Photo of the week – September week #4: Corridor Buttress

Sep 26, 2014

Table Mountain hiking routes cover much of the viewpoints and points of interest the mountain has to offer, but there are a few exciting vantage points and topographical features that requires a short digression. The summit of Corridor Buttress is one such digression, worthy of the extra time and effort required. Arguably the most imposing and beautiful peak in the 12 Apostle range, Corridor Buttress projects proudly over pristine mountain slopes, it’s prow-like summit drawing the eye.

Several Table Mountain hikes lead up to the undulating summit plateau of the 12 Apostles. The Apostle Skyline path links all the Apostles, allowing a grand traverse of all the Apostles. The arterial trail runs behind most of the actual peaks of the Apostles, hence the detour required to gain the frontal edge and official summit of Corridor Buttress. A vague trail leads out to the summit beacon, traversing broken terrain. The views from the summit beacon is breathtaking, and the sensational location even more so. The place makes for a perfect tea spot (in windless conditions), with lots of peace and solitude to enjoy. If you have a good head for heights, step out onto the Bowsprit, a semi-detached rock platform at the end of space that juts out over a stupendous drop, giving the sensation of floating in mid-air.

Some Table Mountain hikes can be greatly enhanced through the inclusion of asides: obscure little detours to features and locations seemingly insignificant, or invisible, from the actual route. This is where an experienced mountain-guide adds a lot of value to a Table Mountain hike. Hiking Table Mountain is not only about reaching the summit, but immersing yourself in the unique environment as well as maximizing your perspectives of the setting. The summit of Corridor Buttress ranks in my books as one of the best viewpoints and locations on the entire Table Mountain massif, yet most people walk right past it, oblivious to its uniqueness from the main trail; and so it is with many other locations on the mountain.

(c) www.hiketablemountain.co.za

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