The Platteklip Challenge

On the 17th April 2010 nearly 100 mad runners/hikers had a race to see who could ascend Platteklip Gorge the most times in an 11 hour period (between sunrise and sunset). The entire 5.5km lap to be completed each time was up Platteklip, along the top to the cable car, down in the car (short rest), then jog along the road to start going up the gorge again. In distance it may not seem too bad, but if you think about the 800 steps that go into making the 760m climb up Platteklip gorge,  a rather different story is told.

Whilst most entrants managed an astonishing 5 laps, a few intrepid runners completed 7. Tatum Prins (now “Mrs Mark Loftus” – see pic of poor hubby trying to catch her below) completed 9 laps. The main aim of the event was to raise money for an orphanage and was a  huge success.

Still able to smile on the first lap!

Hiking on Chapmans Peak

Chapmans Peak Drive which must be one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the world, leads around the mountains of the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The road itself is chiseled out of the steep sides of the mountain with some sheer drops into the sea below. Some controversy has surrounded the road in recent years with its regular closures due to rock falls.

However, for those of us who prefer a rather older form of transport the immediate challenge is always to climb the mountain around which the road winds. This is actually a relatively short walk  with the reward of some of the best views in the Cape.

The view of Noordhoek Beach from the path up Chapmans Peak

My favourite way up Chapmans Peak  is from Noordhoek Beach. From the car park you walk onto the beach at the boardwalk and after about 100m you walk up some rocks on your right and then take a path leading into the fynbos. If you end up walking into Monkey Valley by mistake retrace your steps and walk futher towards the sea. After a short time you cross Chapmans Paek drive itself so take care initiallyand keep the dogs on their leads. After crossing the road the path leads steeply up the slopes of Chapmans Peak through some magnificent fynbos. Views of Noordhoek beach as far as Kommetjie and right across the Peninsula to False Bay are outstanding. The path then follows a ridge leading around the back of the mountain. From this ridge take a rest to appreciate the views of Chapmans Peak drive and Hout Bay. At this point cycling up the pass looks easier than walking up the Peak.

Looking down on Chapmans Peak Drive

 Chapmans Peak itself is 593 metres high so the walk to the top takes about 2 hours. The best views are had from the Lower Chapmans Peak, which at 547 metres is slightly lower but its position to the Hout Bay side of the 2 offers better views of the road below. This means a further 20 minutes walk around the back of Chapmans Peak.

Looking over Hout Bay from the top of Chapmans Peak

The return journey can be back the same way, or carry straight on to the saddle with Noordhoek peak and take a left turn down to the road. If you choose this second route you need to have left a second car in the parking area here.

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A steep and quick route up Table

Mountain

The three firs path up Table Mountain is found on the Atlantic side between the dangerous Slangholie ravine and Woody Ravine. To be more precise it actually goes up the left hand side (facing the mountain) of Slangholie. It is a steep and quick way up the mountain however, be warned, parts of the path have a sheer drop on the side so its not really suitable for anyone who doesn’t have a good head for heights.

This route begins by taking a small path off the Pipe Track as the track begins to turn in to Slangholie. It is not well marked but a small cairn indicates where to go. After a short scamble up the slope there is a little bit of a climb over the first band of rocks. From here the path follows leads around the buttress.  It is here where to the right of you there is a sheer drop into the Woodhead Crack below.

The three firs route up Table Mountain

 Another small scramble up another rocky band, and the path continues pretty much straight up the mountain. Although quite straight forward, it is steep and loose. Be carefull not to knock rocks onto those behind you.  Eventually you emerge just beside the saucy dog on the 12 apostles path.

Looking down three firs path

Explore some of the lesser known paths up Table Mountain on a hike with Ridgway Ramblers

A soccer view from Table

Mountain

The first time I ever really thought about the soccer world cup, was when I saw the completed stadium from the top of Table Mountain. It rises out of Green Point like a huge flying saucer and is really very impressive.  Its position between Signal Hill and the sea must make it the best placed stadium in the world. It definitely adds to the beauty of the city and to the view.

Looking over Signal Hill and the stadium from Table Mountain

The Oudekraal Ridge path up Table

Mountain

The path up Oudekraal Ridge is a very straightforward path that is one of the least walked routes up the 12 appostles of Table Mountain. This is probably because it the last path that leads off the Pipe Track.

From Tafelberg Rd you follow the Pipe Track for 6km passing several wonderful paths up to the top of Table Mountain. For example The Diagonal Path, Kasteelspoort and Corridor Ravine. Once passed the path up Corridor ravine the path becomes much less distinct as it weaves its way through a “forest” of pincushions. It continues on the contour around Corridor buttress and accross Oudekraal Ravine before heading steeply up Oudekraal Ridge.

The continuation of the Pipe Track, around Corridor Buttress

The steep cliffs of the ravine itself are some of the most sheer on this side of the mountain and clearly only  surmountable by extremely skilled climbers. But the ridge although steep and a little loose under foot is fine for any hiker.

The final climb up Oudekraal Ridge

As the Pipe Track actually rises quite steeply just before Slangholie Ravine and stays at that height the actual climb up Oudekraal Ridge is relatively quick, and brings you to the top of the Back area of Table Mountain, right beside GrootKop, whose commanding presence dominates this area of Table Mountain.

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Visit a cave whilst hiking in the

Cape Peninusula

Elephants eye cave is reached via a relatively easy walk of around an hour from the top parking area in Silvermine North. It is named elephants eye as from much of the Southern suburbs this side of Constantiaberg looks like an elephants head with the cave being in exactly the right place for the eye.

Fom the parking area you head towards Constantiaberg keeping the reservoir on your left. Initially you follow a gravel road which after one km  takes a couple of switchback turns whilst the road gets steeper. After the 2nd sharp turn look for the path on your right. This leads to the look out hut you can see on the shoulder of the hill. Almost immediately above this, you can see the dark hole, that is the cave.  The path is relatively flat for 500m before ascending sharply to the look out hut. Once at the hut take a moment to enjoy the view. Although no longer in use you can appreciate why this spot was chosen for keeping an eye out for any fires in the forest below. The final climb to the cave is short and well worth the effort.  The large entrance leads into a fair sized cavern which is nice and shady in the summer.

Elephants eye cave

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Why walk up Table Mountain

Someone asked me the other day “Why would I want to walk up Table Mountain?” The implication being, why, when there is a perfectly good cable car to carry me to the top. I struggled to answer the question as for me, I have to ask, Why would someone NOT want to hike up Table Mountain.

So I have a put a bit of thought into it, and here goes:

People walk for all sorts of reasons. For many, it is really an alternative to going to the gym. How often have I heard Platteklip Gorge being compared to the stairmaster – “good for the buns/butt”. Others, having endured a long haul flight of several hours and the opportunity to take some excercise and get some fresh air is a gift. Still more, having been enjoying the excellent foods and wines of the Cape enjoy an opportunity to work up an appetite. (or work off last nights supper!)

Away from the health and excercise angle, there are those who feel a sense of achievement. Who want to be able to say “I climbed up Table Mountain” Or who see a hike as an opportunity to bond with friends and family.

But for many, and certainly for me. Climbing a mountain, or indeed any walk in nature is a meditation, or a journey. A way to really see and connect with nature and with the mountain. Whilst walking on Table mountain in particular, you can really see the variety of flora and the changes between different areas on the mountain. During a walk you can escape the crowds and the stress and strains of the city. (lets face it. The restuarant area of Table Mountain can be as busy as the waterfront…..hardly an escape from the city) Take a walk away from this main area and in a very short time you will feel yourself in a wilderness. Surrounded by nature unaffected, by the city 1000m below.
So, to conclude: There are hundreds of reasons why you should choose to walk on or up Table Mountain: For health, for excercise, for getting to know old friends, and also new ones, to learn about nature, and to relax.             

 But most important of all. Take a hike on

 Table Mountain, just because it is fun!!!!

Walking the cliff path from

Maclears Beacon

There are 2 ways to walk from Maclears Beacon to Platteklip Gorge. Both take you accross the Central Table area of Table Mountain.  On a clear day the cliff path takes you right along the front of Table Mountain overlooking the city.

This is a wonderful path with unbeatable views of the cable car, Lions Head, the entire city and Table Bay. Although never too precipitous it is definitely not a route to take if it is very wet or windy. Just one mistep and you could fall all the way to Tafelberg rd below.

The view from the cliff path towards the cable car

To find the path walk from Maclears Beacon back towards the Southern Suburbs. After about 100m you reach a cross roads. Turn left, towards Devils Peak. After another 1oom and a short scramble down you again turn left and head towards the cable car. Initially the path leads you along a boardwalk, through a wetland filled with restio’s. Marshlike, and unable to see either the city or the cablecar you could be anywhere in the world. However after about 750m you reach the path along the cliff. This path leads you for about 1km. Several stops to admire the views are mandatory.

The path through the marshlands on the central table area

Finally the path heads back towards the top of Platteklip gorge and joins up with the main path. To keep going straight would lead you to the sheer cliffs that line the gorge making it such a spectacular climb. Once at the top of Platteklip gorge you can decide on a multitude of routes down the mountain.

The view of the city, from the cliff path

Maclears Beacon, which is the highest point on Table Mountain can be part of an easy half day walk or a tough full days walk.

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Taking a ride down Table

 Mountain is not always cheating.

The cable car

Although I believe that to ride up Table Mountain in the cable car is definitely cheating. I also find that to take the cable car down the mountain is an experience well worth the R85 ticket fee. The rotating floor ensures that everyone on board sees all angles of the descent whilst the sheer speed and angle of the drop is amazing. The views over the city, Camps Bay and Table Bay are superb, and the sight of the sheer cliffs found on this section of the mountain are mind blowing.

The view towards the mountain, from the cablecar

The ride itself takes a couple of minutes. This following an exhausting 2 hour slog up Platteklip gorge or full days walk from the Back Table is in itself an experience.

Each cable car will carry 65 people maximum so in an hour can take around 600 people to the summit! During a good clear day in the summer it is not surprising that the top is so crowded. Reaching there after a hike on the Back Table can be a bit of a culture shock. Sometimes you see no one all day and then suddenly walk into a small area as busy as the waterfront!! On these days you might have to queue to get back down. In fact last week my husband and dogs decided to take Platteklip Gorge down and actually reached the bottom on foot whilst I was still in the queue!!

The view from Table Mountains cable car

 So whilst it may be best not to attempt to take the cable car on a perfect summers day. For the rest of the time it is an amazing way to descend the mountain.

The Contour Path around Table Mountain

The contour path which stretches +/- 16km from Constantia Nek to the cableway is a beautiful, shady relatively flat route around Table Mountain on the Southern suburbs side leading to the lower cableway above Cape Town itself.  With a couple of short climbs, this is a gentle stroll that is suitable for the whole family. Although it is perfectly reasonable to to the entire length of the walk in one go. Most prefur to break it into shorter sections.

Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch 

The first section stretches from Contantia Nek to Kirstenbosch and should take an average walker about 2 hours to complete. The route begins at the top of Constantia Nek following a tarred road for a short time, until it becomes a jeep track through Cecelia Forest. Here the path is a clear road until just before Kirstenbosch it becomes a small but clearly marked path. Here you leave the pines and bluegums behind and enter the magnificent indigenous forest that lines most of the lower contours of Table mountain on the Kirstenbosch side. Once above Kirstenbosch, (where the views over the Southern suburbs and False Bay are superb.) there are a number of paths leading into the gardens itself.

Kirstenbosch to Rhodes memorial

The next section of the path is a little more strenuous and should take the average walker around 3 hours to complete. It follows a clear path through indigenous forests above Kirstenbosch, Newlands forest and the Groote Schuur Estate in the shadow of Devils Peak. Many of the trees are labelled and much of the path is a well maintained boardwalk, protecting the path from erosion. Many paths such a Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge lead off the contour path onto the back table whilst Newlands Ravine leads up to the saddle and to Devils Peak. On entering Groot schuur estate a few alien trees again appear. Majestic bluegums and black wattle, both imports from Australia that use up far too much water for our South African environment.

Rhodes Memorial to Kloof Nek

The final stretch of the path should take about 3 hours to complete. It takes you around the slopes of Devils Peak and to the Northern Slopes of Table Mountain. Leaving the South Easterly slopes of the mountain this is the least shaded section of the path but the views more than make up for this. Passing the Kings blockhouse which has fantastic views of the Southern Suburbs as well as the city of Cape Town and Table Bay, the path continues around the slopes of Devils Peak beneath a large cave known as the Woodstock cave. This is a large overhang, 50m wide byb 15m deep. It is reachable by a small path leading from the contour path and is well worth a visit. Few trees are found on this stretch of the contour path except in a few small areas so once around the corner Lions Head and Table Mountain itself come into clear view. Soon you leave the slopes of Devils Peak and begin walking on Table Mountain again. A steep path leads up  Platteklip Gorge to the main table.  Continue following the path towards Lions Head. Here it stays just below the cliff face. A steep path leads down to the cableway, or you can continue along the path,going under the cable car until you reach the next mountain corner. Before heading down to Tafelberg Rd it is possible to see Camps Bay below.

The view from the slopes of Devils Peak

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