Hi all - has anyone done the Southern Circuit at Cathedral Range? I’m particularly interested in your impressions on the scrambling required and how it compares to other hikes you’ve done?
Posted May 20, 2021, 7:02 AM UTC
I did the whole razorback at the start of February. Scrambling was pretty intense as it was my first time doing any “climbing” without a safety net. I completed the track counter clockwise so I missed Wells Cave.
It was lightly raining on all the scrambling sections but not windy at all which helped the nerves.
One of the better hikes I’ve completed. Awesome views.
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From what I read, I t’s not recommended to descend via Wells Cave. I didn’t purposefully miss it, I by chance started from the north end so I can’t comment to be honest.
Hi - I completed a Cathedral Range hike a few weeks ago. We parked at Neds Gully and walked up to Neds Gully then to the Ridge trk. It was a spectacular walk south to The Farmyard along the ridge line. Not too hard but you did need to watch where you were going otherwise you could end up with a twisted ankle (worse case).
The next day we walked south to Sugarloaf Peak. This was more of the same but there was a bit of climbing to be done. I'm not a fan of heights but it was ok as it was up and up and up to the peak.
The challenging bit was going down to Sugarloaf Saddle. We didn't take the Wells Cave trk option (didn't even see the turn off to it). The weather was perfect (that weekend at the start of May 2021) and everything was dry. But with a largish pack and going down I found it hard. At one point my campanion needed to come back up and point out the foot and hand holds for me. It would have been much easier going up. I really enjoyed it but if you are not a fan of scrambling and/or heights and/or hiking in general it might not be for you.
It was a great weekend and I'm looking forward to getting back there now that I know what is involved.
I hope this helps.
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If you have a moderate head for heights you'll be fine. The track up to Sugarloaf Peak via Wells Cave has some short exposed sections that you need to be somewhat careful on but nothing too dramatic. I'd avoid going if it was wet.
The ridgeline walk is lovely afterwards as well. Enjoy!
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Definitely don’t need two. It’s slow going in parts, but just take your time and enjoy the view.
You can also scramble across the ridge of the Razorback - slow and exposed, but it’s solid and a bit of fun if you’re into it.
I don't like heights. I agree with what you said - wouldn't want to do it in the wet, but fine otherwise. Worth the small sections of discomfort!