– Aiden Bennetts
I share a glimpse into the history of Kloof Corner Ridge, a path woven with tradition beneath Table Mountain’s gaze. Renowned for its challenges, it beckons the adventurous, a testament to the spirit of those who dared to climb.
Here, the echoes of the past meet the promise of new beginnings.
The Historical Journey
Kloof Corner Ridge boasts a rich climbing legacy, first summited on August 21, 1892, by H. Bishop and S.B. Morgenrood. Known for its thrilling rock scrambles and adventurous spirit, the ridge has become a rite of passage for climbers and hikers alike. To this day, the route features the iconic “11-inch crack,” a tight chimney that continues to challenge even the most seasoned climbers. This fascinating squeeze has long captured the hearts of adventurers seeking exhilaration, just as it once did for Victorian climbers in long skirts who traversed the perilous “Saddle Rock” unroped.
However, navigating Kloof Corner can be confusing due to its variations. Bert Berrisford’s 1952 MCSA list of Table Mountain Routes describes multiple paths through the initial rock belt, noting that the well-known pitch just left of the northwest corner is the starting point for what is referred to as the Pinnacle Route. Although this challenging route is noted, Berrisford does not mention the chain pitch further left, which likely was added after the Cableway was built in 1929 to assist the maintenance crew working on the telephone and electricity line poles.
For those looking to avoid the tricky Pinnacle pitch and the strenuous chain section, an alternative is to ascend via the India Venster path, traversing to the gully that leads up to the Poort. At the Poort, climbers have two options: they can either tackle the long chain hanging down a chimney crack or opt for the exposed but manageable rock pitch, documented in classic climbing slideshows.
Recent Developments: Chain and Anchor Upgrade
In August 2025, driven by persistent discussions among regular users regarding the state of the old, rusted chains, I felt it was crucial to take action. The safety concern loomed large: What if a chain failed while someone was navigating an exposed section?
This prompted a thorough scouting mission of the route, where each chain was measured and documented to identify what was necessary for a safe retrofit. The findings were presented to the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) and subsequently forwarded to the Rock Subcommittee. Since the ridge lies within park jurisdiction, a formal request was made to South African National Parks (SANParks).
To our relief, SANParks not only chose to fund the much-needed work but also appointed a specialist contractor through a formal process. The Alpinist, known for their expertise in large-scale safety installations, was selected. After consultations with the climbing community, we decided to upgrade to more robust 10 mm chains that enhance grip and bolster confidence on the exposed sections.
The upgrades were completed in early January, with new anchors installed, rigorously pull-tested, and inspected under the careful supervision of SANParks. To help future climbers make informed decisions about their skill level regarding the route’s seriousness, a cautionary sign will soon be placed at the trailhead.
A heartfelt thank you to SANParks, the Mountain Club, the Alpinist team, and the dedicated rangers for their collective efforts in making Kloof Corner Ridge a safer adventure for our community.
Let’s continue to cherish the spirit of exploration that Kloof Corner inspires!
Aidan Bennetts
