Walking on Table Mountain
Enjoy the best of Table Mountain on a guided hike with Ridgway Ramblers
The cliff edge path runs along the Northern edge of the Eastern Table and has the most fantastic views of the city and Table Bay. As the name suggests it is a path that has a steep drop on one side and is thus not recommended in strong winds or wet weather. Don’t let the name put you off though. It is a wide path with plenty of space between you and the drop so as long as conditions are favourable it is suitable for all (except young children)
To get there from the cableway station you head away from the restuarant and towards Platteklip Gorge. As you get to the gorge you have a steep drop with a chain handrail to assist you. This is the hardest part of the day. This takes you into a small sheltered area at the top of Platteklip. Keep straight ahead and after a small climb onto the Eastern Plateau take the left turn signed as the “alternative route to Maclears Beacon” The recommended route is straight ahead. (on a windy or wet day stick to the recommended route)
The path leads you right to the other side of the mountain where it veers right and takes you along the cliffs overlooking the city. Regular stops to enjoy the views are a must.
The city and Table Bay below
Don’t forget to look behind you to see the cable car, Lions Head and Signal hill.
Looking back towards the cablecar and Lions Head
After about half an hours walking the path begins to lead away from the edge. Here the fynbos is particularly low and hardy as this part of the mountain is the most exposed to the winter storms. Much of the path for the next half hour is a wooden boardwalk protecting the delicate plantlife below.
You reach Maclears Beacon around an hour after leaving the cable car. This is the highest point on Table Mountain, and offers wonderful 360 degree views of the city, Back Table, Southern Suburbs and False Bay.
Maclears Beacon. The highest point on Table Mountain
From Maclears Beacon you can head back to the cable car along the more Southern side of the Eastern Table. The path is not clear in places so you need to keep your eye out for yellow footprints that will lead you back. Along this path the views to your left are over the back table which surpises many people by its size.
