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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Silvermine: Old Wagon Path

Date: 4 July 2009

Location: Silvermine, off Ou Kaapse Weg

Walkers: Helen, Claudia, Daisy

**** Route plotted here ****

We left a car at the parking area (Old Wagon Road sign) on Ou Kaapse Weg just up from the intersection with Silvermine Rd.

We then drove back up to the entrance gate to Silvermine Nature Reserve (West) and started along the path heading south. It was very easy walking on a wide track.



We passed the turn-off for the Silvermine River Walk, crossed a stream (where Daisy had a swim) and walked on towards Bokkop.




After rounding Bokkop we joined the Old Wagon Road path, and followed its gentle bends and turns all the way down the hill, to our waiting car.



It was lovely to be outside on a warm, sunny and still winter's day.



It also lovely to see the fynbos looking so healthy. The golden Leucadendron (not sure of exact species?) was everywhere, and quite spectacular. We also stopped to admire several black-bearded proteas, with their silky soft fuzzy bracts.




The ericas varied from a lilac to cerise, and the brilliant orange of the early-flowering chasmanthe also provided a splash of colour.



Towards the end of the walk we got fabulous views up the valley and across to Silvermine East.


(Photos by Helen)
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Devils' Peak: Lower Slopes

Date: 30 June 2009

Location: Devil's Peak, from Vredehoek

Walkers: Helen and Dorothy

**** Route plotted here ****

On the last walk in the area I realised that there were many paths to explore on the lower slopes of Devil's Peak. So we set off one weekday afternoon to try a new one.

I was also curious to see if all the rain we've had recently had started to green the slopes a bit after the fire in March. Unfortunately not really... although the steams were flowing strongly and grass was sprouting, the landscape still felt overwhelmingly scarred.




From the quarry we walked on the main cycle track towards Table Mountain. There were lots of cyclists and dog-walkers out and about enjoying their exercise in the late afternoon sunshine. We walked for a way on the winding road, and once we'd had enough, turned around and returned on the same route.

As the sun began to set Table Bay was bathed in the softest pink light.



And a little while later the sun set behind Lions Head and Signal Hill, flooding the sky with a breathtaking apricot.


(Photos by Helen)
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