Devil's Peak – an enticing challenge – with spectacular views

If you want a more physically challenging hike for you and your dog, why not try Devil's Peak. 

When looking at Table Mountain from the front (or in any iconic pic or illustration) the peak on the left is Devil's Peak before you see the flat tabletop and Lions Head and Signal Hill on the right. 

How Devil's Peak got its name

Devil's Peak is the Dutch translation of Duivels Kop. The Peak got its name from a legendary folk-tale. According to Ridgway Ramblers, Jan Van Hunks, a retired Dutch pirate who lived in Cape Town, would go to the mountain to smoke his pipe as his wife didn’t allow him to puff at home. One day while enjoying a pipe a stranger challenged him to a smoking duel. For several days they sat on the mountain and smoked and smoked until a huge cloud enveloped both of them and the peak upon which they were sitting. When the smoke cleared both old men were gone and it was realised that the second old man was the devil and in losing the smoking competition, Van Hunks had lost his soul to the Devil.

Where does the trail start?

The start of Devil's Peak trail is towards the tail end of Tafelberg Road. It is a few metres pass the Platteklip Gorge trail. You’ll see a parking area on the left and the signboard on the right indicates the trail start. Because this is quite an isolated trail, quieter than most of the other routes up Table Mountain, it is advisable to hike it in a group and with a few furry companions who are physically up for the challenge. 

The highlight of this trail is the spectacular views 

The reward for doing this trail is the spectacular views. Best done in the early morning, you’ll start your staircase ascent up the trail with the view of Table Mountain in front of you, Lions Head to the right, Deer Park just below and the sprawling city being lit up by the sun. 

On a clear day, Robben Island, the Cape Town Stadium and even the V&A Waterfront is visible. 

Making your way to Pulpit Rock

Waleed and Kygo at Pulpit Rock

When you get to the first signpost (a circular, rock made pillar with a steel-plate in the centre), you have the choice to go left to the King’s Blockhouse, right to Platteklip Gorge or the Lower Cable Station or continue going up the trail for more options to go to Newlands Ravine or Devil's Peak. 

The hike to the upper contour path that leads to these options, is about two kilometres from the start and a consistent uphill climb before it peters out, it demands a moderate fitness level. There are lots of indigenous flowers on this trail, including wagon tree and black-bearded proteas. They usually attract the Cape Sugarbirds and the Orange-breasted sunbirds who provide the most melodious songs while they gather the nectar. 

If you are hiking with you dog, pack plenty of water as the summer months mean the mountain is dry. During winter you’ll be treated by the gushing sight of waterfalls after the heavy rains and lots of fresh-water streams for your dogs to cool down in.

Looking over the Southern Suburbs

Continue to follow the trail until you get to another signboard to go left for Oppelskop, continue straight ahead the climb to the top of Devil's Peak or go right in the direction of Newlands Ravine, this trail also leads to Pulpit Rock. 

The path gets quite narrow and in some places you’ll be walking next to a stream when there is flowing water. You’ll probably be walking for about 500 metres before you encounter another sign to go to Newlands Ravine or Pulpit Rock. The sign is somewhat confusing because the trail for Pulpit Rock starts behind the signboard. The last time we were there, the trail was quite overgrown and easy to miss. There are a lot of low green bushes (called Climbers Friend), which has prickles on it and you need to manoeuvre pass quite a few of it on your way to your destination.

The single-file trail cuts through the fynbos and when you look up you’ll see the beckoning Pulpit rock in the distance. You can scramble up the rock for an amazing view of the Southern Suburbs or enjoy a picnic at the base of the rock with your furry friends. 

You can see Newlands Forest below and all the way to Constantia Nek, the Cape Flats and the False Bay coastline. 

If you backtrack your way down the same trail, you would have completed a five-kilometre hike. Coming down the staircase trail is quite taxing on dogs, as they are placing 60 to 70% weight on their front legs. It is imperative to make sure your dog is fit enough and physically up for the challenge to do this trail. 

Be safe on the trails

Never hike alone and be aware of your surroundings. If you run into any trouble call the SANParks emergency number on 0861106417.