The Bell Traverse

Hasamatt's Google Earth overlays show that around the north western part of Mitre there's a significant difference between the path shown on the map and the two gpx/gdb files available on the Internet (one being Intrepid's I think). The path on the map contours higher up. Anyone here have any experience of the route shown by the map, or could it just be an error with the map?

My gps track of the Bell Traverse is similar to the other two and also shows that difference to the map path around the Mitre. I think it must be an error with the map

I have usually taken the high route into Twins - not the low one on the GPS track. I think the one on the GPS track leads you up the gully directly below Twins (is that correct?) whereas the route I have followed leads you into Twins much higher up from the east.

Hi. We did the BT from escarpment to Bell Cave on the 4th May. I did notice a path sightly lower in places. The path we took was very narrow with a about three or four "interesting" rock sections to be negotiated and long drop offs until about the outer horn/switch back.

Our GPS track looks similar to the other GPS tracks around the Mitre.

Hi Team,

I love these posts and reading others peoples experiences. IN that context, please HELP?!

Our crew is heading up from Cathedral Peak, up via Orange Peel gap, via Bell Traverse passed Twins Cave to the top.

We would like to come down via Xeni or Cockade.

My questions are this, knowing we only have 2 nights:

1 - Can we make it to the TOP form Cathedral in one day? (we are fairly fit) Or should we stop half way up for an early ascent the next morning?

2 - Is there any other place to set up a tent other than Orange Peel Gap on the way up?

3- Which pass is suggested to DECEND , Xeni or or Cockade?

4 - Should we carry water the whole way or is there water up TOP? (Going in May)

We also do have tents so accom is sorted.

Thanks for any input.

1. Should be ok.
2. Small spot for one tent on the traverse just past Bell's cave. My mate is standing next to the isodome.
3. Cockade, don't recall it needing rope.
4. Water on top.

Hi there;

Anyone done the Bell Tower Traverse lately? What is the condition of the trail? Also - which is the preferred direction? I was planning up Mikes Pass, Organ Pipes, Twins Cave, Bell Tower, Orange Peel Gap . . . Any advice and tips would be most welcome.

Thanks!!

J.

I did it as a day hike in November last year (looped with Cockade Pass - see writeup "C is for Cockade"). We came down it on that occasion. The trail is very easy to follow, no trouble there. Just make sure you know where to turn off at Orange Peel Gap - the trail keeps going straight, so you can walk right past it.

Just remember that there is basically no water between the escarpment and 2000m, that is the biggest issue. The route includes 3 dodgy bits - one below Mitre, one just after you reach Cathedral Peak (coming down the pass) and Buggers Gully. The latter is unstable and possibly dangerous, so be careful. Otherwise it is a beautiful route, one of the classics that is kind of compulsory to do at some point

Also did it last year December. Went up form the hotel to Twins cave. Besides the dodgey bits metioned by Ghaz, there was this one section between the inner and outer horn where the path was a bit confusing. We had a GPS track and our hike leader had gotten off the path on this section before so he knew where to go. Going down it should be easier as you know you have to go to Cathedral peak so you should stay on the correct side of the mountain.