Hiking, walking and accommodation at Cathedral PeakHiking in the Cathedral Peak area is an awesome experience and accommodation is available at the Cathedral Peak Hotel as well as a variety of Guest Houses or B&B’s in the area. Winterton offers a variety of accommodation and is a suitable base for hiking and walking in the Cathedral Peak and Champagne Valley areas as well as the Royal Natal National Park area in the Northern Drakensberg..
The Cathedral Peak range is approximately 4 km long and is made up of a line of peaks called Mponjwana, the ‘place of little horns”. These include Cathedral Peak, the Bell and the Outer and Inner Horns. Below are listed a number of walks and hikes you can enjoy ranging from easy walks to extreme hikes. Cathedral Peak lies within the Cathedral Peak conservation area . The mountains here have some of the highest peaks in the region. The names of the peaks from north to south are: the Saddle, Mlambonja Buttress, Ndumeni Dome, Windsor Castle, Didima Dome and Didima Buttress. Walks and hikes can be taken from Cathedral Peak Hotel but if you are not staying at the hotel it is necessary to phone in advance to find out when and which walks have been organised. Alternatively you can hire a guide. Hiring a guide for longer walks and hikes is recommended. Other walks and hikes can be arranged at the Parks Board office where they will assist you in planning your outing. Maps for all walks and hikes are available from the Parks Board office as well as the hotel. Preparing for extended hikes is vitally important due to the fact that the weather is unpredictable. Correct clothing, footware, hats and sunscreen are a must. Make sure you take a jacket even if the day is hot. Although there are many mountain streams, always carry water with you. For extended walks and hikes it is essential that you complete the Mountain Register.
Below is a list of walking and hiking trails. 1 and 2 are easy to average, 3 to 12 are intermediate and the rest are difficult to extreme. 1. Belinda Falls 1 km. Ideal fir a swim and a picnic. 2. Doreen Falls 5 km. San paintings can be viewed. 3. Mushroom Rock 5 km. This hike is fairly steep. 4. Contour Path to Didima Gorge 10 km. 5. Umhlongo Valley 10 km. Very picturesque with pools and waterfalls in the forest. 6. Rainbow Gorge 10 km. Very beautiful and relatively easy. Recommended for families. 7. Blue Pool, Marble Bath, Neptune’s Pool and Xeni Cave 10 km. 8. Contour Path via One Tree Hill 11 km. 9. Blue Pool and Nyosi Grotto 11 km. 10. Oqalweni Forest Walk 11 km. Trout hatchery and a crystal-clear waterfall.. 11. Mlambonja Valley to Neptune’s Pool and Marble Bath 11 km. 12. Round Trip between Tryme and Tarn Hill 12 km. Needs at least half a day. 13. Didima Hike and Campsite 16 km. 14. Oqalweni Valley round trip 17 km. 15. Tseketseke Hut and Campsite 18 km. 16. Cathedral Peak Summit 18 km. Regular trips taken from the hotel. 17. Mlambonja Pass – Twin Caves 22 km. 18. Didima Gorge 27 km. 2 to 4 days. 19. Didima to Monk’s Cowl contour path 28 km. A difficult 2 day hike. 20. Mikes Pass to Cathedral Peak Hotel via Organ Pass, round trip 49 km. At least 3 days. 21. Escarpment via Organ Pipes Pass 41 km. |
