Hikers

If the idea of mountainous cliffs, steep drops and strenuous climbing blows your hair back, you might like to take the Cableway to the top and hike back down, or even hike both ways! Just remember that you won’t always be able to rely on the Cableway to get up or down (due to unpredictable weather conditions), so leave yourself enough time to hike to the top and back again before dark if needs be.

Hikers’ special

Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the hikers’ special until September 30, 2010. Start your day with an invigorating hike to the upper Cableway station and buy a one-way ticket, for R45.00, before 09h30 any morning of the week. Tickets can be purchased at the top station ticket office, inside the “Shop at the Top”. Check the Specials section for more special deals.

Important rules for hikers

• Never hike alone. A group of four is ideal. Nominate a leader to guide you and make decisions on behalf of the group
• The group should hike at the rate of the slowest member and should never split up
• Take more than enough drinking water, especially in summer
• Select your route best suited to your group’s experience, fitness levels and capability
• Remember that the Cableway can close at any time due to unpredictable weather conditions. Don’t rely on being able to ride it up or down, even if you’ve already checked whether it’s open
• Allow sufficient time to ascend and descend before dark, making allowance for a stop at the summit for a rest and refreshments
• If you intend taking the Cableway down, make sure that it is operating on the day but leave yourself enough time to hike down before sunset if needs be
• Hike with someone who is familiar with the route or use a recent map or guidebook. Alternatively consult someone who has personally climbed the route
• Never stray off designated routes, take short cuts or enter unknown ravines
• Take note of signs that warn of danger ahead
• Always ensure that someone knows exactly which route you intend taking and when you expect to return (do not deviate from this plan)
• Take proper weatherproof and windproof clothing in your backpack in case the weather changes or you are delayed for some reason
• Be aware of changes in the weather and turn back if bad weather threatens, or if you’re battling on the chosen route
• In an emergency, find a spot that offers some form of shelter from the wind. Never try to continue climbing in the dark or in heavy mist
• If you get lost, retrace your steps. If you can’t find your original path, move down broad, open slopes.

Hiking up and down Platteklip

If you decide to give the Cableway a miss in favour of a hike to the top of the mountain, do not be misled by the 3km distance from bottom to top. The distance may sound short, but the hike is a physically demanding “moderate to tough” route that takes between one and three or more hours to complete.

The hike is suitable for older children who are in peak physical condition. Although the path is easy to negotiate, it is quite steep and should be tackled at an easy pace, affording hikers time to appreciate the flora, fauna and scenic views.

The route starts at the parking lot 2km past the lower cable station.

Buy the complete Table Mountain map online from www.themaps.co.za