If you are a beginner or an avid hiker keen to expose newbies to the exhilaration that is hiking in the Mother City, this is the absolute perfect trail.
A short but steep climb from Rhodes Memorial to the King’s Blockhouse on Devil’s Peak offers stunning views of the city, the V&A Waterfront harbour, and everything in between. On a clear day, you could even see out all the way to Bloubergstrand.
Distance: 1.8 km
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
During the British occupation of the Cape in 1795, the existing Dutch line of defence had three blockhouses up the slopes of Devil’s Peak of which the King’s Blockhouse is the only one remaining intact. According to SA History, the stone structure was used to signal station for communication between Table Bay and False Bay.
There’s also almost no way to get lost, which should put new hikers at ease. Simply start at the Rhodes Memorial parking lot and follow the trail up. Keep an eye out for iconic flora along the way!
As with everything in Cape Town, the beautiful Rhodes Memorial is steeped in history. The statue was built in 1912 and is a tribute to Englishman Cecil John Rhodes who became Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. According to Sun International, the Memorial is made of bronze and Cape granite quarried from Table Mountain.
Great for kids, dogs and everyone in between, the trail offers lovely picnic spots along the way. Watch out for mountain bikers who are also often on this trail.
The terrain is rough during the first half up so be careful of loose stones and sliding, especially after rain. The trail then softens into a wide jeep track that flattens for a long part almost until the top. Enjoy the panoramic views and make sure to admire the Blockhouse from up close! Follow the same path down upon return.
Those who aren’t tired yet can continue up the mountain to a myriad of other destinations including Woodstock Cave to ascend Devil’s Peak via Knife’s Edge.
Also read: TAKE A HIKE: Silvermine to Kalk Bay
Pictures: Anita Froneman
Featured picture: Esme Fick Uys Coetzé