Orange Peel +
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 10.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,822 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 3,822 ft
- Max elevation
- 8,399 ft
- TrailRank
- 51
- Min elevation
- 4,797 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 7 hours
- Coordinates
- 1572
- Uploaded
- September 29, 2016
- Recorded
- September 2016
near Makhwelela, Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Republic of South Africa)
Viewed 1016 times, downloaded 27 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
This is the hike to Cathedral Peak without the final push to the summit. The scenery was spectacular and the trail was fairly easy to follow, not well marked but thanks to Rhino and Hedgehog for their Cathedral Peak entry (which we followed).
This hike could be done without a guide. Leave yourself a full day and be wary of changing weather conditions. We started from the lodge and walked back down the approach road to the lodge. At the first switch back in the road there is a foot path that continues on in the direction you were going. Shortly after (100 meters?) there is a river to cross that can be a bit tricky. Along the way there are some intersections so you will need a good map or GPS to stay on the correct path. A long and steady climb is followed by a tough rock scrabble up a gorge. At the top of the gorge is the waypoint called Orange Peel, a traditional spot for guides/hikers to take a break and eat a snack. Great views from here. The remaining portion of our climb, from 6.4 to 8.3 kilometers took us to the base of Cathedral Peak and was less tasking and easy to follow. The return route simply retraces your steps.
A spectacular hike with many 360 degree views. Very memorable and well worth the effort required!
This hike could be done without a guide. Leave yourself a full day and be wary of changing weather conditions. We started from the lodge and walked back down the approach road to the lodge. At the first switch back in the road there is a foot path that continues on in the direction you were going. Shortly after (100 meters?) there is a river to cross that can be a bit tricky. Along the way there are some intersections so you will need a good map or GPS to stay on the correct path. A long and steady climb is followed by a tough rock scrabble up a gorge. At the top of the gorge is the waypoint called Orange Peel, a traditional spot for guides/hikers to take a break and eat a snack. Great views from here. The remaining portion of our climb, from 6.4 to 8.3 kilometers took us to the base of Cathedral Peak and was less tasking and easy to follow. The return route simply retraces your steps.
A spectacular hike with many 360 degree views. Very memorable and well worth the effort required!
Waypoints
Intersection
4,846 ft
Foot path
The road down from the lodge takes a severe turn, look for a foot path.
Panorama
7,822 ft
Orange Peel
After climbing a steep section this is a nice spot for a well deserved break with a great view. Guides frequently pull out a snack here hence the name 'Orange Peel'.
Panorama
8,383 ft
Steep part
This is the start of the steep climb and the final ascent (not included in our hike).
River
4,846 ft
River
River crossing is required (both over and back) and while not too difficult it may result in wet feet.
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