Platteklip Gorge
Photo Caption: #guesswhere this is! It is a very popular way up our Table Mountain.
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Photo by @ramonmellett
A trip to Cape Town will never be complete without ascending Table Mountain and experiencing the marvelous beauty it has to offer. Although the cableway provides a very scenic ride to and from the mountain, there are those who like to reach the summit by foot. Hiking on Table Mountain is a popular activity for the adventurous tourist and locals.
The Platteklip Gorge is one of the most popular hiking routes of Table Mountain. It is the oldest, quickest, easiest and most direct route up the mountain. The route has the nickname of “the N1 highway to the top”.
It is named Platteklip Gorge because it features large flat rocks and impressive sandstone cliffs. It is said to have been first ascended in 1503 by the mountain’s first ascensionists. This route is the most preferred alternative when it is impossible to descend from the mountain via the cable car due to strong winds.
Although it is considered the easiest, traversing Platteklip Gorge requires a certain degree of fitness.
The route starts with a well-constructed trail. There are big rock steps and imposing cliffs in the upper reaches. But this steep, large staircase-like route has no technical sections, exactly why it is considered the easiest route. It may not offer views as scenic as the other routes, but Platteklip Gorge overlooks the city, Table Bay and Devils Peak. You can still see views kilometers away during clear days. It will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to traverse. This classic route is surely a must-try. Read more about the Top 5 Hiking Routes Up Table Mountain
