Leslie Pass/Red Wall/Judges Pass loop

The area above the Red Wall waterfall has always been a favourite section of the Berg for me and over the Easter weekend we did a 5 day hike to this area. The plan was to hike up Leslies Pass and spend two nights on the escarpment, then head South and descend via Judges Pass. We set off in in good weather and made our way up past Marble Baths and then on to the rougher stuff en route to the camp site below Leslies. Anyone who has done this route will know there is a choice of path - either the upper terrace route or to stick to the river bed. We chose the latter route and kept an eagle eye out for the cairns which meandered in and out the river. It is pretty rough going and we were glad to make the camp site towards mid afternoon - this has changed somewhat since the last time I was in this area as a fire at some time has swept through the area and made it almost unrecognisable - all that were left of the chi chi bushes were burnt and spiky branches around the camp site.
We made an early start the following morning and were on our way by 7.30am. The initial ridge is steep and we stopped for a water break at the river crossing before you start the pass proper. From here the initial section is very steep and eroded and it is pretty hard work. Once past this, it is just a steady slog to the top. I have done Leslies several times over the years and it has never been my favourite - it just seems to become more difficult, but this is probably because these legs are just getting older……..

As we reached the top mist came swirling up from the bottom and we continued on our way south in limited visibility. We took a compass bearing for Injasuti Pass and passed a few shepherds and their sheep en route. We decided to stop for the day alongside the river in this valley. The sun came out and the mist cleared and I have to say that this is the most beautiful valley - it is just under the Injasuti Buttresses and we had it all to ourselves. We took a walk to the escarpment and watched the river plunge over the edge. We could see Injasuti pass far below - I have had aspirations of climbing this pass someday but it does look tough!

The next day dawned overcast and windy and it stayed this way most of the day. We made our way up the valley and climbed both the Greater and Lesser Injasuti Buttresses - what amazing views from the top of these impressive massives. We went past the top of Hilton Pass - and had a fantastic view to the Red Wall from this point. In my opinion this entire section is amongst the most impressive in the Berg. So many people miss out as they take the Mafadi route - do yourself a favour and take this route the next time you are in this area - the views are astounding and astonishingly beautiful. We then ascended the Red Wall peak and discovered a little cave in the rock band en route - Has anyone seen this before? A cave with a glorious view of the buttresses and snug enough for two people - very like Rathole Cave. We named it Red Wall Peak cave. Red wall peak was windy with great views but we did not stay there too long before descending into the Red Wall valley. Lunch was enjoyed at the falls with the mist making frequent visitations and the Western Triplet appearing and disappearing. We crossed over into the Upper Injasuti valley and went up to the cave. Three guys had just arrived and had ascended via the Corner Pass route. They told us that there were two more large parties on their way up so we would have company that evening. We set up our tent on what we think is the John Hone campsite - this is the scene of his magnificent photo of tents in the snow on the cover of his book ‘Encounters with the Dragon ‘ The sun came out and the mist cleared and we enjoyed the beautiful view of the Triplets just below us. Later that afternoon the first party of 15 arrived, hikers from the Mountain Club Joburg. We got to meet the legendary Andrew Porter - a real pleasure! I was amused to note that Andrew obviously still had lots of energy in reserve as he does not merely walk to the escarpment edge, he runs!

A very strong wind came up during the evening and we spent a long sleepless night - being a scant 100 metres from the escarpment edge, we had our moments but our tent held up well and we survived to see the light of day. The wind did not abate and we packed up quickly, and were on our way by 7.30. We headed down the path on the Trojan Wall side and met up with the other party who had only got as far as the top of Corner Pass and elected to spend the night at the bottom . They were on their way up to Mafadi and intended going down Leslies and from there on to Marble Baths - a long day ahead for them.

We took the high line to Judges and discovered the “Around the Corner” smugglers route which was interesting. Judges Pass has eroded a lot since I was last down there some 5 odd years ago, particularly the upper section. This pass is obviously very heavily used. Once down you have the long contour path back to Centenary Hut which never seems to end. Corner Pass would have been quicker but Richard had never done Judges, so we elected to return on this route. We tented overnight outside Centenary Hut and then walked out the following morning via Cloudland Col and the Field Rangers Hut - this affords fantastic views of the Berg and a wonderful way to end off a very enjoyable 5 day hike

Thanks for sharing - great photos too

elinda wrote: In my opinion this entire section is amongst the most impressive in the Berg. So many people miss out as they take the Mafadi route - do yourself a favour and take this route the next time you are in this area - the views are astounding and astonishingly beautiful.

On GT in December, we took the high line up from Leslies to Lithabolong and it was rather spectacular. I have every plan of heading back up there and completing the escarpment edge line from where the ridge ceases to be on the escarpment edge through to Trojan Wall.

I have been doing more and more of this escarpment edge following in the last 6 months - taking the considerably longer line in favour of better views. It is rare that the extra effort isn't justified. Around Lotheni Pass is another spot where it is really worth doing this.

Love your report and the pics are stunning. Your love of the mountains and being in them shines through in both.

That's some skillful photography..... loved the write-up and photos especially well done

Absolutely stunning pics of a trip that sounds like it will last in the memory banks for a very long time!

Super keen to get up there myself!