A view of 2 of the dams found on Table Mountain

There are several ways to reach the dams. Really up any route on the mountain. The 2 most common are via Kasteelspoort on the Camps Bay side of the mountain or via the cement road that was built in order to service the dams. This road begins at the top of Constantia Nek. Whilst Constantia Nek offers the easiest route. Kasteelspoort adds to the history of the area. The Pipe Track along the bottom of the mountain and which you follow to reach the gorge still has parts of the pipe that transported the water from the dams to the Molteno reservoir in Cape Town. Kasteelspoort itself still has evidence of the winch system that was used to ferry materials from ground level up onto the mountain top.

The Cement road from Constantia Nek

From Constantia Nek you can either follow the road as it winds its way up the mountain. There are several hairpin bends and in places the road has washed away. (It is still passable by vehicles and you may occasionally see an official vehicle on the road.) Or you can follow a steeper and more direct path that lead up the mountain on the left side of the road. This path rejoins the road for the last bend. On reaching the top of the back table you pass the first of the reservoirs. This smallest one is named De Villiers Dam. It is at the head of the original Disa stream and it is wonderful to walk to the far end and look down into Orange kloof from the wall.

Enjoying a break at De Villiers Dam

Continuing along the road you pass the Overseers Cottage on your right. This lovely stone house was used until very recently by the waterboard in order to maintain the dams. However it now belongs to the Parks Board and is possible to rent and spend a night on the mountain. Passing the cottage continue along the road. It is still on a slight incline, which becomes steeper as the road turns to the left and passes the Alexandra and Victoria dams. The road continues until it reaches the 2 largest dams. Woodhead and Helly-Hutchinson. Your route takes you right across the dam wall of the Woodhead Reservoir. Peering over the wall and into Disa Gorge is amazing. The sheer size of the wall is staggering. It was reinforced in the 1990’s but it is still something to think it was originally built over 100 years ago.

Your route takes you right across the dam wall

 On the far side of the dam,  you will find a tap at a crossroads. The left turn will take you to the 12 Apostles and to Kasteelspoort. A right turn takes you to the other side of the dam. Here in a small building you will find the Waterworks museum. Housed in here are many of the tools used to construct the dam. There are descriptions of the construction process, photographs of the workers, and even an old steam train that was used to transport the building materials from the top of Kasteelspoort to the dam area. This is a fascinating place to spend half an hour and perhaps have a lunch break. 

Inside the waterworks museum

On continuing the hike you follow the road between Helly-Hutchinson and Woodhead reservoirs. This time you can look up at the wall and wonder at its strength and age! At the far side of the dam the road turns to the right and completes its circuit of the Woodhead reservoir. From here you continue along the cement road and retrace your steps back to Constantia.

Although quite a long walk. (+/- 5 hours) This is an easy and relaxing hike. You are on a road for most of the time and the inclines are less steep than other routes.