Bell Traverse
20 Nov 2025 08:45 #80085
by Bazzer
Bell Traverse was created by Bazzer
Hello All,
I'm looking to do this hike this weekend, starting tomorrow (21st Nov) and ending Sunday and wondered if anyone here has recently walked the section between Twins Cave and Buggers Gully and can report on the condition of this section of the hike? If not, I'll be going along this section on Sunday morning and will report back here as to what I found to inform and update others the condition it is in. I have done this previously, but it was 10 years ago and it's time to go and see this part of the Berg again
I'm looking to do this hike this weekend, starting tomorrow (21st Nov) and ending Sunday and wondered if anyone here has recently walked the section between Twins Cave and Buggers Gully and can report on the condition of this section of the hike? If not, I'll be going along this section on Sunday morning and will report back here as to what I found to inform and update others the condition it is in. I have done this previously, but it was 10 years ago and it's time to go and see this part of the Berg again
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23 Nov 2025 14:51 #80087
by Bazzer
Replied by Bazzer on topic Bell Traverse
Quick update on the weekend that was: When we got to the Didima KZN reception to pay and fill in the "Mountain Register" we were very clearly provided with a map of the Berg (the printed version they offer on an A4 single fold) which showed that the Bell Traverse section was particularly dangerous and the staff went on to explain they had to perform a mountain rescue this last week on that section and advised us not to hike it at all. So we went up and down Camel Pass and enjoyed alternative routes of that section of the Berg instead.
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24 Nov 2025 09:27 #80088
by Riaang
Replied by Riaang on topic Bell Traverse
Welcome on VE Bazzer!
Glad to hear you guyes had a good time in the Berg.
Regarding the Bell Traverse, yes, there are dodgy sections, and, depending on weather and the prevailing conditions on the day it can range from "relatively easy peasy" to "oh crap, better concentrate now!". I've had both and it can definitely be dangerous, BUT, there are bypass routes that minimises the risk. Have a read of my latest Bell Traverse Trip report form 2024 where I explained how to bypass the most dodgy section basically under the chessmen.
BTW - there are sections of the Camel that I've found particularly hair raising in the right (or should I say wrong?) conditions. Throw in high winds and a bit of ice and that rock plate near (below) Windy Gap will elevate your heart rate in no time!
That's mountains for you. They are often dangerous, but quite often you can negate the dangerous/risky bits by taking a different line or hiking when the weather is better, or, like you did, hiking a different route altogether.
Glad to hear you guyes had a good time in the Berg.
Regarding the Bell Traverse, yes, there are dodgy sections, and, depending on weather and the prevailing conditions on the day it can range from "relatively easy peasy" to "oh crap, better concentrate now!". I've had both and it can definitely be dangerous, BUT, there are bypass routes that minimises the risk. Have a read of my latest Bell Traverse Trip report form 2024 where I explained how to bypass the most dodgy section basically under the chessmen.
BTW - there are sections of the Camel that I've found particularly hair raising in the right (or should I say wrong?) conditions. Throw in high winds and a bit of ice and that rock plate near (below) Windy Gap will elevate your heart rate in no time!
That's mountains for you. They are often dangerous, but quite often you can negate the dangerous/risky bits by taking a different line or hiking when the weather is better, or, like you did, hiking a different route altogether.
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24 Nov 2025 16:19 #80090
by PatrickClimbs
Replied by PatrickClimbs on topic Bell Traverse
That was a bit wrong of them to discourage you from doing the BT. There is one section that I would say is a bit trickier than the Camel but otherwise completely fine. As Riaang said, there are also ways to bypass certain sections. Buggers gulley, in my opinion is in a better state than it was this time last year. I just used it for the 4th time this year and used it on Nov 18th
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