Table Mountain hiking routes can be likened to people’s character in that they are unique, showcasing the mountain in different ways and each having a distinct mood. Silverstream Buttress leads up the front of the mountain, offering superb views onto the iconic face of Table Mountain. The lower 90% of the route involves C-grade scrambling; the top rock band being the meat in the sandwich at D-grade, but easily avoided and kept C-grade by topping out via one of several routes in the area (Saddle Face, B+; Springs, C+ and Ledges, C; Silverstream Ravine, C). This is an ideal route for those wanting a more adventurous way up the mountain without full-on rock-climbing. The scrambling is on clean and sound rock, and though not very difficult, requires one to work out the moves.
Silverstream Buttress (circumventing the top rock band via another C-grade route) ranks as one of the most challenging hiking / scrambling routes on the mountain, and should therefore only be done by experienced hikers or in the company of a competent Table Mountain guide. Several pitches require the use of a rope. While none of the pitches are terribly exposed, the route requires one to have at least a fairly good head for heights, not to mention a sense of adventure.
No two Table Mountain hikes are the same, and Silverstream Buttress brings a unique serving of Table Mountain to the proverbial table.
(c) www.hiketablemountain.co.za