The plaque on Maclears Beacon

The beacon itself is 3m high and was erected in 1865 by Sir Thomas Maclear. He built it as part of an experiment to measure the circumference of the earth. For his efforts towards this aim Sir Thomas was awarded the Queens medal in 1869. He also has a crator on the moon and the town of Maclear named after him.

A group of hikers celebrate reaching Maclears Beacon

To reach the highest point on Table Mountain is the aim of many hikers and there are several routes that can be taken to this point. The easiest way is from the upper cableway. From here a leisurely hours hike along the relatively flat top will bring you to the cairn. For those feeling more energetic but still with limited time the steep Platteklip gorge brings you to a point 30 minutes from the beacon.

The best routes however, include a full days hike from anywhere on the Back Table. One of the most popular routes is from Kirstenbosch Gardens and up Skeleton Gorge. This route is called Smuts Track as it follows the regular footsteps of Jan Smuts one of South Africas great statesmen. But you could also ascend the mountain up Kasteelspoort and take the path through Echo Valley.

Whichever route you choose the views from Maclears Beacon are magnificent.

The view at Maclears Beacon

Ridgway Ramblers offer guided hiking trails up all the different routes on Table Mountain.  www.ridgwayramblers.co.za