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Location: Corridor Buttress just South of Corridor Ravine. Approached along the Pipe Track, most easily reached from Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay.
OSM Map The route itself is not marked
Overview: A lesser known route set up in 1912 by Ken Cameron, AC Boatwright & Matthew Webb. Much of the route follows the edge of the buttress and comes with the exceptional views you may expect - the formidable lower rock band is bypassed by a lengthy detour containing the 1st pitch.
Corridor Buttress is one of the windiest locations on Table Mountain and so you should consult the weather carefully before ascending the route given the exposure.
Although only B+ / 4th class, do not be deceived - this route is challenging. The 2 pitches have sustained difficulty, and are long and exposed. A rope should be used unless you are well experienced with scrambling. Consider choosing the easier alternative route Corridor "B" - Blue options on image above.
See Also:
Route Description:
Walk the full length of the Pipe Track until it turns left up Corridor Ravine, continue straight on the lesser path towards Oudekraal Ravine until you encounter a small dried-up watercourse at the base of Corridor Rib. Continue up this watercourse on quite a clear path - hugging the right side of the Rib - until you encounter the rock outcrop between Corridor Buttress and Corridor Rib at the same approximate height as the head-wall on the Rib. Cross the left-hand gully and walk up the right-hand gully or scramble up the rocky outcrop. One can make this section more interesting by choosing scrambles along the Rib - although most of these are above the B+ grade of the Face route - make sure to test holds as the rock is brittle sandstone.
At the top of the central rock outcrop, where the two gullies converge, continue straight up the grassy slope - the path remains quite clear. As the path begins flattening out, approach the flat rock face immediately right of the spire-like rock formation, where you will find the 1st pitch. The direct pitch is about 16m of sustained B+ / 4th class scrambling - requiring many small traverse moves on narrow ledges. Approximately ½ way up a bypass / bail-out route exists by moving left up a bushy recess. Top out at a rock band covered in cracks, which provides excellent anchor choices if the pitch is to be roped. Continue on this ledge about 40m towards the edge of the buttress, when you encounter the next large rock band in front blocking the way, take a direct scramble up left to reach the main grassy ledge - considerable variation is possible.
Once on the main grassy ledge, follow it towards the edge of the buttress while gradually gaining height - one small rock band will need to be ascended however, there are numerous easy lines to choose. The edge of the buttress is marked by a sheer drop, behind you there will be a small chimney tucked in the corner which is the next scramble to ascend. Taking the line immediately left of the chimney is quite easy at B grade / 3rd class. You can also scramble directly up the chimney but be careful not to release loose chockstones (B+ / 4th).
Once topped out the chimney scramble, navigate the boulders for a few metres up to the next ledge - here exists a bypass (B / 3rd) for the 2nd pitch. Continue along the ledge for ~25m to the edge of the buttress where you will encounter a 10m rock band which contains the 2nd pitch. start in the middle and work your way gradually left, halfway up to your right you will find a ramp-like overhang which you follow to the top out. The lower section is similar in difficulty to the 1st pitch but it gets easier toward the top.
Follow the edge of the buttress on fairly flat terrain until you encounter the next rock band that is partially tucked in a mini chasm with quite thick bush, just to the left of the buttress’s edge. This contains only one variation within the B+ grade of the route - it is marked on the slideshow. Navigate a few more easy scrambles in front of you to reach the summit beacon.
Descent
You can gradually follow the sloping buttress across for about 300m on non-technical terrain to meet the Apostles path. Corridor Ravine and Oudekraal Ravine are both a 5-10-minute walk away, but other easy descent options exist such as Wood(y) Ravine & Kasteelspoort.
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