Location: Table Mountain, starting from Tafelberg Road
Walkers: Claudia, Richard, Michele, Brenda, Jenny, Iain, Dorothy, Helen
Our day started off very early as we left cars at the end of the walk (Kirstenbosch) while it was still dark, before heading to Tafelberg Road. We set off on the walk a few moments after sunrise. Five of us opted for the climb up Platteklip, while the other three took the cableway and met us on top of Table Mountain later on.
(Photo by Dorothy)
We had a little think about the question someone had written on one of the stone steps at the start, but decided to press on!
(Photo by Helen) (Photo by Michele)
The path was stone steps and gabions, leading straight up. We passed the contour path (where we usually turn off for our favourite Puff Adder Alley walk) and headed up the gorge.
(Photos by Helen)
Behind us, the city was waking up.
(Photo by Michele)
As the sun rose and we climbed higher we were soon in the sunshine. It was getting hot, and the climb continued: up, up, up!
(Photos by Michele)
Platteklip Buttress was now on our right. The gorge began to narrow, and the zig-zags became shorter. The views around us and behind us (Eastern side of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak) were spectacular.
(Photos by Michele) (Photos by Helen)
The climb was hard-going, so we took it slow and had several rests along the way. The walking poles were a great help.
(Photos by Michele)
The last stretch was a long flight of stone steps through the narrow gorge, until - finally - we made it to the top!
(Photo by Richard) (Photos by Michele) (Photo by Helen)
We met up with the other three and set off across the Central Table towards Maclear's Beacon along the central route.
(Photos by Helen)
Us exhausted climbers insisted on a tea stop as soon as possible, so we found some rocks and stopped for some delicious refreshments.
(Photo by Helen)
The views from the top were panoramic. We could see down to the Back Table, with Hout Bay to the right, and False Bay on the left.
(Photos by Michele)
(Photo by Richard)
Maclear's Beacon is situated on a flat rocky outcrop on the far side of the Central Table, about an hour's easy walking from Platteklip.
(Photo by Michele)
We saw many lizards, sunning themselves on the rocks, and ducking for cover when disturbed.
(Photos by Helen)
There weren't very many flowers out, but we found a couple.
(Photos by Helen)
There were many reeds and restios, however. I imagine that these areas become boggy during the rainy season, which would explain all the boardwalks.
(Photos by Michele)
It was a short climb up to Maclear's Beacon, the highest point at 1087m.
(Photos by Michele) (Photo by Helen)
From here we got superb views to the back of Devil's Peak, Table Bay, Robben Island, the city and mountains in the far distance.
(Photos by Michele)
Iain and Richard defy the laws of science!
(Photo by Michele)
After double-checking our route on the map we set off down the Back Table via Smuts Track towards Steleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine.
(Photos by Michele)
This was the start of our descent. The fynbos was quite thick and bushy here, and there were some extraordinary rock formations.
(Photos by Michele)
The first King Proteas of the season were in flower.
(Photo by Michele)
After a lunch break at the top of Skeleton Gorge we walked on towards Nursery Ravine.
(Photo by Michele) (Photo by Helen)
The path lead us round Nursery Buttress and past Castle Rocks.
(Photos by Michele)
At last, we reached the top of Nursery Ravine. This route down was extremely steep and hard going, over slippery rocks and steep logged steps, down into the forest.
(Photos by Helen)
We made our way down to the contour path, and down further into Kirstenbosch Gardens, exiting through Rycroft Gate. Then home for tea!
(Photos by Michele)
1 comment:
It is an amzing place walked down the Platteklip this past February. The mountain is incrediblwe and is listed as a new seven wonders of the world status. I think it stands an excekllent chance and it got my vote. Great place Thanks Greg
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