Groot Wellington

Bloodroot in flower

Please note that I have not attached a GPX or KML file for this hike. If you are a MCSA member please contact me for further details of the route we took.

An opportunity arose to climb Groot Wellington with the Cape Town section of the MCSA after Xmas. We had seen this mountain when we climbed Slanghoek a couple of months back and thought then it would be a good Peak to ‘bag’.

We met up with the rest of the group on Boxing Day and hiked up to the saddle between Slanghoek Peak and Groot Wellington where we camped (MCSA property). En-route we had a cooling swim, for some (dip for me) by some lovely pools along the Whitt River just before the ascent up to the saddle. Found a New Year Gladioli and Red Disa (uniflora) at our lunch spot in the shade by the pools. This was the only NY Gladioli we saw close up, however, we did see a magnificent cascade of them higher up the river on the opposite bank close to a stunning deep pool and waterfall.

On reaching our camping area Joanne,  Mike and I opted to have a much needed cup of tea and chill (including another dip in the river) whilst Torben and Charles climbed Slanghoek Peak and Barbara and Ezan went up to the Amphitheatre.

The meadow we camped in was covered with yellow butterfly lilies (Wachendorfia) and looked absolutely stunning in the late afternoon light. A sight we are unlikely to see that often as the profusion of flowers was due to the wildfire earlier in the year. In subsequent years the number of flowers tends to reduce as the fynbos regrows. By our tent we also had a small ‘patch’ of Disa atricapilla. It’s unusual colouring is because it imitates a species of black wasp which pollinates the flowers, thus attracting them. An interesting concept and you just have to wonder how this evolved?

Next morning, shortly after 7.30 we started to make our way up Groot Wellington. Although not a particularly long hike in distance terms it was hard work as there was no path to follow and the route we took was challenging (some steep bits, some loose footing) until we reached the top of a gully and were able to hike along a beautiful ridge-line to get to the summit. Fortunately there was some shade on the lee side of the summit cairn to sit and enjoy the views before we headed back down. Half way down we found a shady ledge, with room for all to perch on, where we had lunch and cooled down.

We would not have found our way up to the summit without Torben and Charles’ route finding skills. It was great that we were with them as they navigated a route which we could all handle even if at times with a degree of caution and trepidation. It makes me very glad I am a member of the MCSA and can benefit from the experience of others to explore these mountains.

Mike and I had decided that we wanted to hike up to the Amphitheater before leaving the following morning. We thought that a route up the waterfall looked a promising way up (which it was) so decided to recce that and as a bonus found a lovely cosy pool to have a late afternoon dip in. As it had been in sun all afternoon it was also a pleasant temperature.

Very happy with the route so we headed off at 0615 the next morning up to the Amphitheatre and were rewarded with some great early morning views and stunning swathes of flowers. Saw some more Disa species (including Disa fragrans) as well as a meadow full of blue flowers on the grassy shoulder leading down to the waterfall. It was very special to look across to Groot Wellington and reflect “how on earth did we find our way up that….. “ A good mountain to have climbed and a nice way to have rounded off 2017.

Here is a link to a screen show of our photos from the trip Photo slideshow