Hundreds of routes lead up the iconic front of Table Mountain, most of them climbing routes, only five hiking routes, four of which involve scrambling and two of those of a technical degree that necessitates the use of ropes for the average hiker. The only hiking route up the famous front face of Table Mountain not requiring ropes – and does not follow the natural line of weakness offered by ravines – is Left Face ‘B’. It tackles the mountain head-on, threading through imposing cliffs to eventually gain the summit smack in the center of the tabletop. A more ingenious line up the mountain can hardly be imagine: from below, the way ahead bristles with overhangs, and the sheer faces appears impregnable. Here’s a Table Mountain hiking route that keeps you guessing all the way. Only a faint path and the occasional cairn mark the way. Scrambling and exposure to heights add to the adventure. Table Mountain hikes all have a notable distinction, and in this case it’s a full frontal ascent of the famous tabletop of Table Mountain. Nowhere does the routes duck into the benevolent and sheltered confines of a ravine, or does it sneak around the less steep back of the mountain, but continues upward on the open face of the mountain, picking an improbable line. The route has another distinction: it tops out abruptly onto the tabletop – a feature shared in lesser degrees by other routes. One moment you’re scrambling up a near-vertical face with the city 3000 feet / 1000 meters below your feet, the next you find yourself on the flat summit plateau.

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