TABLE MOUNTAIN: PLATTEKLIP GORGE
.
.
April 2020
Platteklip Gorge is the shortest and most direct route to the top of Table Mountain, and that means a lot of elevation gain in a short distance! You will climb roughly 700m in height over 2.5km, or 2276ft in 1.6miles! Don’t be deceived by its short distance though, this hike will test your endurance levels. Its not technical, but it is steep, and there are some big steps at the start which will get your heart rate going. If you are looking for a cardio workout, this is your hike, but you can also make it less intense by resting frequently and enjoying the views.
The start of the hike is on the same road as the Cable Car base station, Tafelberg Road, about 1km past the entrance to the cable car. The route up is well marked, easy to follow and there is enough space to pass slow moving traffic.The route is very popular as its not too time consuming, and can be scaled in under 1 hour by the super fit. However for most people it will take between 1 – 2 hours to reach the top. Small children will battle, so I wouldn’t advise this hike for a family with young kids, or anyone with bad knees or mobility issues.
At the summit you can walk across the top of the mountain to the Cable Car station, along well manicured paths, where you will find a restaurant, toilets, and some spectacular views! You then have the option to take the cable car down if the hike has been a little too exhausting. It is also often windy and cold at the top, despite the very hot conditions at the base, so we recommend that you bring something to keep you warm.
When it comes to making your way back down the mountain be very careful of the white granite stones and rock. They are very slippery, especially when wet, even with vibram soled boots. So you will need to be vigilant and tread carefully. The last thing you want is to slip and fall on your coccyx!
This is a must do hike if you have the capacity, as it offers an intense cardio workout combined with some truly unforgettable views. Or go at your own pace, stop to enjoy the scenery and remember its not a race to the top. Please pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Please note that this is our interpretation of the hike and is not meant to be used for navigation purposes. Hiking can involve dangerous elements, and remember that the weather on top of a mountain is always different to that at the base. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times, wear the appropriate clothing and footwear, don’t litter and stick to the foot paths. Do not light a fire no matter what.
NEED TO KNOW:
- DURATION: 2 – 4 hours depending on your fitness levels.
- DISTANCE: ±5.5 km – straight up and down
- ELEVATION GAIN: ±700m
- EFFORT LEVEL: 8/10
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/10
- REQUIREMENTS: Comfortable shoes, water bottle, snacks, warm top.
- ENTRY FEE: No entry fee. Cable car ticket down is R200.
- AMENITIES: Toilets, restaurant etc at cable station
- SAFETY: 8/10 Always monitor your surroundings.
- ACCESSIBILITY: You will need to be fit and mobile to complete this hike. Not advisable for small kids.
- SCENERY: 8/10
Send us a message and together we will design your day of fun and adventure!
TABLE MOUNTAIN:
PLATTEKLIP GORGE
April 2020
Platteklip Gorge is the shortest and most direct route to the top of Table Mountain, and that means a lot of elevation gain in a short distance! You will climb roughly 700m in height over 2.5km, or 2276ft in 1.6miles!
Don’t be deceived by its short distance though, this hike will test your endurance levels. Its not technical, but it is steep, and there are some big steps at the start which will get your heart rate going. If you are looking for a cardio workout, this is your hike, but you can also make it less intense by resting frequently and enjoying the views.
The start of the hike is on the same road as the Cable Car base station, Tafelberg Road, about 1km past the entrance to the cable car. The route up is well marked, easy to follow and there is enough space to pass slow moving traffic.The route is very popular as its not too time consuming, and can be scaled in under 1 hour by the super fit. However for most people it will take between 1 – 2 hours to reach the top. Small children will battle, so I wouldn’t advise this hike for a family with young kids, or anyone with bad knees or mobility issues.
At the summit you can walk across the top of the mountain to the Cable Car station, along well manicured paths, where you will find a restaurant, toilets, and some spectacular views! You then have the option to take the cable car down if the hike has been a little too exhausting. It is also often windy and cold at the top, despite the very hot conditions at the base, so we recommend that you bring something to keep you warm.
When it comes to making your way back down the mountain be very careful of the white granite stones and rock. They are very slippery, especially when wet, even with vibram soled boots. So you will need to be vigilant and tread carefully. The last thing you want is to slip and fall on your coccyx!
This is a must do hike if you have the capacity, as it offers an intense cardio workout combined with some truly unforgettable views. Or go at your own pace, stop to enjoy the scenery and remember its not a race to the top. We give this a hike a rating of 3B due to its strenuous nature. Please pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
NEED TO KNOW:
- DURATION: 2 – 4 hours depending on your fitness levels.
- DISTANCE: ±5.5 km – straight up and down
- ELEVATION GAIN: ±700m
- EFFORT LEVEL: 8/10
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/10
- REQUIREMENTS: Comfortable shoes, water bottle, snacks, warm top.
- ENTRY FEE: No entry fee. Cable car ticket down is R200.
- AMENITIES: Toilets, restaurant etc at cable station
- SAFETY: 8/10 Always monitor your surroundings.
- ACCESSIBILITY: You will need to be fit and mobile to complete this hike. Not advisable for small kids.
- SCENERY: 8/10
Please note that this is our interpretation of the hike and is not meant to be used for navigation purposes. Hiking can involve dangerous elements, and remember that the weather on top of a mountain is always different to that at the base. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times, wear the appropriate clothing and footwear, don’t litter and stick to the foot paths. Do not light a fire no matter what.
Send us a message and together we will design your day of fun and adventure!
TABLE MOUNTAIN:
PLATTEKLIP GORGE
April 2020
Platteklip Gorge is the shortest and most direct route to the top of Table Mountain, and that means a lot of elevation gain in a short distance! You will climb roughly 700m in height over 2.5km, or 2276ft in 1.6miles!
Don’t be deceived by its short distance though, this hike will test your endurance levels. Its not technical, but it is steep, and there are some big steps at the start which will get your heart rate going. If you are looking for a cardio workout, this is your hike, but you can also make it less intense by resting frequently and enjoying the views.
The start of the hike is on the same road as the Cable Car base station, Tafelberg Road, about 1km past the entrance to the cable car. The route up is well marked, easy to follow and there is enough space to pass slow moving traffic.The route is very popular as its not too time consuming, and can be scaled in under 1 hour by the super fit. However for most people it will take between 1 – 2 hours to reach the top. Small children will battle, so I wouldn’t advise this hike for a family with young kids, or anyone with bad knees or mobility issues.
At the summit you can walk across the top of the mountain to the Cable Car station, along well manicured paths, where you will find a restaurant, toilets, and some spectacular views! You then have the option to take the cable car down if the hike has been a little too exhausting. It is also often windy and cold at the top, despite the very hot conditions at the base, so we recommend that you bring something to keep you warm.
When it comes to making your way back down the mountain be very careful of the white granite stones and rock. They are very slippery, especially when wet, even with vibram soled boots. So you will need to be vigilant and tread carefully. The last thing you want is to slip and fall on your coccyx!
This is a must do hike if you have the capacity, as it offers an intense cardio workout combined with some truly unforgettable views. Or go at your own pace, stop to enjoy the scenery and remember its not a race to the top. We give this a hike a rating of 3B due to its strenuous nature. Please pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
NEED TO KNOW:
- DURATION: 2 – 4 hours depending on your fitness levels.
- DISTANCE: ±5.5 km – straight up and down
- ELEVATION GAIN: ±700m
- EFFORT LEVEL: 8/10
- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: 3/10
- REQUIREMENTS: Comfortable shoes, water bottle, snacks, warm top.
- ENTRY FEE: No entry fee. Cable car ticket down is R200.
- AMENITIES: Toilets, restaurant etc at cable station
- SAFETY: 8/10 Always monitor your surroundings.
- ACCESSIBILITY: You will need to be fit and mobile to complete this hike. Not advisable for small kids.
- SCENERY: 8/10
Please note that this is our interpretation of the hike and is not meant to be used for navigation purposes. Hiking can involve dangerous elements, and remember that the weather on top of a mountain is always different to that at the base. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times, wear the appropriate clothing and footwear, don’t litter and stick to the foot paths. Do not light a fire no matter what.
Send us a message and together we will design your day of fun and adventure!