We had a good turnout of 23 trailers considering the Batrun and Peninsula and other runs happening. The weather was cool and kind at the start at Newland's Car Park. We also had a visitor from the UK on an internship for 6 months in Cape Town who joined us to try out the trails.
The relaxed group of 3 decided to climb up Newland's Ravine to the saddle and then return the same way. The rest of us started out in a big group but very early into the long uphill slog to the blockhouse we separated into a fast and a medium group.
At the blockhouse, the medium group voted to try Mowbray Ridge and the Upper Traverse as most people hadn't done this route. Theo led the way and we scrambled up the ridge stopping often to breathe and drink in the scenery. It really is a spectacular route. While on the upper traverse, we spotted the emergency helicopter and teams practicing drills far below us. Good to know they were there...
A lot more uphill zig zagging brought us to the top of the path, where we picked up Thomas who had gracefully fallen back from the fast group. We scampered downhill (at last!) following the Bat Run markers to the saddle path, where we had one last little climb to the top of Newland's Ravine.
Here the back marker climbers shot to the front and there was a different set of back markers who nervously picked their way downhill. Once at the picnic table, the group spread out as everyone headed for home through the tangled forest paths.
The distance covered was around 10km in about 3.5hrs and there were some very tired bodies, but definitely a route worth doing again.
See Facebook for photos
The relaxed group of 3 decided to climb up Newland's Ravine to the saddle and then return the same way. The rest of us started out in a big group but very early into the long uphill slog to the blockhouse we separated into a fast and a medium group.
At the blockhouse, the medium group voted to try Mowbray Ridge and the Upper Traverse as most people hadn't done this route. Theo led the way and we scrambled up the ridge stopping often to breathe and drink in the scenery. It really is a spectacular route. While on the upper traverse, we spotted the emergency helicopter and teams practicing drills far below us. Good to know they were there...
A lot more uphill zig zagging brought us to the top of the path, where we picked up Thomas who had gracefully fallen back from the fast group. We scampered downhill (at last!) following the Bat Run markers to the saddle path, where we had one last little climb to the top of Newland's Ravine.
Here the back marker climbers shot to the front and there was a different set of back markers who nervously picked their way downhill. Once at the picnic table, the group spread out as everyone headed for home through the tangled forest paths.
The distance covered was around 10km in about 3.5hrs and there were some very tired bodies, but definitely a route worth doing again.
See Facebook for photos
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