near Bakoven, Western Cape (South Africa)
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Itinerary description
One of the many, many highlights of Table Mountain are the numerous routes and paths established over the centuries which hikers can pick and choose from. The almost endless permutations of potential routes to choose from can keep any avid hiker in the Cape busy for years on end. After countless trips up Platteklip or Skeleton Gorge one inevitably begins to seek something different. This variation or others like it may provide the answer. This trail begins and ends on Theresa Avenue in Bakoven where the majority of other hikers parked in the vicinity will be doing the Pipe Track or the infamous Kasteelspoort route to the Diving Board. The route recorded here follows the same jeep tracks up as the Kasteelspoort route before meeting the Pipe Track and heading North along it. Shortly thereafter this trail diverges at the Diagonal Route signposted intersection which is clearly marked. It is after this diversion that the path less travelled nature of the Diagonal becomes apparent as the gradient sharply ascends and winds its way up to a small ledge like cave which offers a picturesque view of Camps Bay, Lions Head and the Back Table all the way up to the Cable Car Station. After a well-deserved stop at the cave, the path bends around the buttress to the South and meets Porcupine Ravine where it ascends sharply upward before diverging over the next buttress, again to the South. After a short relatively easy, albeit slightly exposed section, the trail reaches its high point and levels out before descending gradually towards the top of Kasteelspoort. From here the diving board and the old Cable Car Station is a stone throw away and well worth a visit if it is not too crowded with tourists, be sure to step with caution and take care. After visiting the diving board this recording follows the Apostles Path South for a short way before diverting for a quick stop at Rendezvous Cave and then continuing towards the Tranquility Cracks, some of the Table Mountain overnight cottages will be visible on the Left. After passing the trail summit of Woody Ravine, one reaches the aptly named Saucy Dog Rock Feature which is also the summit of the Three Firs route. Then after passing the Slangoliekloof Ravine summit, marked with a dangerous descent warning the Apostles Path heads towards Corridor Ravine and the Tranquility Cracks. The Tranquility Cracks are quite the sight if one can find them. The path off to them is faint and can be easily missed but this recording should help guide. Once found there are a numerous forested cracks, caves and boulders to explore, an entire day could be dedicated to this activity if one chooses. After exploring the cracks, the path heads back to the Apostles Path along the same route taken in and then descends down Corridor Ravine on the same Western Side of Table Mountain which was ascended earlier via the Diagonal Route. Corridor Ravine has sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean over Llandudno and Oudekraal and descends rather rapidly before bending around the buttress into Slangoliekloof. At the time of writing the path in Slangoliekloof had recently experienced a bit of a rock or landslide due to the heavy June 2023 rains. A section of the path had been washed away and it might require one to scramble over a few boulders and logs to reach the path again. We were warned by some concerned hikers earlier that crossing the landslide was in no way safe and should be avoided but in my opinion, it was not unsafe, or technical, and was very much doable for anyone with adequate coordination, just proceed slowly and keep your concentration, there were a few young children who managed this so enough said. After crossing this obstacle it’s a straightforward somewhat level walk back along the ever-scenic Pipe Track back to the starting point on Theresa Avenue. Almost all in our group found the trail most enjoyable with varying levels of difficulty between the sections, the ascent can be strenuous at times, but it isn’t relentless and there are level sections. The route changes rapidly with a new ravine or highlight appearing one after the next so it makes for a hike that is in no way monotonous. It is a variation I can highly recommend trying out, especially if you have covered Table Mountain’s more conventional routes countless times. There are some fairly steep climbs, descents and a small section of exposure exiting Porcupine Ravine which might test those who are afraid of heights but for the rest the path is straightforward, scenic and easy. We attempted this trail in Winter after substantial rains and similar conditions can make the route up Porcupine Ravine slippery as the path turns into a small cascading stream, take caution and be aware of the risks. As always with any hike in or around Cape Town take care with your belongings and ensure that nothing of value is left in your car when parked on Theresa Avenue. Security in Bakoven is better than many other trail start/end points in Cape Town but as always remain cautious at all times, especially at dawn and dusk, leave any valuables at home if possible and do not let the risks deter you. Please report any suspicious activity to the authorities and take note of the emergency contact information on the signboard on Theresa Avenue where the trail starts and ends.
Waypoints
Left Turn on the Jeep Tracks
Keep left at the intersection
Shortcut Up to Pipe Track (Right)
Shortcut up to the Pipetrack
Left Turn on the Pipe Track Towards the Diagonal Route
Pipe Track intersection head left or North on pipe track
Signage Showing the Diagonal Route
Right off the pipe track to ascend the diagonal route
Views on the zig zagging ascent
Views of the surrounds from the Zig Zagging path
Cave Overhang good for shade and can have dripping water
Overhang breakfast coffee stop
Porcupine Ravine Flowing After Heavy Rains
The route up porcupine ravine slippery and flowing after heavy rains
Scrambling Section, Take Caution when wet
Steep section that requires some scrambling
Views of the Table after the Diagonal Climb out of Porcupine Ravine
Surrounding Vistas of Table Mountain and the Sea
Exposed Scrambling Section, Proceed With Caution
Sheer drop off the side of the path, proceed slowly and do not rush, extra caution to be taken when wet.
Meerkat Rock
The rock that resembles a family of Meerkats perched upright.
Views to Constantiaberg, Trail High Point
The Views in the distance
Boardwalk section over the Swamp Area
Wooden Board to keep the trail accessible
Intersection Sign Showing Route to Kasteelspoort
Intersection on the trail follow the route to top of Kasteeelspoort
Table Mountain Intersection sign showing connecting routes
Found all over the summit of table mountain
Overnight Accommodation on Table Mountain Summit, Booking Essential
The overnight accommodation up on table mountain
Route Intersection and Map
Found in strategic locations all over table mountain
Pink Watsonia Blooming in Winter
Bright pink Watsonia found on top of Table Mountains summit
Divergence off Apostles path to Old Cable station
The way to the old cable station and the diving board
Historical Cable Car Station up Kasteelspoort
The old blocks of the previous cable car station
The Diving Board Lunch and Photo Stop, Take Caution on the Board
The board is high and the area to stand is quite narrow, visit with Caution be aware of gusts of wind
Soft Grass Section Under a large Overhanging Rock
Soft Grassy Section which could provide good shade in Summer
Rendezvous Cave
A large overhanging cave a short detour off the Apostles Path
Top of Woody Ravine
Keep Left to not Descend via Woody Ravine and head for Corridor Ravine
Top Of Three Firs Route
Keep left to head to Corridor Ravine
The Saucy Dog Rock
Strange Name will require some imagination
Multi Intersection
Top of Slangoliekloof, Left goes to Orangekloof, Right is a Dangerous Descent Down Slangoliekloof and Straight heads to the Tranquility cracks and Corridor Ravine
Sweeping Views Across the Back Table
Views across the Back Table Near to the Cracks turnoff
Table Mountain's Tranquility Cracks
The Famous but tricky to find and navigate Tranquility Cracks
Yellowwoods in the Cracks
The cracks and the large trees within
The Tranquility Cracks
A most enjoyable scenery among the trees in the cracks
The Tranquility Cracks Surrounds
Views of the surrounds near the cracks
Intersection to the Tranquility Cracks
The faint turnoff to get to the Tranquility Tracks on Table Mountain
Summit of Corridor Ravine
The top of Corridor Ravine, Descent Begins here
Oudekraal Beach and the Atlantic Ocean Below
Views down to Oudekraal Beach and the sea below
Overhang with good drip water after good rains, good refill option
Overhang point with dripping water
Peaks above on the trail
Views of the surrounds on the trail
Cave Overhang Overlooking Slangoliekloof
The cave overlooking the kloof below good for shade in the warmer months
Forest Section in Slangoliekloof steep watch footing
The forested canopy section in Slangoliekloof, Good shade but steep.
Rockfall in Slangoliekloof, Easy to Cross but take it slow
Rockfall after heavy winter rains in 2023
Waterfall on the Southern Pipe Track after Good Rains
Waterfall to walk Through, you might get wet=
Views on the Southern Pipe Track
The views down to the ocean after the clouds cleared
Prolific Birdlife in woody Ravine and Surrounds
Dense canopy and birdlife in woody ravine
The Old Pump Station
The old Pump Station on the Pipe Track
Parking on Theresa Avenue in Bakoven
Starting Point for Multiple Trails on the Atlantic Side of Table Mountain
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
This hike had some very steep sections that were slippery from rain the night before. It would have been much easier if the gully was dry. Its a tough climb to the top but then its easy along the top of the mountain and back down. The diving board is a nice stop, did not go to the cracks but the path to get to them was clear enough to find. The hike has really amazing views of the sea below and the landscape and rock features are interesting. The parking on Theresa ave can get quite busy so you may need to drive down a side road to find a parking spot. Dogs are allowed on the pipe track with a lead but I would be hesitant to bring them on the Diagonal because of some scrambling sections especially near the top.
Hello Chris, is it safe to do it alone? Strictly from safety POV, robbery...
I'm new in CPT
Thanks
Hi there. While in all likelihood this could be done without any problems, personally with the recent wave of crime I would not chance it alone. In general it's not advised. Ideal party is 4 or more. 1 to stay put with the person in trouble and 2 that can go find help. The lower part of this trail (pipe track) has seen a few muggings lately. The criminals are even targeting groups at knife or gunpoint so I would suggest going as a group and leaving valuables at home. Perhaps just one phone or GPS watch for navigation (make sure it's insured). If finding others to hike with you is a problem I suggest joining some of the hiking groups in CPT. Comehike, MCSA, Meetup, Westside are some to name a few.
Many thanks Chris. So, I would better do other tracks from your list on Cape Town close routes.