Monks Cowl

More of a mountain scramble than a hike. Named after GT Amphlett who was the president of the local mountain club, in 1908.
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The Bushmen danced close to bees and honeycombs when they wanted to enter trance or go into an altered state of consciousness, in which they believed they could better harness spiritual potency. Mark Robertson, Officer in Charge, 036 468 1078 or 083 608 3748, Mark.Robertson@kznwildlife.com This cave is also known as ...
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Botlonglong / Thabana Tsooana Peak near Champagne Castle is in the Monks Cowl area. The closest pass is Ship's Prow Pass.
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Cathkin Mountain Pass is easily tackled by the more experienced hiker. It is rather steep but does gradually become gentler. The pass on the right is Ship's Prow Pass and Cathkin Mountain Pass is on the left.
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Flat-topped Cathkin Peak named after Cathkin Braes the Scottish hometown of David Gray @ 3 149m is in the Monks Cowl Reserve. In Zulu Cathkin Peak is known as Mdedelelo which means “the one who shoves in" or "the bully” due to how it protrudes from the escarpment.
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About 4 km north of Cayley Lodge above the Ama Swazi settlement is an extensive rock ledge where 2 small streams enter the valley below. On the South side of this ledge is a small overhand with some reasonably well-preserved paintings comprising of a few Eland some other antelope, human figures and a very faint rianthr ...
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Champagne Castle is located within the Monks Cowl. Greys Pass, Cathkin Mountain Pass and Ship's Prow Pass are the closest passes.
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Champagne Castle Buttress is located within the Monks Cowl. Greys Pass, Cathkin Mountain Pass and Ship's Prow Pass are the closest passes.
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Champagne Castle Dome/Ridge is located within the Monks Cowl. Greys Pass is the closest pass.
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This is best approached from the top of Berghaven cottages although it can also be accessed from the Heritage Walk route detailed above. Take the well marked path from the top of Bergview moving southwards into the valley. The path is very steep and you will eventually reach a stream and Cleo?s pool. There is a small c ...
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Magnificent views and best approached Keith Bush Camp.
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The area in which Cowl Pass is situated is known as the Champagne Valley which consists of three extraordinary peaks: Monk's Cowl, Cathkin and Champagne Castle.
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Cowl View is located within the Monks Cowl area. Organ Pipes Pass is the closest pass.
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Champagne Castle Peak on the left followed by the Dragon's back on its right hand side.
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This is a great 3 hour (6,6km circular route) moderate walk through an indigenous forest to a magnificent grotto with waterfall and pool. The water can be cold as not too much sun shines into the pool. After the pool head up the hill to Barry's Grave. Dick Barry was one of the early mountaineering pioneers of the area ...
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An easy hike starting at Drakensberg Sun.
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An easy family hike starting at Drakensberg Sun of 4.3km in total distance.
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Eagle cave is in the Monks Cowl area and is a high overhang cave in Eagle Gorge.
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Gatberg at 2329m also known as Intunja and eye of the needle. The hole through its base is estimated at about 9 metres in diameter.
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Hospitalspruit Cave also known as Knuffel’s Shelter is in the Monks Cowl area and provides excellent shelter and has a level floor.
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We are high in the Monk’s Cowl Reserve of the Central Drakensberg Mountains and closer to paradise than anywhere else in the Champagne Valley. Step from your cabin into the Ukhahlamba/Drakensberg World Heritage Site and walk beneath the majestic Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle. Then enjoy the quiet and peace of th ...
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Keartlands Pass is located in the Monks Cowl area. It has some steep sections and the ongoing erosion has formed 'steps' which can be harsh on one's knees. This pass is not on the main escarpment.
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Keith Bush Camp used to be just a hut but it was demolished in the 1973 when the valley was declared wilderness area, where no man-made structure were allowed. This is a good overnight stop for a hike to Champagne Castle Peak via Gray’s Pass.
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Marten's Shelter is in the Monks Cowl area. This small site is situated on the path between Champagne Castle Hotel and The Sphinx path at Monks Cowl . It is on the Champagne Castle Hotel’s property so access is with permission of the hotel management. The site is well marked and is a small set of paintings of Mountain ...
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