Mt Cole, Monolith Valley, Budawangs

[Tony]

I am planning a walk in the Monolith Valley area soon and I am thinking about climbing Mt Cole, I have already done Mt Owen and the lookout at the southern tip.

I am wondering if any BA members have climbed Mt Cole and can give me some information about routes and how hard it is, do we need climbing gear, etc. I do have a map that suggest the route is opposite the cairns leading up the Mt Owen side.

Many thanks

Tony

[clarence]

I tried it some years ago and from memory there was a route up as you say from the high point of the "saddle" between Owen and Cole. It was a bit of mildly exposed scrambling if I remember correctly (did it in walking boots no problem).
Clarence

[TakeStepPT]

I was looking up this hike myself and came across this website that might be of use for you on your next hike. http://www.hugin.com.au/thecastle/

[Grabeach]

As what Clarence said from the Owen / Cole saddle. It was also easy to ascend Cole from the northern side, from memory (25 years ago) a few hundred metres to the west of the Cole / Donjon saddle. If in this area, don't be tempted by the map to scramble up the Donjon from here. The only Donjon scrambling route I know of is a difficult one on the northern end.

[TakeStepPT]

As what Clarence said from the Owen / Cole saddle. It was also easy to ascend Cole from the northern side, from memory (25 years ago) a few hundred metres to the west of the Cole / Donjon saddle. If in this area, don't be tempted by the map to scramble up the Donjon from here. The only Donjon scrambling route I know of is a difficult one on the northern end.

Late reply sorry. I did the walk and managed to totally miss being able to get up there. But I had a great walk. Slept in a cave which was interesting. I had to feed the rats one of my bananas so they wouldn't nibble on me during the night and my pack.

When I came down and spoke with my grandfather who is a local he mentioned that he knew the way up. So next time I am down I will give it another shot.

Pete