Daniel and I with Krom Peak in the background
Daniel Reinecka (MCSA convenor of du Toit’s Kloof Hut) had arranged a work meet in the area around Krom Peak to remove alien vegetation. However, the meet was cancelled and so we agreed to go on a hike instead and if opportune remove some aliens towards the end of the hike.
He had arranged access with the Wellington MCSA Branch so we could drive up the access road which is brilliant. Daniel had decided we should try to ‘discover’ the path up Krom Peak. The fire last year had devastated this area, in some ways it made it easier to bush-wack between the infrequent cairns but in another sense it was harder as we could not see the trail stand out from the vegetation.
At one point just below the steeper escarpment we decided to go right (still following an odd cairn or two) instead of left. We scrambled up onto a ridge (little confidence at this point that we were on the best trail) and we then had to find our way over to the slopes of Krom Peak. We could probably have turned left and had an easier way up and might try that in the future.
The area not damaged by fire
However, by good chance and navigation we found ourselves back on the path up to Krom Peak and all felt very happy to get there. From the top after some pics, we meandered over to another outcrop where I found a lovely overhang in the shade to shelter and have lunch. The guys enjoyed the sun!
Bush-wacked down from the peak over the burnt out ground to a path (we were able to get water from a river here) which led us past the turn (on the right) up to Krom Dome . This area had been saved from the fire and it was beautiful. We also found some pines that were small enough to take down easily (I wandered on as we had decided to only carry one saw and a small hand saw with us). This part of the trail was really enjoyable to hike and after a while we reached the MCSA hut and the end of our circular loop.
One hike Daniel pointed out to us was the trail leading below Krom Peak towards Bains Kloof, one I have my eye on.
Link to detailed route page and map click on route title [route-snippet id=”188″ featured=”image”]
Some photos
