Oranjezicht up to Table Mountain

Date: 29 September 2010

Location: Oranjezicht

Walkers: Helen, Ian, John and the puppy

Previous walks in this area here, here and here.

We took the puppy the guys were looking after for a walk along the streets in Oranjezicht. Once we reached Molteno Road we began to climb. It's a really steep road. Do this every day and you'd get fit!



It was fun looking at all the houses. Look, the palace is for sale.



The views down to the city are great. I love this part of Cape Town.



After a while we reached the top of the road and then walked up onto the lower slopes of Table Mountain.



We let the pup off the leash so he could run around. Happy dog!


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De Waal Park

Date: 12 April 2010

Location: De Waal Park in the city bowl

Walker: Helen



I needed to stretch my legs and clear my head after a tiring work day, so on my way home I stopped for a quick stroll in this community park in Oranjezicht. It is always good to walk amongst trees and green lawns. A mountain backdrop doesn't hurt either ;-)







Some of the trees are showing their autumn colours now. Beautiful!



The network of paths meet at the central fountain.



Also in the park are a gazebo, a children's play area, tennis courts and plenty of benches.




A population of squirrels live in the area. I saw many of them, darting around in the trees. Gathering nuts I presume!



This park is very popular with dog walkers. Plenty of canines were getting their daily exercise, with much frantic charging around, meeting and greeting, and chasing balls and squirrels. The Friends of De Waal Park organization provides free plastic bags and encourages dog owners to clean up after their pets. This makes the park a pleasant place to visit for everyone, so well done guys!



(Photos by Helen)
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Table Mountain: Lower Slopes to Higgovale

Date: 29 December 2009

Location: from Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht

Walkers: Dorothy, Michele & Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

Other walks from this starting point here and here.

Setting off from the top of Oranjezicht we headed up the concrete path.




At the intersection we took the path to the right, and walked along the level in a westerly direction. Lion's Head was in front of us, and the eastern section of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak behind.




Table Mountain loomed above... a rather strange side-on view.



There are some quite large trees growing on these slopes. This area gets less wind than the eastern side as it is protected from the south-easter.



The path turned down and circled past an old quarry.



We then strolled back via the quiet leafy streets of Higgovale. One last sharp bit of uphill up Molteno Road got us back to our car. This was a very pleasant walk for a windy day.



(Photos by Helen)
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Lower Table Mountain Stroll

Date: 3 September 2009

Location: Oranjezicht

Walkers: Helen, Ian, Rendall & Paddy

My family was in town! We wanted a short leg-stretch, so set off as for this walk on the lower slopes of Table Mountain.



Great views of the harbour and city bowl below...



... and the trees on the slopes in the late afternoon sunshine.



It began to get rather cold and blustery so we didn't complete the circuit, but turned back and headed down the same way, before the next rain shower arrived.


(Photos by Helen)
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Table Mountain: Lower Slopes

Date: 28 July 2009

Location: from Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht

Walkers: Dorothy & Helen

**** Route plotted here ****

The lower slopes of Table Mountain offer several options for short walks.

This afternoon we parked at the top of Molteno Rd and followed the track up onto the mountain, past the reservoir.



A family of guinea fowl trotted along in front of us.



After heading up towards the lower cable station we took a path to the left. We walked straight for a while, with great views of the eastern side of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak. Near Deer Park we took a road down the slope again, looking down to the city and harbour.




All along the path we saw plants in flower.




We ducked through the trees at the edge of Deer Park and made our way back along Rugby Rd.


(Photos by Helen)
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