Diagonal Route on Desk Mountain – a 2023 information

The Diagonal Path is among the lesser-known Desk Mountain climbing trails. It begins on the Camps Bay aspect of the mountain from the Pipe Monitor and ends on the highest of Desk Mountain. The route provides breathtaking surroundings of the coast, the mountain vary, and Camps Bay. For the surroundings and the panorama, the Diagonal route is one in all our favourite climbing trails in Cape City.

Diagonal route overview

• Distance – 11 km on the jeep observe, 12 km on the Pipe Monitor
• Required time – 4-5 hours, relying on the chosen route
• Whole ascent – 680 m
• Whole descent – 680 m
• Place to begin – Theresa Highway, Camps Bay for the jeep observe. Kloof Nek parking zone, Tavelberg Highway for the Pipe Monitor.
• Ending level – the highest of Desk Mountain, 700 m away from the Diving Board.
• Problem – 4 out of 5
• Terrain – footpath, rocks, boulders
• Lowest level – 289 m
• Highest level – 844 m

Recommended excursions and actions

How lengthy is the Diagonal path on Desk Mountain?

It’s a 12 km return path for those who stroll on the Pipe Monitor from the Kloof Nek parking zone (Lion’s Head aspect) and an 11 km return path for those who stroll on the jeep observe from Theresa Highway (Camps Bay aspect).

The place does the Diagonal route begin?

The ascent on the Diagonal route begins on the Camps Bay aspect of Desk Mountain, from the Pipe Monitor path. With a purpose to get to the place to begin you must stroll. You’ve got two choices. The primary one is to stroll on the Pipe Monitor from the Kloof Nek parking zone (the Lion’s Head aspect of Desk Mountain). It’s a 2.5-kilometer stretch. The second is to stroll on the jeep observe from Theresa Highway (the Camps Bay aspect of Desk Mountain). It’s a 2-kilometer route.

Easy methods to get to the trailhead?

Driving is the best method of attending to the trailhead. Total if you wish to go to locations exterior Cape City’s Metropolis Bowl renting a automobile is one of the best ways of doing it. You’ll be able to hire a automobile at Cape City airport on arrival and drop it off on departure. 

You need to use the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus to get to the Diagonal Path. It stops on the Decrease Cable Automotive Station which is 1,5 km from the Kloof Nek parking zone.

Uber works effectively in Cape City and it’s not costly you should use it to commute throughout the metropolis.

The place to park?

When you begin on the Pipe Monitor then the Kloof Nek parking zone within the foothills of Desk Mountain is the most effective. We’ve parked our automobile there many occasions with no issues. When you begin on the jeep observe then you may attempt to discover a spot alongside Theresa Highway. 

The place on Desk Mountain does the path end?

The Diagonal Path finishes on the highest of Desk Mountain (Camps Bay aspect), 700 m away from the Diving Board, a well-known rock cliff that reminds a diving board. The Higher Cable Automotive station is kind of removed from the top of the route. To get there you’ll need to stroll 6,5 km on the Aqueduct Path. 

As an choice, you may descend on the Kirstenbosch aspect of Desk Mountain following the Skeleton Gorge climbing path. The beginning of the path is 3 km away from the top of the Diagonal Path on the highest of Desk Mountain.

How troublesome is the Diagonal route?

It’s a difficult route with an extended and steep ascent of 680 m with the following descent. In my view, it’s tougher than the Platteklip Gorge hike however simpler than the India Venster hike.

Easy methods to mix the Diagonal and the Kasteelspoort trails?

The beginning and ending factors of each trails are located shut to one another. You’ll be able to hike to the highest of Desk Mountain following one route and descend following a special route. From our expertise, I might counsel going up on the Diagonal Path and taking place on the Kasteelspoort climbing path. The Diagonal Path is steeper it’s tougher to go down. 

How a lot does the hike price?

To hike to the highest of Desk Mountain on the Diagonal path is free for those who don’t it by yourself. There isn’t a entrance payment or another admission. As an choice, you may be a part of a guided stroll. Then anticipate to pay round 80US$ per particular person.

Diagonal route map

Diagonal path route description

Half 1. Kloof Nek parking zone to the beginning of the ascent

From 0 km to 2,5 km. The stroll on the Pipe Monitor from the Kloof Nek parking zone to the beginning of the Diagonal route is kind of simple. There are small and gradual ascents and descents however general it’s a nice stroll appropriate for kids. 

When you stroll on the jeep observe from Camps Bay it’s 2 km to the place to begin.

Half 2. The ascent to the highest of Desk Mountain

From 2,5 km to five,5 km. It’s a steep and lengthy ascent all the way in which to the highest of Desk Mountain. The start of it’s on a footpath, the second half is over rocks and boulders. The views of Lion’s Head and Camps Bay on the way in which are spectacular. On the highest, you’ll discover the Diving Board which is round 500 m away from the path. When you stroll 1 km on the Aqueduct Path you’ll attain Woodhead Reservoir. 

Half 3. The descent

6,5 km to 9,5 km it’s a steep descent. The descent on the Diagonal Path is steeper than on the Kasteelspoort Path. The gap is identical. 

Half 4. Strolling again to the automobile

From 9,5 km to 12 km it’s a simple and flat stroll on the Pipe Monitor. When you stroll on the jeep observe it’s 2 km to get all the way in which down.  

When is the most effective time for climbing?

The dry season between November and March is the most effective time for strolling the Diagonal route. Through the peak summer time months of December, January, and February it’s vital to begin strolling early within the morning to complete the ascent earlier than it will get too scorching. It’s not really useful to stroll the path on a really windy day particularly if you wish to take pictures on the Diving Board.

When you stroll the Diagonal Path between April and October at all times test the climate forecast to be sure to gained’t get rainfall as a result of the path will get slippery (moist rocks and muddy footpath) which is an issue for taking place.

What to tackle the hike?

• Water. There may be nowhere to purchase or refill water alongside the route. Take 1.5-2l of water per particular person.
• Sunscreen. There isn’t a shade on the path you’ll be uncovered to the solar for 4-5 hours.
• A cap.
• Snug footwear. Path runners, sneakers, or gentle climbing footwear. Flip-flops usually are not appropriate for the stroll.
• A lightweight long-sleeve jacket or a long-sleeve prime. It’s typically chilly on the highest of Desk Mountain.
• A cell phone with a working SIM card in case of emergency. You should purchase an e-IM card for South Africa to remain related.

The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, chargeable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.