pm (and then only briefly), by that time we were in the middle of Lesotho having followed a ridge that we thought was the escarpment. When the gap in the mist opened it was probably the most demoralising moment I've ever had, and there are some members of our party who have never done a berg hike since! In hindsight, we should have stayed where we were and played poker all day.

Having said that, if was on on a clear path or one that I knew well, and everyone was motivated to go on, then I most certainly would do what Bergbees did - but I'd keep that compass or GPS handy.