Hiking on the 12 Apostles of Table

Mountain

Hiking on Table Mountain on the Camps Bay side offers some of the most spectacular views in the Cape. Anyone who has driven the coast road between Hout Bay and Camps Bay can attest to its beauty, so imagine what it is like from above. To add to the walk is the historical significance of many of the trails. All lead off the Pipe Track which is one of the oldest trails on Table Mountain which was constructed in 1887 to lay the pipelines for the reservoirs on the mountain.

Routes up Table Mountain from the Pipe Track:

 include well known ascents such as Kasteelspoort and Corridor Ravine. Both these paths are steep and Corridor ravine is very loose underfoot. However both are straightforward and suitable for anyone who is moderately fit. Other routes such as Woody buttress and 3 firs involve a little scrambling and have some exposure. Still more are less well known but are among of my favourites. For example Diagonal path and Oudekraal ravine.

Whichever route you choose you will not be disappointed. Views of Lions Head, the Atlantic coastline, Robbin Island and Camps Bay are fantastic. Each time you stop to take a breath the view has changed and is more spectacular.

 

The view of Lions Head from Oudekraal ravine

The view of Lions Head from Oudekraal ravine

 

Here are a few of the best views from a number hikes this year:

 

Looking down Oudekraal Ravine

Looking down Oudekraal Ravine

The viewpoint at the top of Kasteelspoort

The viewpoint at the top of Kasteelspoort

The diagonal path above Camps Bay

The diagonal path above Camps Bay