Judas Peak via Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine, Return via Llandudno Buttress – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town).

This trail is yet another Table Mountain variation which can provide a new experience on an otherwise familiar, well-trodden Cape Town attraction. The route is one of hundreds, if not thousands of possible permutations available to hikers who want to experience this wonder of the natural world on foot. This Table Mountain route has a good mix of it all; forested ravines, a rich fynbos plateau, a summit cave, ocean views, rock scrambles, and some exposure which will test your head for heights as you cling to rocks in order to make it down safely. The day started out waiting for some members of the group to arrive at the Suikerbossie parking area. A low mist shrouded much of the Hout Bay side of the mountain and temperatures were still cool and fresh. The views up through the changing mist to Geelklip Buttress above revealed sheer cliffs with thick Forest and Fynbos growing right up to the wall of rock. After passing the security checkpoint next to the estate entrance the path continues under tall pines before moving into the clearing and proceeding along the contour in an Easterly direction. After about 2km on this rather level contour the Forested Myburgh’s Kloof is reached. Turning North initially, and then Northwest up the indistinct forested path one reaches a section that requires some scrambling. Then it’s some easier scrambling over large boulders for a while. This section has been made slightly more technical due to rockfalls and fallen trees during the heavy Winter rains of 2023. Thereafter the path continues upwards over boulders and passes through a narrow ravine flanked on either side by high rock walls. Continuing up this ravine you eventually reach Myburgh’s waterfall which was dry in Feb of 2024 but may be flowing strongly depending on recent rainfall in Cape Town. Scrambling up the waterfall views back to the Eagles Nest above Contantia Neck and the Southern Suburbs appear to the East below as you ascend above the trees. The trail eventually plateaus and heads towards Judas peak. From the intersection, Judas peak at 756.4m asl is only a short climb up and the overhang cave on its Southern side is a great place to stop for a rest, it should be noted that this is not the well-known Judas Cave which can be found lower down heading Eastwards under the cliff line from the Llandudno ravine path. Whilst resting and having a provision break up there the morning’s mist began to subside, and as a result we were rewarded with sweeping vistas over Hout Bay. Chapmans Peak to the Sentinel, Suther Peak, Klein Leeukop, and Constantiaberg were all clearly visible once the mist began to clear, no such luck that day with views to the North of Grootkop and the rest of the back table. After leaving Judas Peak the trail heads West before reaching the top of Llandudno Ravine and Buttress. Here there is an intersection where one can either take the Llandudno Ravine or the Llandudno Butress Down towards Hout Bay Corner. Our group opted to take the Buttress route but both options link up below well before the corner. The views West over the ocean are spectacular here but it is steep and will require careful concentration and footing. Make careful stops if you wish to take photographs or admire the coastal views. After moving to the right onto a ledge which narrows one is required to descend a technical rocky section down to the path below. Here the drops to the left are enough to get your heart rate up, you can even see the path or other hikers on it many vertical meters below you. After this rather short lived technical and steep section the path back cuts South again and becomes far more gradual even contouring in some places along a well-defined ledge. After Hout Bay corner there are a few steeper sections, assisted by holds, which one will have to climb down before the path meets up with the familiar contour path taken earlier (to reach Myburgh’s Ravine). Then it’s back through the pines and on to the parking lot, done in the same way taken up a few hours earlier. Overall, this is great scenic route that provides a decent challenge involving some steep sections and scrambling. The authorities on Table Mountain have marked both these routes as Dangerous for descent with signage but this is probably just to limit their own liability. The grade should be more than manageable for any experienced hiker with a head for heights and scrambling experience. If inexperienced with regards to hiking in the Cape, I would suggest doing this with a group or a guide. My special thanks to Helen Gosnell for organizing and leading the Comehike group on 4 Feb 2024. Please enjoy this trail responsibly and be aware of the demands required with regards to fitness, scrambling ability and exposure, do not be caught off guard. Please keep the area pristine and remove all litter brought in or found on route. While security is active and vigilant at the estate near the trailhead and trail finish, access points on Table Mountain are plentiful so please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities, the numbers to call can be found on the information boards at the start of the trail. Leave any unnecessary valuables behind to limit your risks. Enjoy the trail.