June 2020

Kasteelspoort and the “diving board” (a rock shelf protruding out from the side of the mountain giving the impression of a large diving board) is a moderate hike and accessible for most. There are a couple of short scrambling sections and some loose shale rock towards the top, which can make it a little slippery, but generally the path is easy to follow and navigate. 

There are 2 parking options, the longer option which adds about 8km in total to your hike is to park at Kloof Nek, and follow the Pipe Track trail until you see a sign for Kasteelspoort. The other option is to park at Teresa Avenue, however parking bays are limited due to the fact that it is a residential area. Please be considerate and dont park in driveways or block driveways/the street, we want to be able to continue to use this location. If we anger the residents the use of this area may no longer be viable.

From the Teresa Ave parking follow the cement road up the mountain, and after a few hundred meters take the fork to the right. When the road joins up with Pipe Track, turn left and make your way towards Lions Head. You will pass a view point with a bench on your left and shortly afterwards you will come to the sign for Kasteelspoort. 

The trail weaves its way up and turns to the right as you move away from Kasteels buttress. On the way you will have to scramble over a couple of rocky sections, and rock walls, nothing too difficult but its not a simple walk up as you will need to use your hands. After a while you will come to a flat section of rock, aka ” breakfast rock” which is a popular resting spot with magnificent views of Lions Head and Camps Bay below. The trail now gets steeper and a little more technical, with a few sections that may need the use of your hands to get up. Again nothing too serious, but its not a simple walk like Platteklip. 

Soon you will see the diving board up and on your right. It may seem like its miles away still, but dont despair just yet. When the trail is tough and seemingly never ending its an indication that you are close to the summit, and the intensity will begin to ease up. You will cross over a small stream and come across a stone route marker. Follow the directions to Kasteelspoort, which is now only a few hundred meters away. 

To get to the diving board follow the path past the remains of the original cable car, and through the bushes on the left, heading in the direction of the “diving board”. Its fairly easy to find. Interesting fact about the old cable car is that it was used to transport building material up the mountain, to build the original dams and cottages. There was even a train on top of the mountain, which can been seen in the waterworks museum next to the Helly Hutchinson dam!

Please exercise caution when on the diving board, and be conscious of the wind, as a sudden strong gust can easily push you off balance.  

When its time to leave you have a couple of options. Either make your way across to the cable car if you parked at Kloof Nek, and descend the using the knee friendly option, or follow the same path you took up back down. If you choose the later option take note of the loose and slippery shale rock. Fortunately it only lasts a few hundred meters but caution needs to be exercised. Its very easy to slip out and land on your bum, or wrists. So be careful and take it slow. 

Overall Kasteelspoort is a great hike, with a good cardio workout. Its popular for the “diving board” and taking pictures. Best time to hike would be in the morning as the trail is in the shadow of the mountain, while in the afternoon you will be fully exposed to the sun which is not advised.