A Tale of Three Trails

1. The Pipe Track

2. Three Firs

3. Woody Ravine

Table Mountain offers a labyrinth of hiking trails, each with its own character, challenges, and rewards.

Some trails are well-worn, bustling with hikers, while others feel like secret passages into the mountain’s quiet heart.

One such hidden gem is the Three Firs route, a lesser-known but deeply rewarding ascent, followed by a descent via Woody Ravine.

This combination delivers breathtaking views, a sense of solitude, and a satisfying challenge that leaves you feeling accomplished.

The Trailhead: Setting Out from Theresa Avenue

The hike begins in the residential suburb of Camps Bay, at the top of Theresa Avenue. This area serves as the starting point for multiple routes up Table Mountain, including Kasteelspoort.

However, instead of following the more popular route, we take the path leading to Three Firs, named for a small cluster of pine trees along the way (which we didnt manage to spot). The trail is quiet, the air crisp with the scent of fynbos, and the sound of the city quickly fades as you ascend.

Three firs starts just past the Woody Ravine trail on the Pipe Track and our group split here. Half the group continued along the Pipe Track toward the cave before Corridor Ravine, enjoying the scenic traverse before heading back. The rest of us continued up Three Firs, ascending via Slangolie Ravine, eager for the challenge ahead.

The initial section follows a gentle contour path before veering sharply upward. The ascent is steady but manageable, with occasional rocky steps that require sure footing. The reward comes swiftly: panoramic views of Camps Bay, Lions Head, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly beyond. As you gain height, the city shrinks below, a reminder of how quickly the mountain can take you from urban bustle to raw wilderness.

The Climb: A Steady Push to the Top

Three Firs is not as frequently hiked as some of the other routes up Table Mountain, which makes it ideal for those seeking solitude.

The path steepens as it zigzags up the slope, and loose gravel in some sections demands careful navigation. But with every step, the views become more spectacular.

To the right, the towering Apostles flank the trail, and to the left, the Atlantic glimmers under the morning sun.

The Three Firs section itself is marked by a few standing pine trees—a remnant of earlier plantings that contrast against the native fynbos.

This is a good place to take a breather, sip some water, and appreciate the quiet. Beyond this point, the trail grows rockier, requiring the use of hands in some sections. There’s a brief but rewarding scramble near the top, adding a sense of adventure to the climb.

Eventually, the path levels out as it meets the back table of Table Mountain, opening up into a vast expanse of rugged beauty.

Protea bushes and restios dominate the vegetation, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a klipspringer darting between the rocks. The summit plateau is wide and undulating, offering an array of possible routes onward.

A Pause at the Top

Reaching the top via Three Firs delivers a sense of quiet accomplishment. While there’s no single dramatic peak, the plateau’s sheer vastness and the views toward Hout Bay and the Cape Peninsula more than make up for it. The higher altitude brings cooler air, and this is a perfect spot to rest, enjoy a snack, and take in the stillness before beginning the descent.

For those keen on exploring, a short detour can lead to the historic remains of the old Cableway hut or even towards Tranquillity Cracks, a fascinating maze of narrow rock fissures hidden along the mountain’s western edge.

The Descent: A Wild Journey Down Woody Ravine

Choosing Woody Ravine as the descent route adds a level of rugged beauty to the hike. Unlike the more structured steps of Kasteelspoort or the gentle contour paths leading to the Cableway, Woody Ravine is raw and untamed.

The entrance to the ravine is not immediately obvious, but once located, it quickly plunges into a steep, dramatic decline.

The first section is rocky but offers good grip, though caution is needed, especially in wet conditions when the rocks can be slick. The ravine narrows as you descend, and soon, you are enveloped by lush vegetation.

Woody Ravine is one of the few places on Table Mountain where indigenous forest still thrives, protected by the steep cliffs that shield it from fire.

Tree ferns, moss-covered rocks, and patches of dappled sunlight create an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Birdsong fills the air, and the sounds of the city seem impossibly distant. The shade provides a welcome contrast to the exposed ascent via Three Firs.

However, Woody Ravine is not to be underestimated. The trail is steep, and in some places, erosion has made footing tricky. Care is needed to navigate the large boulders and loose gravel. Unlike the more structured Platteklip Gorge, there are no built steps—only natural rock formations that require careful scrambling.

Back to the Start: The Final Stretch

As the ravine opens up, the gradient eases, and soon you emerge onto the Pipe Track. From here, it’s a straightforward and scenic walk back towards the starting point at Theresa Avenue.

The Pipe Track, an old service road built in the 1800s, contours along the base of the Twelve Apostles, offering magnificent views of the coastline below.

The last stretch provides an opportunity to reflect on the hike, stretching tired legs on the relatively flat terrain before reaching the end.

Final Thoughts: A Hike of Contrast and Reward

The Three Firs to Woody Ravine route is one of those rare hikes that offers an ideal blend of solitude, scenery, and challenge. The ascent via Three Firs is steep but not overly technical, offering rewarding views without overwhelming difficulty. The descent through Woody Ravine provides a dramatic shift in landscape, from exposed slopes to a hidden forest oasis, making for a diverse and engaging experience.

For those seeking an alternative to the busier routes up Table Mountain, this hike delivers in every way. It’s a reminder of the mountain’s many moods—harsh yet beautiful, rugged yet inviting. Whether you’re drawn to the expansive views, the quiet escape, or the thrill of a lesser-known route, this trail has something special to offer.

Tips for the Hike

Start early to avoid the heat, especially in summer

Take plenty of water, as there are no reliable water sources on the route.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, especially for the descent.

Be prepared for changing weather, as conditions can shift quickly at higher altitudes.

If hiking alone, let someone know your route, as Woody Ravine is a less-traveled descent.

Consider trekking poles for added stability, particularly for the steep downhill sections.

For those looking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths of Table Mountain, Three Firs to Woody Ravine is a hike worth adding to the list.

(You can also descend via Kasteelspoort)

It’s challenging but accessible, offering a taste of the mountain’s wilder side without requiring technical expertise.

Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the mountain’s quiet grandeur—something every hiker seeks, in one way or another.

Thanks

To Our Hike Leader, Boeta Cassiem!

Photo & Video Credits:

Anni

Bapoo

Minakshi

Wasielah