The contour path hike above

Chapmans Peak

The contour path which runs from East Fort, just outside Hout Bay, to Chapmans Peak itself, offers some of the best views in Cape Town and one of the nicest walks on the Table Mountain Chain.

 There is a small climb of around 300m to begin with, but is otherwise generally pretty flat. So this is a good hike if you are not feeling like slogging the whole way up the mountain.

A waterfall coming off Table Mountain

Park your car at the East Fort parking area just outside Hout Bay. From here follow the small path up to East Fort. Take a moment to admire the ancient buildings before continuing uphill on another small path. This path joins a jeep track after about 100m. Turn left and follow the jeep track as it zigzags up hill for another 200m. This is the steepest bit of the walk, so take it slowly and enjoy the views. Once the path has flattenned out, do not take the switchback path that heads still further up the mountain, but continue along the contour towards Noordhoek. The first stretch of the contour path has a steep fall to your right, and many waterfalls cascading from your left (in the winter), so in combination with the views over Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak is truly magnificent. After about half an hour, you come to a junction. This is Blackburn Ravine. A left turn up the hill, will take you to Silvermine. Rather turn right and follow the path 100m down to where the contour path continues on a lower level.  (if you do not rejoin the contour path at the next waterfall but continue down the ravine, you will find yourself back on the jeep track and back at your car) 

The path down Blackburn Ravine

The contour path continues for another hour or so towards Chapmans Peak. The cliffs of Silvermine on the left hand side tower above you, also with some scenic waterfalls, but not right onto the path as on the higher section.

Numerous waterfalls flow over the contour path

 Just before Chapmans Peak you reach a 4 way junction. Left leads once again up and over into Silvermine. Straight on leads to the top of Chapmans Peak. Right leads down onto Chapmans Peak drive, and behind you, is of course, the contour path.

The four way junction

The path down to the road is steep, but clear and well maintained. Once on the road, turn left and walk to your car.