On the day, we had a taste of all seasons enjoying sunny wind free conditions for the first three peaks and ending with driving rain for the final two summits. This made for an adventurous day in which to conquer 5 peaks between Llundudno Ravine and Constantia Nek – 19.5km in 10.5 hours (including stops). Our first peak was Judas where we had morning tea – thereafter Grootkop and St Paul (according to Slingsby maps) where we enjoyed lunch whilst gazing at the amazing views around us. We then headed for the old ‘railway track’ and crossed over to the Kirstenbosch side where we climbed Cleft peak (we could barely fit all 11 of us on the summit!) – by this time we were in the clouds and found shelter under an overhang for afternoon tea. Rain jackets had to be extracted for the descent and we continued in rain and mist up Reserve peak where we assembled for a hurried photo and then it was heads down and the long trudge in driving rain towards Constantia Nek. The age span between youngest and oldest exceeded 3 decades, which for a route and weather conditions of this nature was commendable (for the oldest that is!).
photos by Don Jepson
