Cathedral summit from Cathedral Peak Hotel

I haven’t climbed the Cathedral Peak for years but had occasion to do so in October. The route I am familiar with is where the path basically follows the ridge from Orange Peel Gap, and then the river, walking directly toward the NE face of the peak. The final hundred metres or so go up the gully on the left (South) of the peak where you top out and then go down the loose so -called “Bugger Gully” towards the Bell - and ultimately Twins – the “Bell Traverse”. To gain the actual peak I have always gone up the gully until about 10 metres from the top and then followed a series of rather thin ledges out right, all the way around until on the NE face where the path becomes fairly distinct and meanders to the top, via the one ladder. I am sure many of you are familiar with this relatively straight-forward route.

Well, in October we happened to be sitting at the base of the gully about to go up (and then out to the right on the ledges) when Moses, the guide from the hotel, told us they have opened a new and improved route up the peak, directly up the slabs on the NE face. So we followed him and his client, resulting in a route I hope I never repeat in the ‘Berg again. It was very exposed, particularly for some novices with us. In my opinion the old ledges are still a much safer route onto and off the peak, particularly when wet.

Some members of our group followed the guide back down the slabby route. The hotel has placed a few strategic bolts above the scary bits which apparently helped enormously, along with a short piece of rope. It’s something I don’t intend to try, even with the rope, when there is a safe alternative.

we planning to do Cathedral in january.Starting at Cathedral Peak Hotel.How is the route to the top? Is there anywhere where i can get the route on gps? This is the first time we planning to get to the top.Any suggestions?

Thanks Intrepid this is great.We will be going there beginning of january.Will see how high we will get.I think even with out summit this will be a great hike.Thanks again

We summitted Cathedral on Saturday (3Dec). The weather wasn't great and visibility was very low. 2 other groups chose to turn around at the top of the gulley before the scramble sections but because we had a guide we pressed on. It was pretty tricky with the rock faces wet and we needed ropes on the way down on the bottom section of the scramble. A fantastic hike although if you're not so keen on heights can be a little scary near the top!! Nothing a bit of peer pressure can't sort out!! Pity we didn't get to see the views from the summit due to thick mist, but there's always next time!!