The West Face stretches from the Gendarme on climbers left, to the Neck between Sentinel and Beacon Buttress on the right. The face is in shade until the afternoon and is often cold to start with. Water is not commonly found, so should be carried from the car.
The Standard route is probably the most climbed rock route (requiring a rope) in The Drakensberg and can be combined with McLeod's Variation to the summit. Angus Lepan is likely the most climbed Trad Route in The Drakensberg and can be linked with the West Ridge of the Gendarme for an extended alpine adventure.
MCM is a welcome addition to the face, bringing bolted alpine sport to the face along with an alternative (rappel) descent.
Approach
Approach af for the Chain Ladders from Sentinel Car Park.
West Ridge of Gendarme, Angus Lepan, MCM and Blood on the Rocks all start at the head of the Gendarme Gully, which is a steep walk from the path c60m after rounding the North most spur on the Path.
The standard route is accessed from the Neck between Sentinel and Beacon Buttress, but can be accessed via Angus Lepan as well.
Descent
Descend the standard route, or abseil/rappel MCM
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