The spire-like Cathedral Peak is described by many as simply awesome and is one of the most instantly-recognisable summits in a line of free-standing peaks that have been separated from the main escarpment by erosion. Climbing the peak itself, although a fairly rocky scramble, is possible in a day and doesn't require any rope work - although to look at it from the valley below it appears ... cont.
From the Johannesburg side
Take the N5 from Harrismith toward the Free State. Not far out of the town turn left onto the R712, and after about 8km, turn left again onto the R74. This route will take you past the Sterkfontein Dam, and down the scenic Oliviershoek Pass. Continue to Bergville. Just beyond Bergville, on the R74 to Winterton, turn right at the Cathedral Peak Hotel sign. After about 16km turn right to Emmaus/Cathedral Peak.It is approximately 31km to Cathedral Peak.
From the Durban side
On the N3, about 26km beyond the Estcourt glide-off from the N3 freeway (and beyond the turnoff to the Central Berg Resorts) take the Bergville/Colenso off-ramp. Turn left onto the R74 to Winterton/ Bergville. (Ignore the apparently shorter route from Estcourt through Loskop - a section of this road is currently rough gravel. Marked with a red arrow on the map.) Turn left onto the R600 in Winterton, and turn right after approximately 1km to Cathedral Peak. After 11km there is a T-junction. Turn right and almost immediately left to Emmaus/Cathedral Peak. It is about 31km to Cathedral Peak Hotel.
Driving Times
Driving time from Johannesburg is about 4 hours, or about 2½ hours from Durban, mainly on the N3 freeway.
Van Reenen, Estcourt, Bergville, Champagne Valley, Himeville, Underberg, Winterton, Kamberg, Giants Castle, Monks Cowl, Sani Pass, Kokstad, Mont-aux-Sources, Matatiele, Swartberg, Cedarville, Geluksburg, Bushmans Nek Valley, Central Drakensberg, Drakensberg Gardens, Northern Drakensberg, Southern Drakensberg, Witsieshoek
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