Cecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town)

Did this short loop through a section of forest to take the dogs for a good leg stretch. The trail starts and ends at Cecelia Forest parking lot, if you are not able to find a parking in the main parking area try use Hohenhort street as there are many places to park along the side of the road and it's a rather short shaded walk back up to the main parking area. At the start the trail winds through some planted Fynbos notibly silver leaf Proteas. Thereafter one crosses into a blend of gum trees and Indigenous forest before crossing the river at the first Bridge. After this the trail heads up the Ravine and the forest becomes more pristine. Large tree ferns and some large old yellowwood trees can be seen all along the river path. After crossing two main contour jeep tracks the trail then begins to ascend more steeply. Zigzaging on a well defined path with wooden steps. At this point the vegetation begins to become less dense and Forest starts giving way to Fynbos. At this point one starts to feel the heat in summer, especially if doing this trail in the morning as the East face of the back table gets battered by the sun. The path continues up to a steep section of rather loose wooden stairs and thereafter it levels out to a gradual section where it meets the jeep track near some old yellowwood trees. From here one has the option to turn right and head up to the reservoirs and the overseers cottage and on the the main section of table mountain. In the interest of time we headed left and back down the jeep track passed the turn to Eagles Nest (one can easily do the short scramble up to Eagles Nest for some views of the sea behind hout bay and of orange kloof). After the u bend at Eagles Nest the trail cuts back down to the lower contour from here its an easy path with some shade back to Cecelia Ravine where you can head back down along the river as we did or do a variation along the forest Avenue back to the parking. In summary the trail is very manageable but there are a few steep sections and with morning summer sun it may make the trail a little more difficult than expected but overall it is an easy trail for any experienced hiker. There was no fee to enter into the Forest and there was a security guard on duty (Saturday). This trail was busy and so that can act as a good deterant to nefarious activity with that in mind take care and be vigilant at all times especially when it is quiet. As always take the necessary precautions and leave all but essential items and valuables at home.