KASTEELSPOORT HIKING TRAIL
South Africa
Posted by Jason Crowther | Jul 18, 2016 | Hiking Trails, Table Mountain
DURATION
3 – 4 hours
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TRAIL TYPE
Out & Back
DISTANCE
3 km
The Kasteelspoort Hiking trail is one of the easier hikes up Table Mountain making it a popular trail for people of all fitness levels. The views from the top are simply terrific and the various rock formations allow for great photo opportunities. Once at the top you have a few different choices of where to head next. The total duration of the hike up and down is roughly 3 – 4 hours depending on where you start and of course, where you decide to go when at the top!
WHERE TO START THE KASTEELSPOORT HIKING TRAIL?
- Start at the top of Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay.
- Start at the top of Kloof Neck and walk along the pipe track.
The first option is great if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get started quickly. About 5 – 10 mins of walking along the Theresa Avenue Jeep track leading up the mountain will get you to the start of the Kasteelspoort hike. Parking on Theresa Avenue can be a bit limited and you will need to be mindful of residents driveways.
Option number two however will entail about 45 mins of walking along the famous pipe track before reaching the start of the trail. This is great if you want to soak up some views of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles or simply just to warm up those ankles! The start of Kasteelspoort is well sign posted making it easy to find.
The trail ascends moderately at first veering off to the right of Kasteels buttress. Initially there is little shade so it’s best to do this hike in the early morning before the sun is at its hottest. Once at the foot of Kasteels buttress there is a short section where you will have to get your hands dirty with a bit of scrambling. From here you will have great views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head and Oudekraal.
The path continues a little steeper up the Kasteelspoort Ravine but is nicely shaded. This section can be a bit slippery if there has been any recent rainfall, so be careful up there! Once at the top you can either head left into The Valley of the Red Gods and continue all the way to the top cable station, or you can head to the right which will take you to the site of the old cable way. You can also take this route if you plan on heading to The Woodhead & Helly-Hutchinson Reservoirs. The old cable way site provides a great place for a snack and cup of coffee and if you like, a few photo opportunities!
