WOOD BUTTRESS
One of the most rewarding scrambling routes on the Atlantic Seaboard, Wood Buttress, is leading over one of the Twelve Apostles which is situated at the back of Table Mountain.
Wood Buttress is a thrilling route with a fair amount of moderately easy scrambling. In other words, climbing up rocks using both arms and feet. The route is not very exposed. Above all, the rocks are made for climbing with plenty of hand- and foot holds available. It is also possible to choose harder or easier pitches, depending on your experience level, which makes it an exciting route for anyone with a sense of adventure. Therefore it is an ideal trail for those inexperienced in scrambling, who would like to start their journey and explore the art of scrambling. If you do not want to scramble, Kasteelspoort is the trail for you.
The altitude at the start of this trail is 330 m. Consequently, the elevation gain to the top of Wood Buttress is only 400 m, ending at 730 m. However, the top of Table Mountain, at the Cableway, will take you to 1060 m.
Only a few know the route over the Wood Buttress. Therefore you are likely to walk alone and experience nature.
It takes +/-3 hours to hike to the top of Wood Buttress at a comfortable pace, including photo stops and rest stops. The size of the group as well as fitness levels will largely determine the duration. During the hike, we can visit the Old Cableway, with the iconic surfboard rock in the background.
Like all the trails, you should be fit to hike the Wood Buttress. You must have no fear of heights! Fear will prevent you from having fun and might put you in danger, as a big part of this trail involves scrambling.
The descent
You can descend the mountain by Kasteelspoort or Woody Ravine, which will add +/-2 more hours to the hike.
Alternatively, you can walk through the Valley of Isolation and Echo Valley. The vegetation changes dramatically during this stretch, which certainly keeps it interesting. It takes +/–2 hours to the top of the front table of Table Mountain, from where you will take the Cableway down.
We also offer the option to cross the mountain. From the top of the Buttress, we will walk to the reservoirs, to enjoy a packed snack. Once we are rested well, we will descend the mountain via Nursery Ravine and we will finish the hike in the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. This is quite a long route and can add +-4 hours to the hike.
Price
To the Top-
1 Person – R4000
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2-4 Persons – R2400 per person
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5 Persons - R2200 per person
Price
Mountain Crossing-
1 Person – R5000
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2-4 Persons – R3000 per person
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5 Persons – R2800 per person
Here is the meeting point.
