WOOD BUTTRESS
Wood Buttress – A Scenic Scrambling Route on the Twelve Apostles
Wood Buttress is one of the most rewarding scrambling routes on the Atlantic Seaboard and leads up one of the Twelve Apostles at the back of Table Mountain. The route combines moderate adventure with beautiful landscapes, offering a perfect introduction to scrambling for those who enjoy a more hands-on hiking experience.
What Makes Wood Buttress Special
The trail includes a fair amount of moderately easy scrambling, meaning you climb short rock steps using both arms and feet. The route is not very exposed and the sandstone provides reliable grip with many natural hand- and footholds. You can usually choose between slightly easier or harder lines, depending on your confidence level. This makes Wood Buttress suitable for anyone with a bit of fitness and curiosity, especially hikers who would like to try scrambling for the first time. If you prefer a route without scrambling, Kasteelspoort is the better option.
Elevation and Hiking Stats
The trail starts at an altitude of 330 metres, with roughly 400 metres of elevation gain before reaching the top of the buttress at around 730 metres. If you plan to continue all the way to the Table Mountain Cableway, the route carries on to 1,060 metres. Because the trail is not widely known, it is often quiet, offering a peaceful and authentic experience in nature.
Duration
A comfortable ascent to the top of Wood Buttress takes about three hours, including short breaks and time for photos. The exact time depends on general fitness, group size and individual comfort with scrambling. Along the way, it is possible to visit the Old Cableway, with the iconic surfboard rock in the background.
Fitness and Requirements
You should be reasonably fit and free from any significant fear of heights. Confidence is important on this route, because parts of the trail require focused movement and steady footing, and nervousness can reduce safety as well as enjoyment.
Descent Options
There are several ways to descend after reaching the top. The most popular options are Kasteelspoort or Woody Ravine, both adding around two further hours to the outing. Another possibility is to walk through the Valley of Isolation and Echo Valley to the front table of Table Mountain, from where you descend with the Cableway. This option takes about two more hours. For a longer and more adventurous experience, you can cross the mountain to the reservoirs, enjoy a snack break, and then descend via Nursery Ravine to finish the hike in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. This last option can add about four hours but offers a wonderfully varied day.
A: It is a moderately difficult hike with consistent but manageable scrambling. You must use your hands and feet, but the route is not very exposed.
A: No. Wood Buttress is ideal for beginners who want to experience safe, enjoyable scrambling for the first time.
A: Reaching the top of Wood Buttress takes about 3 hours at a comfortable pace including stops.
A: The route starts at 330 m and reaches about 730 m at the top of the Buttress, with 400 m elevation gain.
A: You may descend via Kasteelspoort or Woody Ravine (+2 hours). Alternatively, you can cross Table Mountain to the Cableway (+2 hours), or continue to Kirstenbosch via Nursery Ravine (+4 hours).
Price
To the Top- 1 Person – R4000
- 2-4 Persons – R2400 per person
- 5 Persons - R2200 per person
Price
Mountain Crossing- 1 Person – R4800
- 2-4 Persons – R3000 per person
- 5 Persons – R2700 per person
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