Hiking up Devils Peak

Devils Peak is the large Peak to the left of Table Mountain if you look at it from Cape Town. Although 1000m high so only 85m lower than Maclears Beacon, it is often an ignored area for walking, which is a pity as it has some of the best hiking on the Table Mountain Chain.

The easiest way to the top is from Tafelberg Rd via the Saddle Path. To get there you drive past the parking area of Platteklip gorge and park at the next path that leads up the mountain. This is a well contoured path that leads first to the contour path and then on up onto the saddle which is at 650m. You should reach the saddle after about 40 mins walking.

The Saddle Path

 It is here that the real climb begins.  It is worth stopping to admire the view on the way up. On the one side you can look through the saddle to False Bay, whilst on the other side you have a picture postcard view of the Platteklip Gorge route up Table Mountain, as well as the cable car and Lions Head.

 

Looking over the saddle to False Bay

The path leads accross a small stream (which is dry in the summer) and begins a steep slog for 500m up to 85om Here the path is joined by the upper traverse which is a path that leads around Devils Peak from the fire look out hut above Rhodes memorial. Keep on the path as it turns to the right and then takes the final ascent to the top. In total the climb to the top should take around 2 hours. The 360 degree views from the top of the city, Table Mountain, Lions Head and Table Bay are truly magnificent.