Table Mountain Trails and HikesTable Mountain has a large network of more than 550 walking trails and hikes. It offers a spectacular setting of a mountain amidst a city, magnificent scenery, rich flora and indigenous forest kloofs. The Cape Floral Region is a World Heritage Site and one of the richest plant areas in the world. The Table Mountain National Park itself is rich in floral biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site. There are only six floral kingdoms in the world, of which fynbos is the smallest and the only one found entirely within a single country. Grab a map from the Info Centre at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Nature Conservation or the National Botanical Gardens. Some of the more popular trails The Pipe Track Leaving Kloof Nek opposite the toilets, the track passes the red-brick water-filtration plant, crosses the gully known as Diepsloot and winds around several bends, offering wonderful views over Camps Bay, and through thick bush for about 7km before reaching a point below the exit of the disused Woodhead Tunnel in Slangolie Ravine. Along the way, there are several exciting routes up the mountain from the Pipe Track, and also one beyond Slangolie Ravine. Grootkop Once you reach the Back Table, take the southern path along the ridge of the Twelve Apostles. It leads to Grootkop. The ascent is more tricky than difficult, although marked with beacons. Lion's Head The path begins at the dirt road (which has a chain across it) opposite the parking area off the tarred road running from Kloof Nek to the long ridge of Signal Hill. Follow the path right the way around Lion's Head until the steep cliffs near the top are reached. Here you can either choose to use two sets of chains (more difficult, but shorter route), or carry on around to two steel ladders; both routes are safe provided you keep to the constructed paths. Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine Ladders have been provided in a few places to help climbers over the worst of the rocks and there are a few short sections left which necessitate scrambling. Once you reach the top, near the Hely-Hutchinson Dam, the best is to follow the southern leg of intersection (working your way left, past the dam), to the top of Nursery Ravine. The descent of the ravine - whose gradient is steeper than that of Skeleton Gorge - will bring you back to the 310m contour path. From here, it is a gentle downhill walk to Kirstenbosch Gardens. The total circuit takes about 3,5 hours. Devil's Peak, Newlands Ravine and Forest If you do not mind ending up on the other side of the mountain from your car, return to the saddle and follow the south-westerly path which crosses the saddle diagonally and gradually winds to the top of Newlands Ravine Footpath. Be sure to avoid the first ravine you encounter, Dark Gorge (it looks easy enough but is in fact an extremely dangerous way down and has claimed several lives). Newlands Ravine should be challenging enough; it descends first via rock steps, then zigzags across scree before reaching the shade of trees. Upon reaching the 360m contour path, turn right and ten minutes later you will find the descent into Newlands Forest. If you have time, however, turn left and follow the contour path all around the northern side of the mountain, past the King's Blockhouse, back to the original zigzag path. This round trip requires approximately five hours. Constantia Corner Path Although it is obscure in places, you can follow the path up the crest of Constantia Ridge to the service road linking Constantia Nek to Cecilia Plantation and the Woodhead Reservoir. The distance to this point is only 2,5km; including the return along the same route, the walk takes about 3,5 hours. Cable Way Please note
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