Towerkop | Swartberg

Mike McKecknie belaying John Moss on Bell’s Chimney, March 1975. Photo thanks to Mike Scott's collection.

1958 Towerkop, Hans Jorritsma leading Max Chappel up the to the summit. Photo courtesy Mike Streeter.

Eastern Cape party, Mike Streeter, Hans Jorritsma, Max Chappel and John Dixon on Summit of Towerkop 1958

Towerkop as seen from Toorberg in the North. Photo from Derek Marshall Collection.

EP Mountain Club Seniors (and some juniors) on Eastern Summit Towerkop ~ 1958. Photo courtesy Mike Streeter.

Eastern Cape climbers at Nel's Cave, Towerkop, Bill Clarke ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Doreen (Dollie) Scott on 1st pitch of Black Crack (13) - 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Derek Marshall on the FA of Sorrow of Sophia (19).03/01/2022. Photo courtesy Neil Du Toit.

Towerkop summit, Bill Clarke & Max Chappel ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Joe Mohle getting to the roof of Goad to Valor (25/A3) on Towerkop. Photo from Derek Marshall Collection.

Joe Mohle on the horizontal roof of Goad to Valor (25 A3), 27/12/2009. Photo thanks Derek Marshall, taken while shitting himself.

Eastern Cape crew on the Towerkop plateau ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Eastern Cape climbers at Nel's Cave, Bill Clarke, Colin Wynne and Max Chappel ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Eastern Cape party on the Eastern Summit 2017. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Climbers on top of the Obelisk on the old route up Towerkop - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Eastern Cape crew abseiling off Towerkop ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Juan-dray Marshall on first ascent of Manimal (27), 19/12/2011. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Derek Marshall on the FA of Ps George’s Christmas Message (22), 29/12/2021. Photo courtesy Eugin Bornman.

Doreen (Dollie) Scott climbing Graaff’s North West Face Route - 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

MCSA meet commemorating 100 years since Gustav Nefdt summited the Western Summit. Richard Behne climbing Nefdts Route (17) - Oct 1985. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

1st pitch of Black Crack (13), Doreen (Dollie) Scott climbing - 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Neil Du Toit struggling with the low roof at the start of Ps George’s Christmas Message (22), 29/12/2021. Photo courtesy Eugin Bornman.

Derek Marshall opening Marginalization (19),23/12/2015. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Juan-Dray Marshall (14) opening his first route on Towerkop, 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Juan-dray Marshall on first ascent of Marshall Crack (24 ), 19/12/2011. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

MCSA meet commemorating 100 years since Gustav Nefdt summited the Western Summit. 'Flying Doc' Roger Price on Bert Berrisford's variation start to Nefdt's Route. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Western Summit 29/12/2021. Neil Du Toit, Eugin Bornman, Derek Marshall & Ruben Snyman. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Mike Scott on top of the Obelisk on the old route up Towerkop - 1972. Photo thanks to Norman Saville via Mike Scott collection.

Ceri Jones, Tim Hughes, Jonathan Levy & Mike Scott on Jackson’s Quartzite Face (15) - March 1970. Photo thanks to Norman Saville via Mike Scott collection.

Towerkop climbing FA of Sangoma (26) Joe Mohle, 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Derek Marshall & Terence Trevaskis on the Easter Summit after opening Marginalization (19). 23/12/2015 Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Keith Bell on the first ascent of Prestidigitator (17) - Easter 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Peter Attenborough on the first ascent of Saturday’s Corner (13) - Easter 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Derek Marshall opening Marginalization (19). 23/12/2015. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Max Chappel on Towerkop ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Rupert de Kock on bottom moves of Nefdt's Route (17) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Keith Bell on the opening ascent of West Face Route (14) - Easter 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Derek Marshall climbing somewhere on Towerkop. Photo that Pat Brown.

Terence Trevaskis on top of Towerkop ~2011. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Ceri Jones belaying Mike Scott up the start of The ‘D’ Route (15) on the Eastern Summit - March 1970. Photo thanks to Norman Saville via Mike Scott collection.

Ruben Snyman following Ps George’s Christmas Message (22), 29/12/2021. Photo courtesy Eugin Bornman.

Towerkop met ys! Looks so fricking cold!

Madoc Nel on the scree slop on one of his more that 100 ascents to Nel's Cave. Photo thanks Mike Scott.

The start of Sorrow of Sophia (19). Derek Marshall on the FA 03/01/2022. Photo courtesy Neil Du Toit.

Ceri Jones, Tim Hughes, Jonathan Levy & Mike Scott chilling at Nel's Cave - March 1970. Photo thanks to Norman Saville via Mike Scott collection.

Mike & Doreen (Dollie) Scott and Peter Attenborough on Graaff’s North West Face Route - 1971. Photo thanks to Norman Saville via Mike Scott collection.

Juan-Dray Marshall climbing at Towerkop, 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Mike Scott on Graaff’s North Buttress (13) June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Climbing party in Nel's Cave - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Abseiling off summit of Towerkop 1958. Photo courtesy Mike Streeter.

Wretches in Nels Cave, Derek Marshall, Pat Brown & Ruben Snyman, December 2016. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Gumping it up the Eastern Summit. Neil Du Toit on his first ever trad lead. Photo courtesy Eugin Bornman.

Keith Bell and John Brimble in gloomy chimney on Black Crack (13) - 1970. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Doreen (Dollie) Scott and Peter Attenborough on stance on Graaff’s North West Face Route. Eish check that gear! - 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Eugin Bornman & Ruben Snyman following Sorrow of Sophia (19), 03/01/2022. Photo courtesy Neil Du Toit.

Richard Smithers on top pitch Keen's Block Route (15), with Toorberg under snow in the back ground. June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Graaff’s North West Face Route. Doreen (Dollie) Scott climbing above Peter Attenborough on ledge below - 1971. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Lunch near the base of The ‘D’ Route (16) on the Eastern Summit. Doreen (Dollie) Scott, Dave Reynolds, Dave Bowker, Doug Wood etc - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Retrieving abseil ropes from The ‘D’ Route (16) on the Eastern Summit - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Dollie starts tight chimney on The ‘D’ Route (16) on the Eastern Summit as it is free of snow - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Eddie Tomlinson in gully 2nd pitch of The ‘D’ Route (16) - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Wester Summit 2016. Derek Marshall, Ruben Snyman & Pat Brown. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Dollie on 3rd pitch of The ‘D’ Route (16) - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Pat Brown schnaffeling a new route 2017. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Rupert de Kock on the delicate step move on polished rock on Nefdt's Route (17) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Mike Sage leads the long chimney crack pitch on Nefdt's Route (17) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Dave Carter traversing to chimney on 2nd pitch of Jackson’s Quartzite Face (15) - September 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Dave Carter belays Mike Sage on 2nd pitch of Jackson’s Quartzite Face (15) - September 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Mike Sage on smooth slab at top of chimney on Jackson’s Quartzite Face (15) where one is forced to move out onto the face - September 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Mike Simpson belays Rupert de Kock on first pitch of Frank Berrisford’s Route (15) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Towerkop after a snow storm June 2022. Photo thanks Brad Innges.

Rupert de Kock high on the face of Frank Berrisford’s Route (15) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Towerkop after a snow storm June 2022. Photo thanks Brad Innges.

Climber on Towerkop after a snow storm June 2022. Photo thanks Brad Innges.

A Bains moment! Sunset on a successful climbing day, 29/12/2021. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Mike Simpson leads 2nd pitch crux F2 (15) move on Frank Berrisford’s Route (15) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Mike Simpson on 2nd pitch of East Wall (14) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Towerkop after a snow storm June 2022. Photo thanks Brad Innges.

Ross Suter on the scree slope on his way up Towerkop. Photo thanks Mike Scott.

Towerkop climbing Garvin Jacobs. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Mike Sage in the chimney on Gully D (10) on the Eastern Summit - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Gumping it up on FA of Los Gleep Diere (16). Eugin Bornman on his first ever trad lead. 31/12/2021. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Barbie training for the first female FA on the Western Summit. Photo courtesy Martin Rehm.

Rupert de Kock nears the belay ledge on Nefdt's Route (18) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

What happens in Baalie Cave stays in Baalie Cave, 2017. Ruben, Biggie Bester & Ducktape Pat Brown. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Rupert de Kock does the layback on Nefdt's Route (18) - 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Terence Trevaskis climbing Obelisk Rock 2018. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Mike Scott on White’s Finish to the Quartzite Face (15) - March 1975. Photo thanks to Jurie Pipisch via Mike Scott collection.

Mike McKecknie belaying John Moss on Bell’s Chimney, March 1975. Photo thanks to Mike Scott's collection.

Dion Tromp on variation to West Face Direct F2 (15) - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Derek Marshall following Garvin Jacobs on Forged in Battle (19), 20/12/2008. Photo courtesy Martin Rehm (Fritz).

Dion Tromp puts out pro on first G1 (21) pitch, on the FA of Western Flyer - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Mike Scott on 1st pitch of Western Flyer, first ascent - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Towerkop after a snow storm June 2022. Photo thanks Brad Innges.

Dion Tromp near top of Western Flyer 1st pitch - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Dion Tromp on F2 (14) Chicken Ledge traverse on Western Flyer - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Mike Scott on the top G1 (21) ramp on Western Flyer - New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Heather and Richard Smithers, Richard Ledger, John Moss on East Wall (14) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Grumpy Fritz (Martin Rehm) in Nel's Cave, December 2008. Photo from Derek Marshall Collection.

John Moss leads 2nd pitch of East Wall (14) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

At Meyer leads 3rd pitch of East Wall (14) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Tristian Van Der Merwer on the FA of Impetus! (21),28/12/2021. Photo courtesy Eugin Bornman.

Richard Smithers follows Mike Scott on first ascent of Scott–Smithers North West Corner Direct (13) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Richard Smithers tries new line on Eastern Summit from the cleft - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

John Moss belaying Richard Ledger on 2nd pitch Saturday's Corner F1 (13) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

John Moss belayed by Richard Ledger, getting ready to do the Lowering Traverse on Saturday's Corner F1 (13) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Derek Marshall following Juan-dray Marshall on Marshall Crack (24 ), 19/12/2011. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

John Moss on the tricky lowering move on Saturday's Corner (13)(photo taken from Gully D) - June 1973. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Mike & Doreen (Dollie) Scott climbing Gully D on the Western Summit - June 1973. Photo thanks to Bert Bongers via Mike Scott collection.

View of the South West side of the Western summit. Dion Tromp in the fore ground. New Year 1989. Photo thanks to Mike Scott.

Towerkop, Nel's Cave - cave animals, Robyn Bonnett, Terence Trevaskis & Juan-dray Marshall, 2011. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Dale Gathercole & Derek Marshall on Obelisk Rock 2018. Photo from Derek Marshall Collection.

John Dixon Leading leading the first pitch up Jacksons Quartsite Face Towerkop 1958. Photo courtesy Mike Streeter.

Eastern Cape crew climbing Towerkop ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Biggie Big Boy in Nel's Cave looking for his shampoo. 25/12/2005. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Eastern Cape crew climbing Towerkop ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Eastern Cape crew climbing Towerkop ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

The talus slope to the west. Ruben followed buy Neil & Eugin Dec 2021. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Joe Mohle on FA of Goad to Valor (25/A3) on Towerkop, 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Towerkop in the snow. Shepherd Hut morning after the Maties blew up the can of sweetcorn - 1972. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

The bad apples, dinner on the Sun Terrace 2017. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Elephant bushman painting, Jan 2008. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Artist (Jan Villjoen) impression of Wussie (you will know him!) in Nel's Cave visitor's book.

Wussie! You will know him! Spectacled Dormouse (Graphiurus ocularis)

Joe Mohle soloing Nefts route on Towerkop 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

The longdrop built with a view out of natural stone. Winter use not advised 2020. Photo thanks to Johan Lanz.

New Years Eve 2021 on the Western Summit of Towerkop, Derek Marshall. Photo courtesy Ruben Snyman.

New Years Eve 2021 on the summit of Towerkop. Ruben Snyman & Eugin Bornman. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Wet Eastern Cape climbers on Towerkop walk-in, Lilith Wynne and Mike Streeter ~1959. Photo courtesy Colin Wynne.

Jude Cobbing Towerkop with snow ~ 1991. Photo thanks to Ben Cobbing.

Towerkop freeze 2020. Photo thanks to Johan Lanz.

Ducktape Pat Brown in his heyday...when he was still tough enough for Towerkop! Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Wretches at the Shepard's hut 2017. Ruben, Neil, Ducktape Pat & Biggie Bester. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Bad Apples drinkin Bains at Baalie Cave. Ruben, Biggie Bester, Ducktape Pat, Werner & Zeta (both 17!) Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Wester Summit 2016. Derek Marshall & Pat Brown. Photo thanks Ruben Snyman.

Ruben Snyman top of Nefdt's Route 2017. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Eastern Summit 2017. Werner Illenberger & Zeta Michea. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Dinner in Baalie Cave, 2017. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Luxury living on the Sundeck. Ruben Snyman snuggling in the Baalie Cave during bad weather 27/12/2021. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Baalie Cave, 2017. Ruben, Ducktape Pat Brown & Biggie Bester. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Western Summit Terence Trevaskis, Derek Marshall, Juan-dray Marshall & Robyn Bonnett, 22/12/2011. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Fitzl (Martin Rehm) sun tanning on the Sundeck 2008. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

Sunrise on the Sundeck, 31/12/2021. Photo courtesy Derek Marshall.

The Dassie sorting gear, Derek Marshall 2008. Photo courtesy Martin Rehm (Fritz).

Derek Marshall & Garvin Jacobs on the FA of Proelio Procosi – 19 23/12/2008. Photo courtesy Martin Rehm (Fritz).

Feral cave animals, Joe Mohle, Terence Trevaskis, Juan-dray Marshall, Lizelle Reed & Derek Marshall in front, Nels Cave after 8 days up 2009. Photo courtesy Steven Reed.

Sunset on Towerkop 2006. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Feral cave Manimals, Ruben Snyman & Derek Marshall, Nels Cave 2016. Photo courtesy Pat Brown.

Towerkop in the papers. Thanks to Jan Viljoen.

Towerkop sunset from Nel's Cave. Photo from Derek Marshall Collection.

Christmas 2009. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

The Arch in Buffelskloof to the east of Towerkop. Photo thanks to Jan Viljoen.

Keith James shooting the shit with Garvin Jacobs in Nel's Cave, December 2008. Photo from Derek Marshall collection.

Towerkop in the papers. Thanks to Jan Viljoen.

Towerkop in the papers. Thanks to Jan Viljoen.

Steam trains on the Ladismith line, with Towerkop in the back ground.

Entries in the record book in Nel's Cave. Photo thanks to Mike Scott's collection.

Steam trains on the Ladismith line, with Towerkop in the back ground

MCSA meet commemorating 100 years since Gustav Nefdt summited the Western Summit. Colas and Nia Coetzee - Oct 1985. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Steam trains on the Ladismith line, with Towerkop in the back ground.

Steam trains on the Ladismith line, with Towerkop in the back ground.

Climbers & hikers assembling at the Buffelskloof farmhouse for the MCSA meet commemorating 100 years since Gustav Nefdt summited the Western Summit - Oct 1985. Photo thanks to Mike Scott collection.

Steam trains on the Ladismith line, with Towerkop in the back ground.

Old post card of Towerkop.