13 Peaks Challenge Cape Town
Hiking Peak 6 and 7 of the 13 Peaks Challenge, 21–22 June 2025
When you sign up for Cape Town’s legendary 13 Peaks Challenge, you sign up for everything: dazzling views (even if obscured by thick fog and mist), quad-busting climbs, sweaty smiles, sore feet — and sometimes, soggy bums.
Our weekend adventure on Peaks 6 and 7 — Suther Peak and Chapman’s Peak — was all of that and more. We walked. We scrambled. We got lost. We laughed. We got soaked. And somewhere between Blackburn Ravine and the cloudy summit of Chappies, we became officially known as the “nat gatters“ — otherwise known as ‘wet bums’, because that is how wet we got this weekend.
Here’s the full story of our latest chapter in the 13 Peaks Challenge Cape Town — and why, even soaked to the bone, it was one of the best weekends on trail yet.
Peak 6: Suther Peak — 21 June 2025
We kicked off Peak 6 on Saturday morning from the Sandy Bay parking area — overcast skies overhead, but good vibes all around. The weather had threatened us with rain for the past week, but by some small miracle, the clouds began to lift as we started the climb up Suther Peak.
For those unfamiliar, Suther Peak (or Suffer Peak if you have ever run the UTCT 100 km or 100 miler) is one of the less-talked-about gems in the Table Mountain National Park range.
Tucked behind Sandy Bay and Hout Bay, the peak offers a beautiful scramble to the summit — with just the right mix of fun and challenge.
The trail starts off gently before giving way to boulder hopping and sections of hands-on scrambling. Our group moved steadily, spirits high. We chatted, breathed in the fresh air, and were rewarded with views that kept getting better the higher we went.
Except as we got closer to the peak, the mist got thicker and the wind bit harder.
Near the summit, the scramble became tight — quite literally. Fitting all of us up on the narrow summit at once took some manoeuvring (and a few awkward photo angles).
But standing atop Suther Peak, with Hout Bay and Sandy Bay somewhere below the mist, we nevertheless managed a little summit dance.
The beauty of Cape Town winter hiking — crisp, cool air, obscured views, and then that moment when golden sunlight breaks through the grey.
The Long Walk To Chappies
After descending Suther Peak, we still had more trail time ahead. Peak 7 — Chapman’s Peak — was our goal for the following day. But logistically, we needed to position ourselves closer to the start point. That meant a nearly 5km walk from Sandy Bay parking to the East Fort Trailhead on Chapman’s Peak Drive.
It turned out to be a lovely stretch of road walking — the sun now in full glory, and Hout Bay showing off in the crisp winter air. A fitting way to end Day 1 — shoes dusty, faces smiling.
Peak 7: Chapman’s Peak — 22 June 2025
Day 2 dawned… slightly differently.
Our hike leader was out sick, which meant our merry band of hikers would be navigating this peak without the voice of reason.
I had never hiked Chapman’s Peak from East Fort before — a perfect recipe for a good old-fashioned adventure. But I have hiked it in the rain before, and there was rain predicted for the mid-late morning.
We had all the ingredients for an adventure!
We stayed on the contour, even though it took us away from Chapman’s Peak, initially, before it curved back towards Blackburn Ravine. At the weir we hesitated, unsure if we should go over or around. We chose around, on the advice of another group of hikers, but that trail took us up the ravine.
The towering rock walls, lush greenery, and the sound of rushing water had us captivated — and halfway up before we realised: this was not where we were supposed to be.
Tempted though we were to explore further (Blackburn looks like a brilliant future hike — plenty of scrambles and beauty), we made the smart choice to turn back. A helpful local couple confirmed: cross at the weir. Back we went — a bit soggy, but undeterred.
Our first instincts were correct.
Onward to the Summit
Once back on track, the trail wound gradually upward on a long contour route to Chapman’s Peak cairn. By this point, a mist had started to descend, followed by a relentless drizzle.
The Atlantic views that we had imagined… were swallowed by grey.
Visibility dropped to 10 metres. But mission is mission — and when you’re 7 peaks deep into 13 Peaks Cape Town, a little rain won’t stop you.
That long contour path to the stone cairn, felt never-ending in the mist. The familiar became unfamiliar. But finally, dripping wet, faces flushed, we tagged Chapman’s Peak — triumphant!
Coffee, Snacks, and a Honda Rescue
Our celebration was brief — a quick coffee, snacks shared in the swirling mist, laughter ringing out despite our bedraggled state.
We began our descent, sticking to the original Chapman’s Peak Trailhead route.
After five hours on trail (for what’s usually a three-hour hike), in wet gear and with tired legs, spirits remained surprisingly high.
Blame the jellybabies!
"Nat Gatters"
And so, a new hiking nickname was born: the “nat gatters” — our affectionate tribute to a day spent exploring in the wet and wild. Soggy boots, soggy bums and happy hearts.
Reflections on the Weekend
This weekend of Peak 6 and 7 in the 13 Peaks Challenge had everything I love about hiking:
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Adventure: Even familiar trails can surprise you. Getting “lost” in Blackburn Ravine was a reminder to stay humble and alert on the mountain.
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Team spirit: Navigating without a hike leader, we pulled together and laughed our way through wrong turns and wet climbs.
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Nature’s moods: From Saturday’s mist-kissed summit of Suther Peak to Sunday’s drenched Chapman’s Peak, we experienced Cape Town’s winter magic in full force.
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Learning: I now know exactly where not to cross Blackburn Ravine to stay on the contour — and I’ll be back for that hike on a sunnier day.
Pausing the 13 Peaks Journey — for Now
With Peaks 6 and 7 tagged, we’re officially pausing our 13 Peaks Adventure for a month or so, due to other commitments. But what a way to press “pause” — wet socks, big smiles, and memories for the books.
Tips for Future 13 Peakers:
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Suther Peak: A rewarding scramble — not technical, but some tight spots at the top.
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Chapman’s Peak from East Fort: Keep a close eye on the crossings at Blackburn Ravine. In misty weather, even well-known trails feel brand new.
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Weather: Cape Town’s winter can be wild — pack extra layers, be prepared for rain, and adjust your plans if visibility worsens.
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Trail magic: A hot coffee in the mist is pure happiness — don’t forget your flask.
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Transport: Having a buddy like Butch at the ready can turn a long slog into a comfy ride home.
Final Thoughts
Seven peaks down, six to go — and the mountain still calls.
The 13 Peaks Challenge is about so much more than ticking off summits. It’s about friendship, laughter, learning to roll with what the mountain gives you — and sometimes, accepting a day of wet bums as part of the journey.
We’ll be back soon for Peaks 8–13 — hopefully with drier socks and just as much adventure.
Read about Peaks 1-4 and Peak 5.
My eternal thanks to Anni and Saeed for sharing their videos and photos. I appreciate you so much!
Finally, we have dedicated our 13 Peaks Challenge to the People of Gaza and for a Free Palestine.
Please won’t you donate to the below organisations to get food and aid to the starving children in Gaza.
FREE PALESTINE!
Good job Gabieba…What an exceptional piece of running commentary of a marvellous adventure. I never had 13 Peaks on my bucket list…. But dangggg!!! I’m excited to see it through till the end.
Absolutely salute you.all….NATGATTERS.
BRILLIANT READ…SUCH AN ADVENTURE
WELL DONE