Around Lion's Head Pipe Track

Date: 15 October 2010

Location: Lion's Head

Walkers: Helen, Dom and dogs Henry, Sharky & Malachy

*** Route plotted here ***

Previous walks along this route here and here.



Leaving Table Mountain behind us we set off to walk this circular route in an anti-clockwise direction. On the wayside along this first stretch we saw several tall watsonias flower spires, and lots of lemon-yellow moreas.




The chincherinchees were opening up nicely too.



From our route we got views to the harbour, and across the Lion's back.




As we walked along the west-facing contour we passed the large purple and white Otholobium hirtum shrubs. I remembered them in flower last year.



We hadn't done any climbing but Fresnaye looked a long way down!



It was still and sunny along this section, and pleasantly warm.



The dogs had a marvellous time galloping along, gang of three.




Pretty little Ixia scillaris was in flower here, soaking up the sun.




This is one of my favourite places, the lower slopes of this mountain; every time I walk here I wonder why I don't take this route more often. It's an easy walk but long enough to feel as if one's got a fair bit of exercise, with varied scenery and breathtaking views!



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Lion's Head Pipe Track Revisited

Date: 9 February 2010

Location: Lion's Head

Walkers: Delphi & Helen

**** Route plotted here ****

For the first time we walked this circular route around the base of Lion's Head see here.

Setting off from the Lion's Head parking area, we followed the path running north, parallel to Signal Hill Road. Table Mountain was behind us.




We swung past the cannons and circled left below the peak.




The path continued round to the western slopes; drier and rockier here.




I love the round granite boulders and slabs dotted around these slopes.



There is not much shade on this walk, just a few gum trees.




After a bit we got views down to Clifton and beyond.



And a little further on, Table Mountain. It is an unusual side view, with the Cable way upper station clearly visible right on top. To our right the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay came into view too.




We walked on, following the contour path, past the giant tree.




The path then descended through a stand of lovely big silver trees. We made our way down and completed the circle by road.



(Photos by Helen)
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Lion's Head Pipe Track

Date: 5 July 2009

Location: Lion's Head

Walkers: Michele, Delphi, Tracy, Dorothy, Helen, Richard, Claudia, and dogs Daisy and Coco

**** Route plotted here ****

We started at the Lion's Head parking lot but instead of heading straight up like usual, we walked back down the road towards Kloof Nek.



Lion's Head was now behind us.



From Kloof Nek, we turned right down Kloof Road (towards Roundhouse Road and Camps Bay) and, after a little way, took a path to the right signposted to Lion's Head.



The path went up the slope for a bit, through a thicket of silver trees. We had an unusual view of a cloud-wreathed Lion's Head above us.



Great views of Camps Bay and Twelve Apostles lay to our left.



The path levelled out and lead us to the patch of pines. From here we got a wonderful view back onto the side edge of Table Mountain. And in front of us, the Atlantic Ocean.




And still above us: Lions Head, with the sun now behind it. Wisps of mist continued to float about, creating strange patterns and ghostly effects.



We continued along the contour, with the beaches of Clifton below us.



On this section we noticed a stretch of pipe (which no doubt gave this path its name) and, of course, the grand old lone pine standing sentry.



Further on, we encountered a strange creature in a gum tree. Very odd :-)



The western slopes of Lions Head are characterized by huge granite slabs and boulders. The path along this stretch ran very close to the houses at the top of Fresnaye. We stopped for a bit for a snack and to admire the wonderful views of mist rolling in below us.





We continued round, up the grassy slopes...



... until we came out on the Signal Hill ridge. This is the spot where Maskew's Path and the route to Signal Hill intersect.



One can also go up Lion's Head from this side.



We didn't go up, though. Instead we followed the path that runs parallel to the road, back to our cars.



I don't think Table Mountain has ever looked so lovely!


(Photos by Michele and Helen)
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