Cathedral Peak

Thanks Intrepid.
So the Smugglers go right past Bell Cave on the traverse path then? That's not good.

I have heard that cows get moved along this route but there is no way a cow without wings could descend the Cathedral gully on the Bell side. I wonder what these reports mean then.

The 5th and 6th scramble up Cathderal Peak, are they hairy with a lot of exposure?
Would someone, like me, who find the tricky bits on the Bell traverse and Camel an adrenaline rush, be able to ascend this peak without a rope?

With the slopes above and below most rock bands on Cathedral peak one can easily let one's imagination run riot. It is however safe.

In my opinion, the scrambles themselves are relatively easy and with decent care there is no real risk. Let me put it another way, if you do slip on those scrambles, a hurt ankle or some bruising would be the worst injuries to an able bodied person. You won't end up rolling down the mountain.

The ascent out of bugger gully onto Cathedral peak massive itself used to be the hairiest IMO (slipping here could've led to some injury as you're likely to fall onto boulders and sharp pointy scree), but this is not part of the current standard route anymore.

I was part of a large group that summitted Cathedral Peak in February. We used ropes on all the scrambles except for the 5th and 6th, for the safety of the less experienced/more nervous members in the group, although me and several others were able to do all the route without rope.

The fifth scramble is just a short gulley giving access to the chain ladder.



The sixth scramble is quite long, and has some exposure as you traverse around the 'corner', but generally secure footing with only a few helping hands up required.





Ascending the top of the sixth scramble to the summit.



We found the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th scrambles more difficult, and I think in wet conditions they would be beyond most hikers ability without a rope. Indeed there are rope anchor points on the 1st, 2nd and 4th scrambles. (I can post more pictures if anyones interested.)

I know plaques are sort of a taboo subject, but does anybody know the story behind this one on Cathedral Peak summit?

Thanks for the photos! Some of the other scrambles would be great

Looking forward to what should be a good day out summitting Cathedral next month...

As requested, some more photos of the Cathedral Peak scrambles.

I was first up at the 1st scramble and set up a rope to assist the rest of the group up. (Photo courtesy of Elinda.)



The group at the 1st scramble, waiting to ascend. (Photo courtesy of Jacqui.)



Ascending the 1st scramble with rope assistance. (Photo courtesy of Elinda.)



The 2nd scramble is a traverse across a sloping rock face.



Descending the 3rd scramble. (Photo courtesy of Elinda.)



Descending the 4th scramble.



Ascending the short chain ladder.

Thanks Tony

tonymarshall wrote:

That looks like some interesting smearing moves, not much in the way of hand or footholds...

It is easy Ghaz, it slopes quite gently.

In wet conditions however it may be tough as one can see.