Saddle Ravine

Route Description: 

Saddle Ravine used to be a very popular easy (A/B) route especially in summer when dry. The section off the Tafelberg road up to the lower contour path still remains impassable after first the Pines and later the Port jackson cutting debris was not cleared away. The upper section from the lower contour path was also cleared of aliens which later burnt out and still cause  some obstruction. However they are growing back and may be a nuisance again in a few years time.

The approach therefore is to use the Zig Zag path to the Saddle and then follow the first (lower) contour path to reach the upper section of the Ravine. There is a prominent block at the start which sometimes has a cairn on it but unknown iconoclasts regularly destroy this and the first few cairns up the ravine.

The ravine is pleasantly wooded and shady in the morning. The route zig zags to avoid obstacles. About half way up a ledge leads out on the left of the ravine and this is NOT the way. Continue until the ravine narrows and is blocked by a grassy waterfall. Take this ledge out left to a free standing pillar. Step up behind this pillar and  a bit higher follow another narrow ledge our left to an exposed corner with easy scrambling that can be avoided by continuing around the corner.

The official grading is 'B' but the rock scrambling out of the ravine is 2 short sections really A+ or B- and only requires good balance and a head for heights. The rest of the scrambling up the ridge has little exposure and any tricky steps can be avoided.