One of the most scenic hikes on
Table Mountain
If you are looking for a day hike on Table Mountain which is not too long and includes most of the spectacular and famous views. Then this is the hike for you. You can even take the cable car up and down the mountain if you want to to take it really easy.
We begin at the top of Platteklip Gorge. So you can either walk up the gorge. (steep but spectacular) or take the cable car and stroll from there. From the top of the gorge you go pretty much straight ahead. The path is easy to miss but is marked Echo Valley. (Don’t take the path signed India Venster which is found about 10m away.)
The first part of the path is flat with magnificent views
The path is relatively flat initially and after 100m you are met with the most outstanding view. Blinkwater Ravine falls steeply towards Camps Bay whilst the Atlanic dominates the background. After a stop to admire the view the path turns to the left and begins to drop. There is an old wooden boardwalk in places which can be tretcherous when wet. The path turns again to the right and leads back to more magnificent views. After another view stop you come to the first of 3 ladders. These are very solid well placed ladders that mean the descent to Echo Valley is quick and easy. You join Echo Valley at the top of Blinkwater Ravine still right on the West side of Table Mountain.
A ladder leading to Echo Valley
Turn left and follow Echo Valley and follow the path right accross to the other side of the mountain where it joins Smuts Track. Echo Valley is a relatively flat path that crosses a number of small streams and wetland areas. In February it has some of the best Disa viewing on the mountain. A number of paths lead off the Echo Valley path leading either back onto the main Table or through to the dams of the Back Table.
The Back Table from Smuts Track
Turn left onto Smuts Track, and follow the path past “Dog Head” rock. ( a good place for a lunch spot) and onto Maclears Beacon. You climb 300m on this stretch but it is a gradual and easy climb. Here the views are of the Southern Suburbs and False Bay. Behind you are the Back Table, the dams and the entire Table Mountain chain. Once at Maclears Beacon you add views over Table Bay and Robbin Island.
From Maclears Beacon take the Cliff Path towards the cableway. This is a well marked and spectacular path. (not recommended if wet or very windy) The views of Lions Head and the city are some of the best. This path leads you right back to the top of Platteklip, from where you can again choose…. The gorge or the cable car.
