Scenic and accessible trail run / hike to the top of Table Mountain

This is possibly one of the most beautiful routes to the top of Table Mountain on a quieter, less touristy track.  This run starts along the very scenic pipe track, so named as it is exactly that: a path constructed to service a pipeline running below the series of peaks above Camps Bay, known as the Twelve Apostles. This pipeline was originally built to transport water from Disa Gorge in Table Mountain’s Back Table, via the Woodhead Tunnel through the mountain in Slangolie Ravine, to the Molteno Reservoir in Oranjezicht, to meet the water needs of the booming, late 19th century Cape Town.

Initially the trail is rather flat, and just a little stony in places, providing a great warm-up to the climb, which takes us past beautiful indigenous fynbos plants, offering incredible views over lion’s head and the Atlantic Ocean, to Kasteelspoort.  The route is shaded in the early morning by the mountain; a good option on hotter days!  From the top we head towards the front of the mountain, on undulating single track paths, navigating a few steep climbs via ladders, to the cable car station.

Tour essentials: Trail running shoes; long-sleeved top / wind-breaker (it is always colder on top of the mountain that in the city); hydration pack with at least 1.5 litres per person.  We recommend coming down in the cable car to save the knees (weather-permitting).

• Meeting Point: Kloof Nek parking area, Table Mountain
• Distance: Roughly 8km
• Elevation Gain:  1,111m
• Time: Roughly 3 – 4 hours (depending on speed/fitness of participants)
• Price: R2200 for an individual tour / R1500 per person for 2 people / R1100 per person for groups of 3 people or more (price includes the cable car down or a guided route down Platteklip gorge)

* Tour is subject to availability of guides; cable car down cannot be guaranteed (weather-dependent); a guided descent down Platteklip gorge is offered in the case of the cable car not working