Walking up Table Mountain via

Dark Gorge

I have always found Dark Gorge to be one of the quickest and most rewarding walks up Table Mountain. It is one of the gorges on the Eastern side of  Table Mountain. It leads onto the saddle between Table Mountain itself and Devils Peak and is found almost directly above Newlands. To get there you get onto the contour path from Newlands forest and turn towards Rhodes Memorial. Dark Gorge is the gorge after Newlands Ravine. There is a small path leading up from the contour path and keep your eyes out for cairns to direct you. The first half is steep and takes you through quite dense indigenous forest with some enormous old Rooiels trees. Although the path is a bit crumbly under foot, this section is relatively easy. At about the half way stage you reach a large overhang on the right hand side. This is a good place to stop and have some tea. From here the route does become a bit more difficult.

The bottom section of Dark Gorge.

The bottom section of Dark Gorge.

Although no more than a scramble and no ropes are required, I wouldn’t recommend going beyond this point if you are nervous of heights.  It is also important at this point to ensure that you keep to the left hand side of the gorge. The right takes you into Dark Gully which is a lot steeper and more dangerous.

The overhang found half way up Dark Gorge

The overhang found half way up Dark Gorge

Having decided to keep going, you follow the gorge up as it gets narrower and steeper. Turning around to look out over the suburbs the closing canyon walls remind you of the top of Platteklip gorge which also narrows at the top. The final 100m involves a scramble up a steep and crumbly bank with only small shrubs for handholds. Eventually emerging at the top onto the saddle just the other side of the pulpit from Newlands Ravine.

Dark Gorge as it narrows at the top

Dark Gorge as it narrows at the top