Giants Castle Pass and Peak hike

Thank you for all the replies guys, appreciate it.

Does anyone have GPS tracks for Giants Castle Pass and Phinong Pass? Then I can start looking at some options in Google Earth etc.

That cave looks like a definitive option, thanks ghaznavid.

Hi 
On the 19th December, I'm planning a trip from Giant's Castle Resort up Giant's Castle Pass to Giant's Peak and then down Elandshoek Pass. The route is similar to the one @ Smurfatefrog  did in Feb.
Does anyone have any advice for me on what I should look out for along the way? Sights to see / places to go?
I haven't been up this area of the Berg before. 
Also, if there is anyone wanting to join me, you're welcome - it will be a quick day trip.
Thanks
Iano

Hello. I read this threat to find info about reaching the Giants Castle peak from the top of the pass. But, I just read that the trail to the peak has some exposure. I could not find detailed info as the one you can find for Catedral Peak.

The route indicated in the gps maps available in the forums is indicated in red in the attached.

Is this the best or easier route to Giants Castle peak?

How long approximately takes to reach the peak from the top of the pass?

Are there detailed information for this trail to the peak as the one you can find for Catedral Peak?. Maybe someone with experience could comment about it.

Thx.





 

Hi Edwin,

Your track from the top of Giants Pass to Giants Castle Peak is correct - have used it quite a few times in the past. It is however not set in stone and there are many alternatives you can use to approach the peak.

It usually feels a bit longer than one tends to think - factor in 45 minutes to an hour for the 2.5km. There is no exposure on the approach from the top of the pass until you reach the last 10m or so before reaching the peak. There are a few ledges / step-overs before the last 5-6m scramble to the top (see image below). The perceived risk factor is, as covered elsewhere on the forum, subjective to the observer. But in comparison to other exposed sections in the Berg (e.g. Rolands, Bell Traverse, Camel, Nguza etc.) it is, in my view, a non-issue, We even did it in icy conditions the last time around without concern.

 

supertramp wrote:

Hi Edwin,

Your track from the top of Giants Pass to Giants Castle Peak is correct - have used it quite a few times in the past. It is however not set in stone and there are many alternatives you can use to approach the peak.

It usually feels a bit longer than one tends to think - factor in 45 minutes to an hour for the 2.5km. There is no exposure on the approach from the top of the pass until you reach the last 10m or so before reaching the peak. There are a few ledges / step-overs before the last 5-6m scramble to the top (see image below). The perceived risk factor is, as covered elsewhere on the forum, subjective to the observer. But in comparison to other exposed sections in the Berg (e.g. Rolands, Bell Traverse, Camel, Nguza etc.) it is, in my view, a non-issue, We even did it in icy conditions the last time around without concern.

 
 

Hi supetramo

Thx for the reply. Good to have a comparison. As a follow-up question. I see that people in the pics reaching the peak have not the backpacks. Did they leave them in a safe place?. I don't know if it is a good idea to leave the backpacks alone.

Edwin.

Hi Edwin,

Yes, we did remove our packs - dropped them just before the last section. Your packs will be safe there, it is in full view and you'll be able to see anyone approach from a mile away (even though it is very unlikely to have any unexpected company up there by the peak)

supertramp wrote:

Hi Edwin,

Yes, we did remove our packs - dropped them just before the last section. Your packs will be safe there, it is in full view and you'll be able to see anyone approach from a mile away (even though it is very unlikely to have any unexpected company up there by the peak)
 

ok. thx for the tips to reach the peak.