A steep and beautiful hike up Table
Mountain
Blinkwater Ravine is one of the first routes up Table Mountain that leads off the Pipe Track between Tafelberg Rd and Kasteelspoort. Since 1982 it has been officially closed as the path was severely damaged by a huge downpour of rain and considered unstable.
Although I don’t recommend it in wet weather as the path does follow a stream for much of the way and so can be slippy and unstable in certain conditions. In general this is a beautiful and not too difficult ascent of the mountain. There is some scrambling so good footwear is essential however the exposure is not severe.
The above sign clearly marks where to turn off the Pipe Track. The first section is pretty overgrown, and although the path is clear you do need to “bundu bash” a bit to get through. However it doesn’t take long to come to the first of 2 overhangs which mark the end of the overgrown area. These are a great tea stop before the 2nd half of the climb.
The path leads pretty steeply up the right hand side of a beautiful 20metre waterfall. Bushes line the path so you are not aware of the steep drop to your right.
The path follows the right hand side of Blinkwater Falls
After about a 15 minute scramble up hill it is possible to take a detour to some pools at the head of this falls. Be warned the fall is severe and the lip of the fall slippery. You can refill your waterbottles here before returning to the path and continuing up. The route initially continues on the right of the river but before too long you continue straight up the river. There are a few tricky places, but in general the route is clear. During the winter it is impossible not to get your feet wet in a couple of places but in summer this can be a hot slog so take plenty of water. The route is very steep in places. If walking in a group it is essential to take care not to knock rocks onto the guy behind you!
A tricky section on Blinkwater Ravine
After a bit of scrambling the gorge begins to narow until eventually you appear to reach a dead end. Here you must look to your left and find a small tree hanging precariously onto the rocks there. Further investigation will reveal a path leading up a couple of ledges. This is your route. Once over this final scramble you reconnect with the original path and another 15 minutes brings you to the top of the gorge and the Echo Valley path. Here you can turn left for the cable car, right for Valley of the red gods, or go straight ahead and join Smuts Track.
Looking down Blinkwater Ravine
Another sign at the top warns hikers not to descend this way. This advice I would agree with. This is a steep route and definitely one to go up and not down.
