Carrel’s Ledge is named after the alpine guide Jean-Antoine Carrel who is famous for being in the race to make the first ascent of the Matterhorn ,coming second after Edward Whymper. The MCSA party of 10 met at the Kloof Corner steps at 9am and hiked up to the contour path where they proceeded to the India Venster path.
The India Venster path involved some enjoyable B grade scrambling. On reaching Fountain Ledge the party proceeded in the direction of Maclear’s Beacon. The clear blue sky changed to misty conditions and some difficulty was experienced in finding the beginning of Carrel’s Ledge which was soon overcome.
We were fortunate to see a solitary Klipspringer who seemed totally unfazed by our presence. We proceeded slowly and carefully along Carrel’s Ledge crossing the famous Mauvais pas which is not nearly as bad as it sounds. A brief lunch stop at Maclear’s Beacon was followed by a dash for the Upper Cable Way station.
Photos Margaret Moller and Brian Lambourne.
