This 11.5 km hike from Monk’s Cowl Office to Blindman’s Corner, returning via Keartland’s Pass, offers a moderate to challenging adventure through some of the Drakensberg’s most stunning landscapes. Starting with a steep ascent past Crystal Falls and the iconic Sphinx, the trail opens up to breathtaking views of the escarpment peaks, including Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, and Sterkhorn. Enjoy a break at Breakfast Stream before continuing to Blindman’s Corner. The return journey via Keartland’s Pass winds through scenic valleys, offering diverse terrain and views. Be prepared for changing weather, especially afternoon thunderstorms in summer. This popular hike is perfect for those looking to explore the beauty of the Drakensberg.
Route
Monk’s Cowl Office to Blindman’s Corner returning via Keartland’s Pass.
Distance
11.5 km
Duration
6 hours
Grade
Moderate to Challenging
Main Features
This hike serves as the gateway to many trails emanating from Monk’s Cowl and is highly popular among first-time hikers in the area. The initial section is fairly steep and winding but opens up after passing the Sphinx. Upon reaching Breakfast Stream, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the escarpment’s peaks, including Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, and Sterkhorn. On clear days, the Injasuthi to the south and the Cathedral range to the north are visible. The open grassland and rolling hills of the Little ‘Berg lay ahead, offering picturesque landscapes.
Description
Starting at the guard’s office at the boom, walk up the cobbled road. Two hundred meters ahead, a sign on the left indicates the start of the hike towards “Crystal Falls” and “Sphinx”. The trail begins through a forest with a stream on the right, which is crossed via a wooden bridge. The path then ascends out of the forest. Where the zigzag climb begins, walking sticks are available for use. Supporting the local industry with a donation is encouraged.
Following the zigzags, the trail passes some sandstone promontories and enters a small gorge, where Crystal Falls and its pool offer a welcome respite. This is an ideal spot to cool off and refill water bottles. Continuing along the sandstone overhangs, hikers will soon pass the Sphinx, a notable sandstone promontory. A switchback to the left leads to the top of the Sphinx, and the path then heads to the right of the hill until reaching the top of the Little ‘Berg.
At the top, a sign indicates “Breakfast Stream”, though the actual stream is about one hundred meters further. Here, hikers can enjoy a well-earned breakfast and refill their water. From Breakfast Stream, a two-kilometer walk towards the escarpment brings hikers to a T-junction at Blindman’s Corner.
For the return journey, walk back for five hundred meters to a path split. Take the path that veers left, marked by a sign indicating “Keartland’s Pass”. This exposed path descends into the gorge, winding in and out of river gullies. Once in the valley, several other routes may be encountered. Follow signs marked “Office” or “Monk’s Cowl” to return safely to the cobbled road where the hike began.
Notes
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer, particularly between Breakfast Stream and Blindman’s Corner, so hikers should be prepared for sudden weather changes.
GPS Coordinates
- Start/End of hike: S 29° 02′ 58.99″ E 29° 24′ 18.64″ (1480m)
- Crystal Falls: S 29° 03′ 26.28″ E 29° 23′ 57.68″ (1750m)
- Sphinx: S 29° 03′ 21.71″ E 29° 23′ 53.96″ (1780m)
- Breakfast Stream: S 29° 03′ 42.17″ E 29° 23′ 42.25″ (1953m)
- Path split: S 29° 03′ 58.83″ E 29° 22′ 37.18″ (2040m)
- Blindman’s Corner: S 29° 03′ 56.03″ E 29° 22′ 19.46″ (2078m)