Cathedral contour path
25 Jan 2026 12:48 #80166
by Jono26
Cathedral contour path was created by Jono26
There is a 7km stretch of contour path between the base of Orange Peel Gap (U23-2100 on topographical map) and C3-2100 on One Tree Hill. Is this 7km section passable and safe?
There is a campsite indicated on the map about half way along this section of contour path, situated in the gorge below Bell cave at the start of the Bell traverse. Is it a viable campsite? (flat ground and water).
Are there any other sections of the contour path in the Cathedral area where the path is overgrown or impassable? (between C3 and C10).
There is a campsite indicated on the map about half way along this section of contour path, situated in the gorge below Bell cave at the start of the Bell traverse. Is it a viable campsite? (flat ground and water).
Are there any other sections of the contour path in the Cathedral area where the path is overgrown or impassable? (between C3 and C10).
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25 Jan 2026 14:50 #80170
by Smurfatefrog
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Cathedral contour path
Not sure about the section between Orange Peel and One Tree Hill, although I assume it will be a bit overgrown at this time of year, its not a well used section.
Just south of C6 / Xeni river is horrendous, really overgrown and hard to follow.
C8 to C10 has lots of brambles, but the trail itself is easy to follow
Just south of C6 / Xeni river is horrendous, really overgrown and hard to follow.
C8 to C10 has lots of brambles, but the trail itself is easy to follow
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25 Jan 2026 20:55 #80171
by Jono26
Replied by Jono26 on topic Cathedral contour path
Thanks, this is helpful.
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26 Jan 2026 16:22 #80173
by ysb33r
Replied by ysb33r on topic Cathedral contour path
I repeated the section C5 - C7 in May of '23. We came up from C21 (Neptune Pools) and hiked that section to spend the night at the foot Tseketseke pass. I was terribly disappointed at home overgrown it has become. On the grassy sections it was not bad, but closer to stream crossings it became really overgrown making root finding difficult. Parts of the path on the stream crossings were washed away making for some interesting downclimbs. After C8 the path is much better again.
Besides that, the Xeni cutback can be quite demoralising as it is really deep. There is a part where you stand and see the contour path on the other side, but you won't reach that point for a very long time. I call it Xeni's revenge
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IMHO you do that section because it is there, not because you want a relaxing contour path walk. Do not expect to make fast progress.
Besides that, the Xeni cutback can be quite demoralising as it is really deep. There is a part where you stand and see the contour path on the other side, but you won't reach that point for a very long time. I call it Xeni's revenge
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IMHO you do that section because it is there, not because you want a relaxing contour path walk. Do not expect to make fast progress.
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26 Jan 2026 16:41 #80174
by Smurfatefrog
Yup, what might be a good alternative if you are planning to camp around there, is to boulder hope downstream and stay in Xeni cave, and then head up from the cave to the contour path. Its a short steep trail, but better than what ysb33r described nicely!
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Cathedral contour path
I repeated the section C5 - C7 in May of '23. We came up from C21 (Neptune Pools) and hiked that section to spend the night at the foot Tseketseke pass. I was terribly disappointed at home overgrown it has become. On the grassy sections it was not bad, but closer to stream crossings it became really overgrown making root finding difficult. Parts of the path on the stream crossings were washed away making for some interesting downclimbs. After C8 the path is much better again.
Besides that, the Xeni cutback can be quite demoralising as it is really deep. There is a part where you stand and see the contour path on the other side, but you won't reach that point for a very long time. I call it Xeni's revenge.This image is hidden for guests.
IMHO you do that section because it is there, not because you want a relaxing contour path walk. Do not expect to make fast progress.
Yup, what might be a good alternative if you are planning to camp around there, is to boulder hope downstream and stay in Xeni cave, and then head up from the cave to the contour path. Its a short steep trail, but better than what ysb33r described nicely!
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27 Jan 2026 19:27 #80178
by andrehayward
Replied by andrehayward on topic Cathedral contour path
Hello, you can also have a look there is a write up: Contour Path between Mlambonja base and Sherman's Cave. I did it in March 2024, but with all the rain and the fact that is is not used often might be overgrown, see details of 2024.
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/8-drakensberg-hiking/57112-contour-path-between-mlambonja-base-and-sherman-s-cave.html#78938
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/8-drakensberg-hiking/57112-contour-path-between-mlambonja-base-and-sherman-s-cave.html#78938
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