Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures, by Tony Lourens

Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures, by Tony Lourens. Blue Mountain Design & Publishing. Cape Town, South Africa 2019. ISBN 9780994712431 / ISBN 978-0-9947124-3-1

Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures by Tony Lourens includes a selection of stunning hikes, from short, gentle ambles, to long, strenuous full day outings and everything between.

Tony Lourens  

Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures has been written so that other people can enjoy and have some insight to the wonders, beauty and mysteries of the Table Mountain Chain on the Cape Peninsula. Many days, weeks and months were spent hiking and climbing and documenting each walk, scramble and rock climb in this book. Every route description, photo topo, diagram, map and factual detail has been checked and re-checked. However, in a book such as this, it is impossible to guarantee complete accuracy and correctness, and I'm sure that some mistakes have crept in between the lines. Users of this guide must rely on their own discretion and judgement when utilising any of the information herein. Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures by Tony Lourens is essentially a guide and in no way should it encourage people with little or no experience to attempt any of the routes in this book that may be out thevr aepth. Indeed, certain routes described in this guide cover difficult, exposed or treacherous terrain and readers should take heed of the warnings, and attempt these only if suitably experienced or with an experienced climber or guide. [...] The First Aid Tips and Emergency Procedures described in the appendices at the back of this book are merely guidelines and only scratch the surface. For more in-depth knowledge, please refer to the many books on these subjects, which are available at your nearest bookshop. I also strongly recommend doing a first aid course, particularly if you are a hiking group leader. Mountains, by default, can be dangerous places, and no guidebook, no matter how flawlessly written, can remove the risks undertaken when venturing into mountainous terrain. People should take responsibility for their safety and for members of their party. Neither the publisher nor the author will accept any responsibility or liability for any accident, incident, injury or death arising from the use of this book. Now go have fun, but don't coming running to me if you bump your toe, or get lost.

Times given in Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures by Tony Lourens

Times given for each outing are for a fairly fit party walking at an average, but relaxed pace, and do not include time for roping large groups up rock pitches or exposed scrambling sections, as this can vary a lot depending on the size of the party, and the competence of the people, so make allowances for that. All times, whether from point to point or for the whole routes and/or descents, depict the walking, scrambling or climbing times and does NOT include any stops and breaks for tea or lunch. This should always be added onto any times given. For rock climbs, times are given for a party of two or three people moving fairly competently and do not allow for epics!

Maps and topo photos

Each section in the book starts with an overall map of that section, marking most of the trails and routes. In addition, each route is accompanied (where possible) by a topo photo showing the route dotted in, or, where that is not possible, a map with the route marked, or indeed both. The maps are all Slingsby Maps, so are the very best available - accurate and detailed. Added to these maps are the highlighted trails, paths and routes described in this book. Together with the topo photographs and written route descriptions, you should be well set to navigate your way to and along any of the trails and routes in this book.

In the info block at the beginning of each route description you will find a series of icons:

Grade: I have graded every route with a severity grade (A to F) and also a seriousness grade (X to XXX). See Understanding the Grading System for more information on this. I have also indicated whether or not a rope can or should be used. Please take this seriously.

Time: This gives the overall time from car to car.

Parking: Single means you only need to park in one place and you return to your car. Double means that it is necessary to park in two different places, as the route is not circular, but starts and finishes in different places.

Note: Many routes on the Southern Peninsula, whether they are walks, scrambles or climbs can sometimes be quite complex and not easy to follow without a reasonable amount of basic mountain savvy. Do not forge ahead blindly if you are unsure whether you are on the correct route. Stop, take stock of the situation, and make calculated decisions. If you are still unsure, then retrace your steps. [...]

This is an excerpt from: Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures, by Tony Lourens.

Title: Southern Peninsula Classics: A Guide To Mountain Adventures
Type: Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Guide
Author: Tony Lourens
Publisher: Blue Mountain Design & Publishing
Cape Town, South Africa 2019
ISBN 9780994712431 / ISBN 978-0-9947124-3-1
Softcover, 14 x 20 cm, 304 pages, throughout colour photos