A party of eleven set off from the Rycroft gate, Kirstenbosch, at 08:50. Conditions were dry, with some high cloud. We made fair progress up Skeleton Gorge. Sadly, by the time we reached the ladders, two of the company had decided to turn back. We traversed towards Nursery Ravine from the top of Skeleton, before branching off to Cleft Peak.
Fortunately Ezan was on hand to advise about the choice of paths, as the area was rather overgrown. We had a welcome tea break at an overhang, with members enjoying comfy seats on the ‘orgy’ grass, which resulted in much amusement. Interesting detours through the well known clefts followed, then we made our way down towards the almost empty reservoirs and on to Ash Valley.
The ascent of Reserve Peak with its impressive jumble of rocks was next. How did the name Reserve Peak originate … a question for Google? A further refueling stop was held near the summit before we continued down to Nursery Ravine and the home stretch. The remaining group reached the Rycroft gate by about 14:15.
As always, it was an added pleasure to lead a route where some members of the group had not been before.
Cleft Peak 833 m Reserve Peak 847 m
