Hiking Cape Town’s Pipe Track – from Kloof Nek to Camps Bay… and the views that’ll make you want to
If it’s views you’re after, but you want to avoid the masses of tourists clambering up Platteklip to the top of Table Mountain, a quick stroll around the Pipe Track will get your heart pumping – both with its breathtaking views and because of the rugged terrain.
Anyone who lives in or visits Cape Town will know that it’s a city that lends itself to an outdoor lifestyle. I spent the majority of my adult life shunning this notion, until about 12 months ago.
I did the Couch25K programme and now I am one of those weirdoes who get up at fokkofoclock on a weekend morning to go climb a mountain.
Make no mistake: I have absolutely no athletic ability to speak of. My legs are short, my balance is shit and I still regularly fall over my own feet by simply standing. But since starting this get fit stuff I no longer get out of breath walking up the hill to get to my house.
Also read: 11 Before and after fitness photos that will make you feel better about your progress
To maintain this – and to ensure I can stuff my face with cheese from that nice lady at the Gardens Centre cheese shop – I have to keep doing stuff.
Every fitness blogger or “expert” will tell you that the key to sustainable lifestyle change is doing something that you enjoy… it just sometimes takes a little bit of time to start enjoying it.
I know, I can hear you grunting that nothing about literally having a pain in your arse because of exercise is enjoyable, but this is a love-hate relationship and the excursions don’t always have to be excruciating.
Despite my genetic disposition meaning my greatest ever sporting achievement will be that time I hit a six into the neighbour’s yard, I do take some enjoyment out of doing stuff that involves putting one foot in front of the other. I try to pretend to be runner, but walking up or around mountains is far more appealing.
The Pipe Track in Cape Town is something that has long been known to locals, but as a newbie to this fitness stuff, it’s a whole new world to me. It stretches from Kloof Nek (at the bottom of the mountain) to Camps Bay. It’s not so flat that you forget you’re even going up a mountain, but it’s not so tough that you just want to dos and cry and eat 10kg of potatoes when you get home.
So, if you’re looking for something fun and (moderately easy) to do on morning, here’s the good and the bad of hiking Cape Town’s Pipe Track.
The good
The views, obviously. I mean, just look.
Also good: even though it’s a popular route, it’s not nearly as popular as Lion’s Head or Platteklip. It means that while you’re bound to run into a few friendly faces along the way, you’re unlikely to have to try and shoulder your way past a group of overseas tourists who are congregating on Platteklip taking selfies.
Did we mention the views? I mean seriously, look.
Also good: the varied terrain. Probably not all that good if you’re not too nimble on your feet (I fell flat on my arse twice while coming down). Tip: go steady.
Also good: close to public transport. The MyCiti bus is a marvel. If you’re not using it, you’re missing out. The 107 bus stops right at its starting point and if you come down through Camps Bay, there are a few MyCiti options in close proximity. This means that if you must use your car and park at Kloof Nek parking lot, you don’t have to panic about the walk back to your car. Just hop on a bus.
Also good: those seeking something more strenuous can access two climbs up to The Table from here – both Diagonal and Kasteelspoort start on this track.
The bad
The terrain. You are walking on a trail. The ground shifts from soft and sandy to rocky and annoying. The downside is, if, like me, you’re even moderately useless at walking, you spend a lot of time looking at your feet and can forget to take in the views.
Because, views, guys.
It feels a bit like cheating. Part of the reason I enjoy clambering up to the top of the mountain is because I feel like I’ve earned the 5kg of cheese I’m stuffing down my face. While you’ll definitely get a good workout if you spend anything more than an hour on the trial, it doesn’t really get you huffing and puffing if you’re of moderate fitness if you’re only going for a short stroll.
However, if you’re looking to switch up your regime, the Pipe Track makes for some good trail running.
More details:
What: The Cape Town Pipe Track
Duration: Three hours return (at a very steady pace, and stopping for breaks to take in the views)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, no scrambling
Distance: 6 km one way (to Corridor Ravine)
What the guide books say: The Pipe Track was built in 1887 to service the pipeline that brought water from the Disa River, on Table Mountain’s Back Table, through the mountain via the Woodhead tunnel, to Slangolie Ravine and eventually to the Molteno Reservoir in the city. (via Nightjar Travel)
Map:
