Cowl Pass

@mnt_tiska, what you have described is entirely possible, but I find these kind of things vary from group to group.

The descent is not technical but does have obstacles which can become tedious and time-consuming (also bearing in mind the recent rescue which took place in this gully). I think the upper half, coming down from Cowl Cave, is more grassy (and thus quicker) than it's counterpart fork coming down from the summit of "Cowl Pass" which has more scree and care is needed. But the exposed traverse from the pass summit around the Cowl to the cave is not everyone's cup of tea. But where these forks join, there are definitely boulders, trenches and some bush which need careful negotiation at times. If you stay in the main gully coming down all the way from the pass summit, there is a significant waterfall section which needs some careful clambering. It is possible to avoid this big step with a timeous exit out of the gully which you have to be alert for (and which isn't that obvious).

Doing this circuit in 2 days is entirely possible but would be pretty tiring, and not up everyone's ally. I've walked to KBC and then up to the neck in one day which was manageable but long and tiring towards the end, and didn't leave much time for enjoyment. From there it is possible to walk out down the other side, as you have done, but again, long...
And personally I wouldn't attempt a two day version overnighting at KBC.

..and I don't bound and leap downhill and in boulder beds like I used to either....

mnt_tiska wrote: How does it compare with Pins Pass? Pins I remember being steep and loose in places with some drop offs to watch out for.

From what I've heard and seen of Pins, it isn't that severe. At the most I'd rate the southern side of this pass, Cowl Fork, as an entry-level rock pass, much in the way that Cockade Pass is. What helps is if you come down the grassy fork from Cowl Cave (if you care to traverse across to this fork at the top), and avoid the main gully (unless you want simple navigation - then stick to the gully but be prepared for scree, lots of loose boulders, and a waterfall - and don't do it in the rain or in the summer!).

Thanks for the feedback Anthony. I don't think there is a right or wrong choice for coming down Cowl Fork - whatever works for you. At least with your route you avoided more boulder hopping. I think that sticking to the true right is probably the easiest, at least the upper half which is grassy (coming down from Cowl Cave, see earlier discussion). The main gully can definitely be avoided but needs more proactive navigation.

Makes for a really long day, wouldn't recommend it, but if you are determined enough you could probably do it. Have been up there in a day from northern side with a full pack on - do-able but tiring and not relaxing.